ISO/IEC 14763-3:2006

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 14763-3
First edition
2006-06
Information technology –
Implementation and operation of
customer premises cabling –
Part 3:
Testing of optical fibre cabling

Reference number
INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 14763-3
First edition
2006-06
Information technology –
Implementation and operation of
customer premises cabling –
Part 3:
Testing of optical fibre cabling

Copyright  2006 ISO/IEC, Geneva   All rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Varembé, PO Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 919 02 11 Telefax: +41 22 919 03 00 E-mail: inmail@iec.ch Web: www.iec.ch
PRICE CODE
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For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.7
INTRODUCTION.8
1 Scope.9
2 Normative references.9
3 Definitions and abbreviations .10
3.1 Definitions .10
3.2 Abbreviations.12
3.3 Symbols .12
4 Conformance.12
5 General requirements .13
5.1 Test system.13
5.2 Normalisation and calibration.13
5.3 Environmental conditions .13
5.3.1 Protection of transmission and terminal equipment.13
5.3.2 Contamination .14
5.3.3 Use of test equipment .14
5.3.4 Relevance of measurement.14
5.3.5 Treatment of marginal test results.14
5.4 Documentation .14
6 Test equipment.15
6.1 LSPM .15
6.1.1 General .15
6.1.2 Light sources .15
6.1.3 Power meters .15
6.1.4 Test system stability .15
6.2 OTDR.16
6.2.1 General .16
6.2.2 OTDR characterization using a launch cord only.16
6.2.3 OTDR characterization using a launch cord and a tail cord .16
6.3 Cabling interface adapters .18
6.3.1 Connecting hardware at test interfaces.18
6.3.2 Reference connector requirements.18
6.3.3 MMF test cords.18
6.3.4 SMF test cords .21
6.4 MMF launched modal distribution (LMD) .22
6.5 SMF launched modal distribution (LMD).22
7 Inspection equipment.23
7.1 Connecting hardware end-face .23
7.1.1 General .23
7.1.2 Optical, direct vision microscope.23
7.1.3 CCD microscope.23
8 Cabling under test.23
8.1 Channels and permanent links .23
8.1.1 General .23

14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E) – 3 –
8.1.2 Reference planes.24
8.1.3 Wavelength of measurement.25
8.1.4 Direction of measurement .25
9 Testing of installed cabling.25
9.1 Attenuation/insertion loss.25
9.1.1 LSPM .25
9.1.2 OTDR .29
9.2 Propagation delay.32
9.2.1 Test method .32
9.2.2 Treatment of results.32
9.3 Length.32
9.3.1 Test method .32
9.3.2 Measurement uncertainty.32
9.3.3 Treatment of results.32
10 Testing of cabling components within installed cabling .32
10.1 Attenuation/insertion loss (optical fibre cable) .32
10.1.1 Test method .32
10.1.2 Measurement uncertainty.33
10.1.3 Treatment of results.33
10.2 Attenuation/insertion loss (local and remote test interfaces) .34
10.2.1 Test method .34
10.2.2 Test system measurement uncertainty .34
10.2.3 Treatment of results.35
10.3 Insertion loss (connecting hardware).35
10.3.1 Test method .35
10.3.2 Treatment of results.36
10.4 Return loss (connecting hardware).36
10.4.1 Test method (in accordance with IEC 61300-3-6, method 2) .36
10.4.2 Treatment of results.37
10.4.3 Measurement uncertainty.38
10.5 Optical fibre length .38
10.5.1 Test method .38
10.5.2 Measurement uncertainty.40
10.5.3 Treatment of results.40
10.6 Attenuation/insertion loss (cords) .40
10.6.1 Test method .40
10.6.2 Treatment of results.41
10.7 Return loss (cords) .41
11 Inspection of cabling and cabling components.41
11.1 Optical fibre continuity .41
11.2 Cabling polarity.42
11.3 Optical fibre cable length .42
11.4 Inspection of optical fibre end-faces.42
11.5 Optical fibre core size .42
Annex A (normative) Launched modal distribution (LMD) .43
A.1 Distribution of optical power within a MMF.43
A.2 Modal transfer function .43

