User:WCroslan/Fiber Optic Component Testing

Fiber optic components are the fundamental building blocks of any modern telecommunication network. The fiber network is much more sophisticated than the traditional copper-wired system, and there are many types of components needed to run it efficiently and reliably.

Fiber optic components are classified into two types: passive and active. Passive fiber optic components require no external electrical power, while active fiber optic components need electrical power to operate. Regardless, good performances from both types are critical for a well-functioning system.

As optical fiber network infrastructure increases globally to serve the ever-growing demand for telecommunications and data services, and the number of suppliers of fiber optic components increases, there is a strong need to ensure fiber optic network components meet the stated carrier requirements. Thorough testing of these components against industry standards is highly complex and often expensive. However, it is necessary in order to provide the performance and reliability that end-users, the telecom carriers, ultimately require.

Fiber Optic Component Testing (FTTx testing) determines whether a fiber optic product or system meets some specified standard that has been developed for reliability and performance. In North America, Telcordia is the company responsible for establishing performance standards for passive optical components. The standards are frequently harmonized with other internationally recognized standards such as those issued by IEC In the US, carriers frequently reference Telcordia Generic Requirements documents when sourcing components to build their optical networks. One exception is Verizon, which has taken a slightly different path. Verizon has issued specific Technical Purchase Requirements (TPRs) for the various optical components they purchase to support the rollout of FIOS. Verizon TPRs are heavily based on Telcordia Generic Requirements (GRs) documents, which form the underlying technical criteria and test procedures referenced in the TPRs. Verizon requires that all optical component suppliers demonstrate product conformance with TPR requirements by submitting a test report from an independent testing laboratory (ITL). Verizon has contracted with four such ITLs that it has certified to perform this qualification testing, one of which is Telcordia Technologies. To support the need for fiber optic component testing, many test procedures and test setups have been developed, usually by the standard's maintainers, specifically for testing fiber optic component conformance against relevant standards. For example, Telcordia Technologies develops GRs for the telecommunications industry, which includes many related to fiber optic component testing and that contain detailed test setup information and procedures.

Fiber Optic Component Testing is needed for all the various components that comprise the fiber optic network because if one component fails, service to the end user can be impacted. Telecom and datacom carriers want a reliable fiber optic network, and many telecom service providers require that their suppliers undergo Fiber Optic Component Testing. The following list represents some of the important fiber optic components in which testing is typically required or at least recommended:


 * Fiber Optic Connectors (LC/APC, SC/APC, MT, etc.)
 * Fiber Optic Splitters
 * Fiber Optic Fanouts
 * Fiber Distribution Hubs
 * Fiber Terminals
 * Fiber Enclosures
 * Fiber Microducts
 * Fiber Cable

Each component provides a critical role in the fiber infrastructure, and it is imperative that each component perform according to industry standards. Telcordia Technologies has an entire organization dedicated to performing component product testing FTTx testing because the testing is complex and comprehensive.

For example, there are a variety of fiber optic connectors that can be utilized in an optical network under various deployment scenarios. Fiber optic connectors have to go through rigorous environmental and mechanical testing to ensure reliability and performance (also called GR-326 testing). An outline of the types of testing required for connectors can be found in Telcordia GR-326, Generic Requirements for Single-Mode Optical Connectors and Jumper Assemblies. The specific technology areas supported by this program may include, but is not limited to, the following:


 * Optical fibers, fiber ribbons, and cables (indoor and outdoor)
 * Fiber and cable handling and installation tools and methods
 * Optical fiber splicing and splicing systems (i.e., fusion/mechanical)
 * Optical connectors and jumper cable assemblies
 * Field mountable and hardened optical fiber connectors
 * Closures, including splice cases and optical network units (ONUs)
 * Fiber distribution hubs and terminals (pedestal, pad, pole, indoor)
 * Optical Amplifiers
 * Laser sources and photo-detectors
 * Dense wavelength-division multiplexers (DWDMs)
 * Couplers/splitters and optical switches
 * Other active and passive optical components
 * Field diagnostic and test sets

In GR-326, the performance tests for analyzing optical connectors and jumper assemblies are intended to reflect a composite picture of various operating conditions. The criteria in this document are presented in five categories:


 * General Requirements - These requirements cover documentation, packaging and shipping, certain design features, intermateability, product marking, and safety.


 * Performance Requirements - These requirements present tests to which connectors may be subjected, and provide the performance criteria to be applied during these tests. Tests in this category are called out in the Service Life Tests and in the Long-Term Reliability Tests. Any of the tests in this category may also be conducted individually as required.


 * Service Life Tests - A concise sequence of tests that simulate the stresses that connector assemblies may be subjected to while in service in the telecommunications plant. The tests in this category are selected from the Performance Requirement Tests.


 * Extended Service Life Tests - These are tests deemed appropriate to establish long-term reliability of the fiber optic connectors. The tests in this category are selected from the Performance Requirement Tests.


 * Reliability Assurance Program - A comprehensive program to ensure satisfactory long-term operation of fiber optic connectors in a telecommunications environment. This category includes tests selected from the Reliability Tests, and requirements on the manufacturing process that relate to the reliability and performance of the finished product.

Each product has its own set of requirements to meet, whether it is GRs or other Industry Standards such as those from IEC, TIA, or RUS.

Fiber Optic Component Testing follows a rigid process of requirements review, test plan development, testing, and documentation of test results. Independent fiber optic component testing, such as that provided by Telcordia Technologies, is often required by major telecommunication carriers to help ensure performance and quality when products are deployed in networks.

To read more about Fiber Optic Component Testing, please see the following White Papers:

FTTP Testing: Challenges

An Overview of Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) Product Requirements and Qualification Programs