An optical monitoring or testing system is used to detect and locate areas of fiber degradation and line faults. Testing fiber optic networks helps and alerts technicians, operators and managers to locate network faults and quickly fix them. Testing a fiber network enables operators and administrators to access the performance and efficiency of the network.
The test evaluates the performance of fiber optic components, cable installations, and systems. As components such as fiber, connectors, splices, LED or laser sources, detectors and receivers are developed, testing confirms their performance specifications and helps understand how they work together. Fiber optic network and factory designers rely on these specifications to determine whether the networks will work for their intended applications.
There are several methods for testing and monitoring the performance of a fiber network. It can be done using a light source, a power meter, and an optical time domain reflectometer. Technicians use different methods that are suitable depending on the problem. Let’s explore the top good reasons to test fiber optic networks.
Improve the performance of a system
Fiber monitoring allows you to measure fiber optic performance over time using software tools and equipment that include an integrated fiber monitoring and management system. Together, these elements facilitate the detection, mitigation, degradation or intrusion of security vulnerabilities and notify the administrator in real time when threats to the integrity of the fiber network are compromised.
Fiber optic networks are superior to other networks due to their bandwidth and speed. However, if you do not test fiber optic regularly, you may not be able to harness the power of the fiber optic network.
This will reduce your network downtime.
Some things are more frustrating than dead fiber optic systems. To eliminate downtime on your network, you should maintain your system by regularly testing fiber optics. Testing your network system regularly will keep each piece of equipment in perfect working order. Any failures that are determined during the test can be corrected at the appropriate time.
Without this process, you will be able to repair your system.
Businesses must update their network systems from time to time. This can be difficult if you haven’t done a fiber optic test for a long time. By testing your systems, you can prepare them for upgrades and make sure everything is working fine. Also, you can determine if an update is necessary for your network or not.
Improve the lifespan of a network system
In addition to improving the performance of your fiber optic network, fiber optic testing will also extend the life of the system. If there is a problem with your system, they will fix it as soon as possible so that you can carry out repairs or maintenance.
Monitoring of all levels
It is important to use a tracking system that supports multiple tracking technologies at all levels. Only then can you understand whether the performance issues are network, server, routing, bandwidth, software, or hardware failures.
Each network element is involved in communication functions at one layer, such as the physical layer cable, the network layer – IP address, the transport layer – the transport protocol, etc. Having all the test tools helps you track problems in your network, bandwidth, hardware, and software.
Discover existing and potential threats
The monitoring tool helps users monitor the performance of their systems and deal with company security threats that infect their network. Test solutions notify your company of incidents that indicate the presence of malware on your system.
Component testing
Fiber optic component manufacturers conduct extensive testing to verify component design, verify manufacturing procedures, and test products before delivering them to customers. Fibers are tested for their dimensions (core and sheath size, ovality and concentricity), performance (attenuation factor, bandwidth, or dispersion), physical properties (strength, flexibility, etc.), and ability to withstand conditions. (Temperature, humidity, etc.) Even for long periods of time. The cables add even more stringent environmental testing.
Restoration
There may come a time when you need to troubleshoot and repair the cable installation. If you have a critical application or multiple network cables, you should be prepared to do it yourself. Small networks can rely on an entrepreneur. If you plan to do this yourself, you will need to have some equipment ready (extra cables, mechanical splices, quick connectors, etc., in addition to the test equipment). And someone who knows how to use them.
Last words
These were some of the reasons for testing fiber optic networks. Businesses that don’t have network professionals on their team can hire a fiber solutions provider to test their network on time. Regular testing ensures that everything is working properly and pinpoints and corrects potential faults before they affect your systems and routine work.