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A.3 MPD (modal power distribution) .44
A.3.1 General .44
A.3.2 Requirements .45
A.4 CPR (coupled power ratio) .45
A.4.1 General .45
A.4.2 Test system.46
A.4.3 Test method .46
Annex B (normative) Visual inspection criteria for connectors .49
B.1 Connector end-face definitions.49
B.1.1 General .49
B.1.2 End-face zone definitions.49
B.1.3 Modified inspection criteria .49
B.2 Inspection of terminated optical fibre.50
B.2.1 General .50
B.2.2 Scratch and pit defects .50
B.2.3 Chip defects .50
B.2.4 Cracks.50
Annex C (informative) Optical time domain reflectometry .51
C.1 Operational capability .51
C.1.1 Effective characterization.51
C.1.2 Dynamic range .51
C.1.3 Pulse width.51
C.1.4 Integration or sample count.51
C.2 Limitations of OTDR capability .52
C.2.1 Minimum lengths of operation .52
C.2.2 Ghosting.53
C.2.3 Effective group index of refraction (IOR) .54
C.2.4 Scattering coefficient .54
Annex D (normative) Inspection and testing of test and field calibration cords .55
D.1 General requirements .55
D.2 Insertion loss (test and field calibration cord reference connections).55
Annex E (informative) 3-jumper method for link and channel attenuation.57
Annex F (informative) Quality planning .58
F.1 Inspection and test schedules .58
F.2 Stage 1 inspection and testing .58
F.3 Stage 2 testing .59
F.3.1 Basic test group.59
F.3.2 Extended test group.59
BIBLIOGRAPHY.60

14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E) – 5 –

Figure 1 – Document relationships .8
Figure 2 – The test system and the cabling under test .13
Figure 4 – OTDR characterization using a launch cord and a tail cord.17
Figure 5 – Test cord labelling and identification .19
Figure 6 – OTDR launch cord schematic .20
Figure 7 – Channels and permanent links in accordance with ISO/IEC 11801 and
equivalent standards .24
Figure 8 – Channel and permanent link test configuration .24
Figure 9 – LSPM 3-jumper attenuation measurement of installed cabling .27
Figure 10 – LSPM 1-jumper attenuation measurement of installed link .28
Figure 11 – OTDR measurement of installed cabling (permanent link) .30
Figure 12 – OTDR measurement of installed cabling (channel) .30
Figure 13 – OTDR measurement of optical fibre attenuation .34
Figure 14 – OTDR measurement of interface insertion loss .35
Figure 15 – OTDR measurement of joint insertion loss .36
Figure 16 – OTDR measurement of return loss.37
Figure 17 – Determination of length using an OTDR .39
Figure 18 – OTDR characterization of a SMF permanent link containing a break .39
Figure 19 – OTDR characterization of an permanent link containing a macrobend.40
Figure 20 – Measurement of cord interface attenuation/insertion loss .41
Figure A.1 – Example of a characteristic MTF.44
Figure A.2 – Example of a characteristic MPD .44
Figure A.3 – MPD (modal power distribution) specification.45
Figure A.4 – CPR measurement method.47
Figure B.1 – Connector end-face region definitions.49
Figure B.2 – Polishing defects and cracks .50
Figure C.1 – OTDR characterization using different length launch cords .52
Figure C.2 – OTDR characterization showing ghost effects.53
Figure C.3 – OTDR characterization showing complex ghost effects .54
Figure D.1 – Measurement of field calibration cord interface attenuation/insertion loss.55
Figure E.1 – Example of cabling and test cord configuration with 3-jumper test method.57

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Table 1 – MMF light source characteristics .15
Table 2 – SMF light source characteristics .15
Table 3 – Non-SC reference connector requirements.18
Table 4 – Connecting hardware insertion loss.29

Table B.1 – Connector end-face regions.49
Table B.2 – Requirements for visual end-face inspection .50

Table C.1 – Default effective group IOR values .54
Table C.2 – Default scattering coefficient values.54

