OTDR Testing Equipment

Learn How to Inspect & Clean Your OTDR Port

Choose an OTDR that Best Suits Your Needs

OTDR- also known as an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer. This piece of test equipment is used to determine the loss in a fiber optic cable. The biggest factor in optical fiber loss is reflection or attenuation. An OTDR test measures this backscattered light to assess the quality of the cable. It does this by sending a pulse of light down the fiber to determine what type of loss the cable has. As soon as a new cable is installed the OTDR should be used to create an image or 'trace'. This OTDR trace gives you a picture of the cable. It shows the quality of the fiber by showing problems with things like splice loss. Should a problem arise with the cable in the future, a comparison with the original OTDR trace can be made. It is important that the operator of an OTDR be properly trained. Without proper training on an OTDR, results from a test can be misleading. As always, you should never do a trace without an OTDR launch box.

USE YOUR OTDR TO TEST GIGABIT ETHERNET?

OTDR Menu

The THUNDER BOLT provides outstanding value in optical testing performance. Additional features include a video probe w/endface analysis, visual fault locator, power meter, end-of-fiber test capability, and Gigabit ethernet fiber verification testing. The unit can quickly and accurately verify break, fiber end, or highly reflective events such as a contaminated (dirty) connector end face. Made In The U.S.A.

The FIS FIRECAT OTDR provides an industry leading value with its low cost and easy functionality. This unit is perfect for both inexperienced and experienced technicians alike with its simple on screen 'soft key menus'. By providing the essentials for fiber optic troubleshooting, this OTDR is the perfect tool for basic link troubleshooting and is affordable enough for every truck, office or tool kit.

The ANRITSU ACCESS MASTER MT9085 series is a compact handheld all-in-one tester for performing optical pulse tests, optical loss/power measurements, and optical fiber end-face inspections. It has a wide variety of applications, ranging from installation and maintenance (I&M) of trunk fibers (Core, Metro, Mobile Fronthaul, Mobile Backhaul) to troubleshooting Access networks, such as breaks in drop cables.

The ANRITSU MU9090A is compact, battery-powered, and easy to use. It provides everything needed to install and maintain communication networks in a rugged, field-portable package. This lightweight instrument simplifies the daunting task of collecting and interpreting data with an easy-to-use GUI and clear summaries allowing users of any skill level to operate the instrument to its full potential.

The EXFO MAX TESTER 720C (MAX-720C) provides first-time-right fiber characterization thanks to its short dead zones and effective dynamic range. This compact quad unit is optimized for single mode and multimode field testing for data centers, private/enterprise networks, FTTA, and fronthaul deployments. Includes a power meter, a visual fault locator, Wi-Fi connectivity, and high-resolution inspection capabilities, making the unit a complete and integrated contractor tool.

The EXFO MAX TESTER 730C (MAX-730C) is designed for testing through FTTH/PON splitters for end-to-end characterization. This handheld OTDR is ideal for FTTH/PON testing, live fiber troubleshooting, and metro range testing. Find more problems closer to the splitter than other OTDRs thanks to the highest resolution for PON testing and the shortest PON dead zone available.

AFL FLEXSCAN OTDRs enable both novice and expert technicians to quickly and reliably troubleshoot optical networks or fully characterize newly installed or repaired networks. Using FLEXSCAN's innovative SmartAuto mode, multiple OTDR scans quickly and accurately detect, locate, identify, and measure network components and faults. After applying industry-standard or user-set pass/fail criteria, the characterized network is displayed using FLEXSCAN's intuitive, icon-based LinkMap® view.

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