Dipti's Technical Learning Library: Communication Instruments, Equipment and Testers

Instruments, Equipment and Testers

In this post I am going to tell few instruments, equipment used for testing the network, connectivity during implementation phase. As we know Ethernet and Fibre optic are the primary cable medium for communication, sometimes we need to check the connectivity to ensure our network is ok to function.

Below are few equipment on a brief note.

Ethernet Tester

The ethernet tester is often known as RJ45 Cable tester, UTP wire Test, CAT6/CAT7 tester, LAN tester and wire continuity tester etc. It automatically runs all tests and checks for continuity, open, shorted and crossed wire pairs.

It verifies the wiring is correct and connector is fitted well.

Ethernet Cable Tester

Network PoE Tester

Similar to ethernet tester the Network PoE tester is used for the testing of LAN cable, however additionally it helps in testing the PoE of ethernet cable. This performs a continuity test of the Ethernet cables, to identify the PoE types and to measure the PoE performance. The PoE tester consists of a transmitter / main unit and a remote unit.

The basic Features such as;

Continuity test
Cable test
Voltage measurement
Detection of the PoE standard
PoE power measurement
It has LCD with graphics menu

Network PoE Tester

OTDR: Optical Time-Domain Reflecto meter

It is an Opto-electronics device used to detect any problems on the fibre links. To check the health of the signal communication through fibre. Latest OTDR are being used for FTTX test with PON networks, Fibre trouble shooting etc. The range of test distance can be starting from 100m, 500m, 2, 5, 1020, 40, 80, 120km and up to 160KM.

OTDR

3C Splicing Machine

Optical Fiber Splicing Machine is an optical fiber fusion splicer, deployed for fusion and protection of Optical fiber cables. Fusion Splicing is a best way to join two fibers together by using heat. Whether the fiber was broken or not long enough, a fusion splicer makes the job easier. Splicing fiber optic cable is considered as fairly simple procedure. Prepared fiber ends are placed in the splicer and automatically aligned and then fused together. This method ensures greater reliability with less light being scattered or reflected back by the splice. The splice itself if done correctly should be as strong as the original optical fiber.

Splicing Machine

Optical spectrum analyzer

An Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA) is an instrument designed to measure and display the distribution of power of an optical source over a specified wavelength distance. The OSA trace displays power in the vertical scale and the wavelength in the horizontal scale. It operates in bands like C band, L band.

Applications: Transceiver Testing and Verification, wavelength and power testing,

Optical Spectrum Analyzer

Optical Power Meter

To measure the power in optical signal or optical cable, optical power meter (OPM) is used. It consists of sensor, amplifier and display. This is one type of handheld equipment to test optical light source (OLS), Visual Fault Locator (VFL). Some instruments have self-calibration, real time display of power consumption high sensitivity and high accuracy. It is used to check power loss in in optical fibre. Similarly, GPON power meter is one device used to check speed on FTTX and other parameters.

Optical Power Meter

PON Power Meter

Optical Light Source:

In fiber optics technology, a source of light (laser, LED, etc.) is used to emit electromagnetic radiation in order to check whether there is faults, breaks and microbends, characterizing link-loss or certifying LAN/WANs. As recommended by the ITU-T (G.983.3), light sources are also used to test PON networks at three different wavelengths (1310/1490/1550 nm). It is a handheld device offers measuring fibre optic light continuously , loss and quality in the field.

Optical Light Source

Optical Variable attenuator

Optical Variable Attenuator is a compact and portable instrument widely used in fiber link certification and routine maintenance as well as in lab environment.