14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E) – 7 –
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY –
IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION OF
CUSTOMER PREMISES CABLING –
Part 3: Testing of optical fibre cabling

FOREWORD
1) ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) form
the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC
participate in the development of International Standards. Their preparation is entrusted to technical
committees; any ISO and IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may participate in this
preparatory work. International governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising with ISO and IEC
also participate in this preparation.
2) In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee,
ISO/IEC JTC 1. Draft International Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to
national bodies for voting. Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the
national bodies casting a vote.
3) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
4) No liability shall attach to IEC or ISO or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual
experts and members of their technical committees and IEC or ISO member bodies for any personal injury,
property damage or other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including
legal fees) and expenses arising out of the publication of, use of, or reliance upon, this ISO/IEC publication or
any other IEC, ISO or ISO/IEC publications.
5) Attention is drawn to the normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/IEC 14763-3 has been prepared by subcommittee 25: Interconnection of information
technology equipment, of ISO/IEC joint technical committee 1: Information technology.
This International Standard replaces ISO/IEC TR 14763-3, first edition, published in 2000, and
constitutes a technical revision.

This standard incorporates innovations and recent developments including guidance in the
proper use of uni-directional and bi-directional OTDR testing, the three-jumper method as
default test method, fibre end-face inspection and criteria for scratches, return loss values for
SC and non-SC connectors and the normative use of reference connectors. However, the most
substantial change is the application of the 2 parameters which are used to determine the two
repeatable multimode launch conditions “modal power distribution” and “coupled power ratio”.
This International Standard has been approved by vote of the member bodies, and the voting results
can be obtained from the address given on the title page.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

– 8 – 14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E)
INTRODUCTION
This document is one of three prepared in support of International Standard ISO/IEC 11801.
Figure 1 below shows the inter-relationship between ISO/IEC 11801, these associated
Technical Reports/Standards and other related standards.

ISO/IEC TR 14763-2
ISO/IEC 14763-1
Technical Report Type 3
ISO/IEC 11801
International Standard
Information technology -
International Standard
Information technology -
Implementation and operation of
Information technology -
Implementation and operation of
customer premises cabling
Generic cabling for
customer premises cabling
Part 2: Planning and installation
customer premises
Part 1: Administration
ISO/IEC 14763-2
International Standard
(under consideration)
IEC 61935-1 ISO/IEC 14763-3
International Standard International Standard
Generic specification for the Information technology -
testing of elements of generic cabling Implementation and operation of
customer premises cabling
in accordance with ISO/IEC 11801
Part 1: Test methods Part 3: Testing of optical fibre cabling

Figure 1 – Document relationships

Part 3 of ISO/IEC 14763 details inspection and test procedures for optical fibre cabling
• designed in accordance with ISO/IEC 11801 and equivalent standards and
• installed according to the requirements and recommendations of ISO/IEC 14763-2 (under
consideration).
Users of this International Standard should be familiar with both ISO/IEC 11801 and
ISO/IEC 14763-2.
The quality plan for each installation will define the acceptance tests and sampling levels
selected for that installation. Requirements and recommendations for the development of a
quality plan are described in ISO/IEC 14763-2 (under consideration).

14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E) – 9 –
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY –
IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION OF
CUSTOMER PREMISES CABLING –
Part 3: Testing of optical fibre cabling
1 Scope
This part of ISO/IEC 14763 specifies systems and methods for the inspection and testing of
optical fibre cabling designed in accordance with ISO/IEC 11801 or equivalent standards. The
test methods refer to existing standards-based procedures where they exist.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 11801, Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises
ISO/IEC TR 14763-2, Information technology – Implementation and operation of customer premises
cabling – Part 2: Planning and installation
IEC 60050-731, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Chapter 731: Optical fibre
communication
IEC 60793-1-20, Optical fibres – Part 1-20: Measurement methods and test procedures – Fibre
geometry
IEC 60793-1-45, Optical fibres – Part 1-45: Measurement methods and test procedures – Mode field
diameter
IEC 60793-2-10, Optical fibres – Part 2-10: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
category A1 multimode fibres
IEC 60793-2-50, Optical fibres – Part 2-50: Product specifications – Sectional specification for
class B single-mode fibres
IEC 60825-2, Safety of laser products – Part 2: Safety of optical fibre communication systems
(OFCS)
IEC 60874-14-1, Connectors for optical fibres and cables – Part 14-1: Detail specification for fibre
optic connector type SC/PC standard terminated to multimode fibre type A1a, A1b
IEC 60874-14-2, Connectors for optical fibres and cables – Part 14-2: Detail specification for
fibre optic connector type SC/PC tuned terminated to single-mode fibre type B1
IEC 60874-14-3, Connectors for optical fibres and cables – Part 14-3: Detail specification for
fibre optic adaptor (simplex) type SC for single-mode fibre
IEC 60874-19, Connectors for optical fibres and cables – Part 19: Sectional specification for
fibre optic connector – Type SC-D(uplex)

