Viavi tackles MPO connector applications with FiberChek Sidewinder, MPO Optical Switch Module

Viavi Solutions (NASDAQ: VIAV) has introduced a pair of products designed to ease the installation of MPO connectors. The handheld FiberChek Sidewinder offers all-in-one handheld inspection and analysis for multifiber connectors. The MPO Optical Switch Module for the T-BERD/MTS-4000 enables technicians to use that fiber test platform to assess the performance and health of MPO fiber cables.

Building upon the company's FiberCheck handheld tester line, the FiberChek Sidewinder automates the multifiber inspection process to derive automatic pass/fail results for all 12 MPO fibers in less than 12 seconds, Viavi asserts. Therefore, a technician can certify 100 MPO fiber-optic connectors in under 20 minutes, 92% more quickly than what Viavi says is the industry average of 4.3 hours. The instrument can certify fiber endface quality to customer requirements, including IEC-61300-3-35. It also offers completely autonomous operation, with features such as auto-focus, auto-pan/scroll, endface analysis, color touch screen, onboard storage, and Wi-Fi connectivity to mobile devices.

While the FiberChek Sidewinder's application to data center environments is obvious, the company has received significant orders for the instrument from a Tier 1 service provider as well as network equipment manufacturers and cable assembly houses, reveals Matt Brown, director of product management at Viavi. Brown emphasized that the Sidewinder's autonomous operation means that technicians don't need to rely on active alignment to make accurate measurements.

Meanwhile, the MPO Optical Switch Module enables use of the T-BERD/MTS-4000 for multi-fiber connector applications. A single technician therefore can use the fiber test set for fully integrated and automated OTDR testing of ribbon fiber and MPO cable characterization, certification, and troubleshooting. Use of the T-BERD/MTS-4000 with the MPO Optical Switch Module can shrink test time by 50% versus legacy processes and equipment, Viavi asserts. The system also is compatible with CERTiFi, a cloud-based management platform that can be used to deploy tasks to Viavi's MPO test instruments and manage test results. Brown says that contractors should find the new capabilities useful. The scope of these capabilities make the system more complete than alternative offerings, he added.

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