OTDR
OTDR units test, troubleshoot and maintain fibre optic networks by sending light pulses down the cable to detect and precisely locate faults such as breaks, bends, bad splices and connectors, mapping total length, event locations and loss at each point.
An OTDR (Optical Time Delay Reflectometer) tests, troubleshoots and maintains fibre optic networks by sending light pulses down the cable to detect and precisely locate faults such as breaks, bends, bad splices and connectors.
What an OTDR shows you
Trend Networks OTDR units build a detailed map of the fibre link, showing total length, the location of each event and the power loss at each point. This lets an installer pinpoint a fault’s position along a run rather than testing blind at each end, and confirm a splice or connector is within loss budget before handover.
Use an OTDR alongside visual optical fibre inspection tools to check connector end faces, or step up to Tier 1 fibre certification for full pass or fail reporting. Browse the wider fibre testers range for more options.
OTDR FAQs
What does an OTDR test for?
An OTDR sends light pulses down a fibre optic cable to detect and precisely locate faults such as breaks, bends, bad splices and faulty connectors along the run.
What information does an OTDR trace show?
An OTDR trace maps the fibre link, showing the total length, the location of each event such as a splice or connector, and the power loss recorded at each point.
Should I use an OTDR alongside fibre inspection tools?
Yes, an OTDR locates faults along the length of a run, while visual optical fibre inspection checks connector end faces before mating, so the two are often used together.