Live traffic identifiers for fibre are easy-to-use tools that make maintenance and installation of fibre optic networks easier. They work to identify optical fibres by spotting the signals that travel through single-mode fibres.

What is a Live Traffic Identifier?

A live traffic identifier for fibre is an advanced yet straightforward instrument engineered specifically for maintaining and installing fibre optic networks. It operates by identifying optical fibres through the detection of signals travelling through single-mode fibres.

To identify live traffic, you clamp the device onto the fibre instead of opening it at the splice point and interrupting service. It works by detecting optical signals traveling through the fibre. It uses a non-destructive macro-bend detection method, which avoids damaging or putting too much stress on the fibre.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Non-destructive Detection: The identifier uses a macro-bend detection method, which doesn't destroy anything. This means you don't need to open the fibre at the splice point keeping service going.
  • Signal Detection: The device can identify various signal types, including:
    • Continuous-wave live optical transmission
    • Low-frequency modulated tones (270 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz)
  • Visual Indicators: The unit features LED indicators displaying:
    • Traffic presence
    • Transmission direction
    • Tone presence
  • Power Level Display: Some models come with an integrated LCD screen shows the relative core power level within the fibre.

Professionals rely on live traffic identifiers to check the status of a circuit when taking apart existing splices. This tool is indispensable for steering clear of service issues when handling live fibre. To be thorough, it doesn't take long to examine each fibre during a call-out or audit. This method helps avoid big problems down the line. Live traffic identifiers play a key role in figuring out if a fibre is active and which way it's sending signals. Also, using a tone source can help to pinpoint specific fibres.

What sets a cheap model apart from a pricier one?

Can an economical model at least detect fibre activity? Yes, even basic models accomplish the task, though power measurement accuracy varies significantly based on fibre characteristics (notably, budget models often struggle with orange fibres). Whilst these devices might occasionally produce inconsistent readings or struggle with extremely thick rubber patch cords, they generally perform adequately on bare fibre, pigtails, and standard patch cords, providing reliable active/inactive fibre detection. On the other hand, the top-performing FITEL ID/H-R can send a source at 1550 @ 270 Hz straight through a buffer tube.

You can find many fibre identifier products out there, like ones from Kingfisher, Wilcom, Fluke Networks, FUJFID, and others, but the FITEL's ID-H/R is one of the best. It meets all the specs for Australian Telco and NBN work, and people like the FITEL model for how well it works, how dependable it is, and for being decent value for money.

How trustworthy is the power meter reading?

Many traffic identifiers come with a power meter feature, which can help, but you shouldn't think of it as a precise tool. Also, the specs of cheap models should be taken with a grain of salt when applied to the real-world use; it's easy to make big claims on paper.

The power meter feature can be handy to get a reading that shows core power (and in some fibres, the reading comes close to the actual core power). But technicians shouldn't trust the reading as the true power every time; they should use the power reading as a reference point. These meters aren't meant to troubleshoot a bad splice, for instance, because they don't have the accuracy needed in the reading. These in-built power meter functions lack the precision required for critical applications like splice optimisation, where exact power readings are essential.

 

Application example for the FITEL ID-H/R

 

Operating the Fibre Traffic Identifier

Using the fibre traffic identifier is simple, taking just a few steps:

  • Make sure you have an adapter head compatible with the type of fibre to be tested:
    • 900-μm buffered fibre
    • Ribbon fibre
    • 250-μm coated fibre
    • Slotted for 3-mm and optional 2-mm jacketed fibre (suitable for pigtails and jumpers)
    • Loose-tube fibre
  • Position the fibre within the designated channel, applying gentle downward pressure to ensure proper seating within the groove.

Getting Results

Traffic Present: LED indicators illuminate to signify traffic detection and directional flow, facilitating endpoint analysis at equipment locations. The device employs audible alerts to notify operators of detected traffic.

Tone Detection: Dedicated LEDs activate to indicate detection of 270 Hz, 1 kHz, or 2 kHz test tones, enabling precise fibre identification.

Any quality Light Source or Visual Fault Locator can generate the 2-kHz tone for fibre testing. The traffic identifier maintains compatibility across all three devices. For optimal tone detection, engineers typically employ the 1550-nm wavelength.

Relative Power Level: The instrument displays relative core power as a negative dB value ranging from -6 to -40 dBm. When core powers exceed 0 dBm, the identifier indicates "HI" whilst maintaining valid Traffic LED signals. Conversely, core powers falling below -40 dB trigger a "LO" indication, rendering Traffic LED signals invalid and indicating the signal has dropped beneath the identifier's operational range.

Safety Considerations: Exercise extreme caution to avoid direct exposure to optical outputs or fibre examination during equipment operation. Both visible and invisible laser emissions pose significant ocular hazards.

Maintenance Protocol: Maintain optical port cleanliness by preventing contamination from dust, debris, oil, or foreign matter. For optimal performance, implement regular cleaning using lint-free swabs in conjunction with isopropyl alcohol.

 

 

FITEL ID-H/R v3 Optical Fibre Identifier

The team at AusOptic have spent time with dozens of different traffic identifiers and can confidently recommend the FITEL ID-H/R v3 Optical Fibre Identifier. This tool can spot tones and traffic signals on fibres of different sizes, including 250um, 900um, 2mm, and 3mm. It outperforms all other live traffic identifiers in the market and meets all specs for Australian Telco and NBN jobs.

You can use its all-purpose chuck with many fibre sizes making it flexible and easy to adapt. The makers built it with tough light industrial plastic so it lasts long and works well. Plus, it now comes with a full 3-year warranty giving users peace of mind.