An Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is used in fiber optics to measure the time and intensity of the light reflected on an optical fiber. Basically, it is used as a troubleshooting device to find faults, splices, and bends in fiber optic cables, with an eye toward identifying optical light loss.
1) Which types of fiber do you need to test – Single Mode, Multimode or both?
2) Which wavelengths are you interested in testing?
a. Multimode – 850nm and/or 1300nm
b. Single Mode – 1310nm, 1490nm, 1550nm, 1625nm, 1650nm and/or CWDM
3) What is the longest fiber link you need to test in miles, kilometers or kilofeet?
4) What connector type do you prefer the laser port to have – SC/PC, FC/PC, SC/APC, FC/APC, etc.
5) Do you want to equip your OTDR with optional power meter and visible fault locator
(red light)? If yes, what connector type do you prefer the power meter to have – SC, FC, LC, etc.
6) Do they want to equip your OTDR with an optional connector inspection probe to provide a magnified view of connector endfaces to verify cleanliness or inspect for damage?
7) Do you want an optional launch fiber that will allow you to measure the loss at the first connector in the OTDR’s trace?
8) Do you want to purchase optional trace emulation software that will allow you to retrieve trace and graphical information stored in the OTDR for long-term storage and future reference?
9) Do you want an integral unit that will only ever be an OTDR or are you interested in a modular unit that can house additional modules capable of measuring dispersion, optical spectrum analysis or do Ethernet testing?