With close channel spacing and high data rates, Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) optical networks require optimum performance in the fiber optic plant. A critical success factor in WDM networks is determining the data rates and number of wavelengths they can support before you deploy. Fiber Optic Characterization (FOC) testing ensures that your fiber infrastructure will support next generation DWDM networks with data rates as high as 40G and provides fine-tuning for peak network performance and reliability.

The main culprit in poor fiber optic plant is intolerance to chromatic dispersion as network speed increases. For example, a 40G system is 16 times more sensitive to chromatic dispersion than a 10G system.  It is critical that carrier-class network operators perform FOC testing before any of the following actions:

• Deploying new 10G or DWDM networks
• Increasing the capacity (wavelengths or line rate) of existing optical networks
• Implementing high output laser-based products such as Raman amplifiers

LightRiver provides cutting edge Fiber Optic Characterization (FOC) and Optimization services to ensure that your fiber plant is ready to go before you invest in optical equipment by:

• Quantifying a fiber plant’s ability to transport high data rates by measuring insertion, reflection and event losses as well as chromatic and polarization mode dispersions
• Digital high resolution scoping inspection of fiber ends and connectors
  • Identify and remediate high loss connections
  • Balance amplifier power with system gain and maximize network performance
• Analysis of the limitations of the fiber plant to optimize current and future optical designs
• Validate network design prior to the deployment to ensure that the equipment satisfies all of the necessary fiber requirements

Before	After

400X fiber scope image of high loss fiber connector end face on a working
2.5G system before and after cleaning

Causal Service

• Fiber optic test and measurement
  • Bidirectional Optical Insertion Loss (OIL) at 1550 nm and 1625 nm
  • Optical Return Loss (ORL) at 1550 nm
  • Bidirectional Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) at 1550 nm and 1625 nm
  • Chromatic Dispersion (CD) from 1520 nm to 1620 nm in 10 nm increments
  • Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) at 1550 nm
  • Attenuation Profile from 1520 nm to 1620nm
• High resolution fiber optic digital imagery
  • Visual inspection of fiber ends using 400X fiber scope identify high loss causes including micro-scratches, dust and dirt

Remediation Service

• Cleaning or replacement of fiber connectors, jumpers and patch panels

Optimization Service

• Analysis and optimization of fiber plant and optical networking designs
• Maximization of network performance through tuning of amplifier power for high system gain

An ounce of prevention...
Beyond the usual technical reasons for signal loss and fiber not living up to its potential is a problem that is simple to correct or prevent. A little bit of dirt or dust at the connector, can cause big trouble in your fiber network. LightRiver's process mediates against the simple things as well. We thoroughly inspect, scope and clean all connections prior to connecting any fiber to the equipment. ... worth a pound of cure!