Optical and Telecom Test and Measurement
The Optical and Telecom Test and Measurement category groups together instruments dedicated to the characterisation of optical fibres, networks and transmission systems. It includes optical reflectometers (OTDR), power meters, laser sources, optical spectrum analysers (OSA), photometers and couplers. These instruments measure insertion loss, attenuation, optical power, reflection (ORL) and chromatic dispersion over ranges from 850 nm to 1,625 nm. In R&D, they validate the performance of transceivers, WDM multiplexers and doped fibre amplifiers (EDFA). In installation, they provide link diagnostics and certification to ITU-T G.652, G.657 or EN 61280-4-2 standards. The portable modules make it easy to work in the field, while the bench-top platforms enable automated testing in the laboratory. Recorded data can be exported in standardised formats for traceability and time comparison. These instruments are used in telecoms, FTTH networks, datacenter infrastructures, defence and photonics research. They guarantee continuity of service, accurate data rates and optical reliability throughout the lifetime of the installations.
86105B
KEYSIGHT
Optical measurement module with two channels for electrical and optical signals.
LANTEK-IV-500
TREND NETWORKS
Network cable certifier up to Cat 8, Class EA - 500 to 3000 MHz.
MS9740A-037
ANRITSU
Optical spectrum analyser with FC-75 connector and wide wavelength range.
LANTEK-IV-3000
TREND NETWORKS
Network cable certifier up to Cat 8, Class EA - 500 to 3000 MHz.
LANTEK-IV-S-500
TREND NETWORKS
Network cable certifier up to Cat 8, Class EA - 500 to 3000 MHz.
LANTEK-III-R161003
TREND NETWORKS
Cat.6a/Ea certifier, USB, 500MHz with measurement adapters.
OLA-54
JDSU / ACTERNA / VIAVI
Multimode optical attenuator for wavelengths from 850 to 1300 nm.
MW9070B/01-MW0975J-MZ5018A
ANRITSU
Hand-held multimode optical reflectometer for accurate measurements.
MTS6000-QUAD
JDSU / ACTERNA / VIAVI
Versatile optical test platform for a variety of applications.
WIRESCOPE-PRO-P1
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
WireScope Pro Cat 6, 6a and 7 cable certification tester up to 1000MHz.
N2600A
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
LAN cable analyser with Category 6 certification, enhanced performance and user interface.
37732/02-03-05
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
TELECOM/DATACOM digital transmission tester from 50b/s to 2048Mb/s.
WIRESCOPE-350
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
LAN cable tester for CAT 5e and 6 with fibre optic option.
ANT20E-02
JDSU / ACTERNA / VIAVI
Advanced network tester, SONET version with modular design.
OLP-55
JDSU / ACTERNA / VIAVI
Portable, self-contained optical power meter for precise measurements.
OLS-6
JDSU / ACTERNA / VIAVI
Dual-mode optical source λ 1310 & 1550nm, output level -7dBm.
OLP-15
JDSU / ACTERNA / VIAVI
Portable optical measurement device for wavelengths from 800 to 1600 nm.
practical questions about Optical and Telecom Test and Measurement
01
Why is reliable optical measurement so dependent on connector preparation?Because in optics, the majority of errors do not come from the instrument but from the cleanliness and condition of the interfaces. A poorly cleaned or micro-scratched connector can introduce losses, reflections or false OTDR events, making any analysis incorrect despite a perfectly calibrated instrument.
02
What is the difference between measuring a link with an OTDR and with a source + wattmeter?The source + wattmeter provides an overall measurement of insertion loss, representative of actual transmission. OTDR locates events along the fibre (splices, connectors, faults). The two approaches are complementary: one validates performance, the other explains its origin.
03
Why is the test wavelength so important in fibre optics?Because losses, dispersion and reflection phenomena vary greatly according to wavelength. A link can be compliant at 1,310 nm and degraded at 1,550 nm or 1,625 nm. Testing at operating wavelengths enables us to anticipate the actual behaviour of the network.
04
When do you need an automated optical measurement platform?As soon as volumes increase or repeatability is critical: transceiver production, WDM module qualification, ageing monitoring. Automation guarantees constant test conditions, reduces human error and makes it easier to compare results over time.
05
Are reconditioned optical instruments suitable for modern networks (FTTH, data centres)?Yes, because the physical principles of fibre are evolving at a slower pace than the data rates being used. A reconditioned, checked and documented OTDR, OSA or wattmeter is still perfectly relevant for diagnosing, maintaining and qualifying today's optical infrastructures.
