Traditional Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) testing has been the go-to method for fibre optic analysis for years, but it comes with its share of problems. The usual approaches need special training tricky setup of parameters, and lengthy data processing after the fact. The EXFO intelligent Optical Link Mapper (iOLM) tackles these issues by combining smart algorithms and multiple pulse measurements to give full link details with surprising ease.

The iOLM tech makes the whole testing process automatic, from setup to breakdown allowing even newbies to become testing pros in no time. This spread of know-how proves useful in today's telecom world where quick setup and upkeep of fibre networks is key.

 

In this demo video, EXFO Senior Applications Engineer Kevin Peres demonstrates a feature for automated bidirectional testing in real time using iOLM. iOLM simplifies complex OTDR measurements into an efficient automated task, removing tedious post-processing and repeat truck rolls.

Bidirectional Loopback Testing: Changing the Game for Short Span Testing

Enhanced Technical Details for Loopback Testing

The bidirectional loopback method has an impact on shorter fibre links under 20 kilometres and offers several technical advantages:

  1. Quick Analysis: The iOLM system uses multipulse technology to send multiple light pulses at different widths to capture a full view of the fibre at various distances and resolutions at the same time.
  2. Automated Correlation Process: When testing fibre pairs with a loop installed at the far end, the system correlates the A-to-B and B-to-A measurements for each fibre , which removes human error in the analysis phase.
  3. Link-Aware™ Technology: This exclusive tech examines fibre traits to fine-tune testing settings. It makes sure events are spotted , no matter the network layout.
  4. Real-Time Fault Location: The system doesn't just find issues. It shows where they are. This allows techs to fix problems quickly while they're on-site.

Practical Implementation:

Techs in the field now have an easier loopback setup process:

  1. A tech hooks up the iOLM tool to one end of the fibre pair.
  2. A loopback device joins the fibres at the far end.
  3. The iOLM runs two-way tests on both fibres from one spot.
  4. The system crunches the results on its own and shows clear useful info.
  5. Technicians can fix any problems they find right away without going back to base.

Workflow Management for Complex Networks

To handle long links or complicated fibre networks, the workflow management approach offers full testing abilities:

Advanced Workflow Features:

  • Cloud Integration: The testing process uses EXFO Exchange, a cloud-based solution to share test results among technicians in different places.
  • Asynchronous Testing: Different technicians can run tests at different times. The results match up when uploaded to the cloud platform.
  • Full Documentation: The system creates complete test reports. These include two-way analysis results, which help make acceptance testing and troubleshooting more effective.
  • Optical Link View: Results show up in an easy-to-read format that uses colors to point out possible problems making it simple for techs at all levels to understand.

Real-World Benefits:

The workflow management approach has changed how service providers handle fibre rollouts in several ways.

  • Less Training Needed: The user-friendly interface and automatic analysis cut down the time it takes to train new techs.
  • Steady Results: Standard testing methods ensure the same quality across the network, no matter how much experience the tech has.
  • Better Team Teamwork: The cloud system helps field teams and main offices talk better, which makes testing work smoother.

Measuring the Business Effect

Cost and Time Savings

Whether using loopback or workflow management, ILM handles all the bidirectional analysis internally. The real benefit? Technicians receive actionable information while still on site. This means they can immediately address issues like poor splices or faulty connectors—eliminating the need for return visits or additional truck rolls, which are both time-consuming and expensive.

  • Elimination of Return Visits: iOLM gives complete and accurate results while techs are still on-site. This cuts down on the need to come back, which can cost service providers a lot - from hundreds to thousands of dollars for each truck trip.
  • Testing Time Reduction: Tests in the field show that iOLM can cut the total testing time by up to half when compared to regular OTDR methods.
  • Workforce Optimisation: Now, one tech can do a job that used to need two techs working together to measure from both ends of a fibre link.
  • Faster Problem-Solving: The clear and actionable diagnostics help solve problems quicker cutting down repair time for fibre-related issues.

Better Quality

The automated two-way testing also brings big improvements in quality:

  • More Accurate: Automated analysis cuts out human mistakes often seen in traditional OTDR traces.
  • Finds Faults Better: The system's ability to link two-way measurements allows for more exact loss measurements and a full picture of things like splices and connectors.
  • Full Records: The detailed reports the system creates serve as key baseline records for future network upkeep and problem-solving.

Customer Experience and Industry Recognition

EXFO's iOLM technology has received high praise from experts in the field:

Julian Kruger, a Fibre Optic Site and Implementation Consultant, said he built a network without any upkeep issues by using iOLM with regular reports and quick fixes for problems they found.
Jean Gregoire, a Senior Design Specialist at TELUS, called iOLM "a key tool and resource" that helps technicians "see and grasp the state of a fibre link."

Melanie Barber Head of Field Delivery at NEC New Zealand, highlighted how iOLM provides clear proof of continuity and quality. Customers without deep fibre knowledge can understand this evidence.

The technology has also won top industry awards, including Lightwave Innovation Review honors and Leading Lights prizes. These accolades further confirm its game-changing effect on fibre testing methods.

Advanced Features Beyond Two-Way Testing

The iOLM platform offers extra capabilities that boost its two-way testing function:

  • iCert: A fibre optic cable certification tool to help with compliance testing and paperwork.
  • Fast Short Link Feature: Designed to test very short fibre sections and .
  • OTDR Trace File Generation: The system creates standard .sor files that work with other analysis tools and reporting systems.

Exclusive to EXFO: iOLM

Infrastructure teams looking to update their fibre testing methods can use EXFO's iOLM two-way testing features to boost productivity, cut costs, and improve network quality. iOLM tackles the main issues facing telecom providers by combining advanced optical tech with smart software and cloud connections:

  1. The need to speed up and streamline network rollouts
  2. The growing push to reduce operating costs
  3. The increasing complexity of fibre networks
  4. The lack of skilled technical staff

Automated two-way testing is just one of the standout features that gives EXFO's iOLM (intelligent Optical Link Mapper) an edge. iOLM provides a revolutionary answer to technicians who want to update their fibre testing process, cut expenses, and boost precision.

To learn more about iOLM two-way solutions or to arrange a demo of EXFO equipment for your fibre testing needs, contact the team at AusOptic.