First thing I have to mention here is “BE CAREFUL!” optical equipment can be very expensive and not knowing what you are doing can lead to damage and or a hefty bill if replacement parts are needed. Second, know what you’re dealing with. In most cases you will end up needed to use a fiber optic attenuator, but read up on it, or call the Manufacturer for specifications and technical support. Other than possible damage to your equipment you could cause noise within the signal, and that will will not allow you to produce the best signal possible.

The solution is to test and know your signal strength, and use a fiber optic attenuator to adjust the signal strength. Here is how you do it. Simply measure the power of the signal being received, then subtract the maximum input power of the active equipment from the measured power of the signal. This formula will let you determine the amount of attenuation needed.

When it comes to getting a fiber optic attenuator you have several options. Before you go shopping for one be sure you know at what level you want to attenuate your signal and then choose what type will work best for you. Attenuators are available in either fixed or variable levels of attenuation, and as pigtailed devices, bulkhead adapters, or male-to-female hybrids. Taking the time to choose the right one cans save you big time.