ISO/IEC 14763-2 is planned to become an International Standard.

– 10 – 14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E)
IEC 60874-19-1, Connectors for optical fibres and cables – Part 19-1: Fibre optic patch cord
connector type SC-PC (floating duplex) standard terminated on multimode fibre type A1a, A1b -
Detail specification
IEC 60874-19-2, Connectors for optical fibres and cables – Part 19-2: Fibre optic adaptor
(duplex) type SC for single-mode fibre connectors – Detail specification
IEC 61300-3-1, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-1: Examinations and measurements – Visual examination
IEC 61300-3-4, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-4: Examinations and measurements – Attenuation
IEC 61300-3-6, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test and
measurement procedures – Part 3-6: Examinations and measurements – Return loss
IEC/PAS 61300-3-43, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Basic test
and measurement procedures – Part 3-43: Examination and measurements – Mode Transfer
Function Measurement for fibre optic sources
3 Definitions and abbreviations
3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this document the following definitions apply in addition to those of
ISO/IEC 11801 and IEC 60050-731.
3.1.1
adapter
device that enables interconnection between terminated optical fibre cables
3.1.2
cabling interface adapter
test cords and other components used to connect test equipment to the cabling under test
3.1.3
connection
mated device or combination of devices including terminations connecting two cables or cable
elements
3.1.4
cable sheath
covering over the optical fibre or conductor assembly that may include one or more metallic
members, strength members or jackets
3.1.5
coupled power ratio (CPR)
ratio of power coupled in a MMF to the power coupled in SMF which is related to the modal
power distribution of the light in MMF
3.1.6
fail result
measured value which fails to meet the specified requirement and where the absolute value of
the difference between the measured value and the specified requirement is greater than the
stated measurement uncertainty

14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E) – 11 –
3.1.7
field calibration cord
test cord used for referencing when using the 3-jumper test method
3.1.8
marginal result
measured value which differs from the specified requirement by an amount not exceeding the
stated measurement uncertainty
3.1.9
multimode optical fibre (MMF)
optical fibre which supports multiple paths of light transmission
3.1.10
optical fibre
any filament made of dielectric materials that guides light
3.1.11
optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR)
instrument used to characterise optical fibre cabling by measuring the backscatter and
reflection of injected light pulses as a function of time
3.1.12
pass result
measured value which meets the specified requirement and where the absolute value of the
difference between the measured value and the specified requirement is greater than the
stated measurement uncertainty
3.1.13
reference connector
tighter tolerances or selected connector component which is used for measuring purposes
NOTE The characteristics or selection procedures are given in the relevant connecting hardware specification.
[IEC 60874-1, 1.3.14, modified]
3.1.14
relative power distribution
metric used to determine launch conditions in terms that are relative to a light source’s overall
launched power
3.1.15
sheath
see cable sheath
3.1.16
single-mode optical fibre (SMF)
optical fibre which supports only one mode of light transmission
3.1.17
test cord
cable assembly used either to connect test equipment to the cabling under test or as part of a
test reference measurement
3.1.18
test operator
skilled person testing in accordance with instructions provided by the test system designer

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3.1.19
test system
test equipment and cabling interface adapters necessary to undertake a given
test/measurement in accordance with the requirements of this standard
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this document the following abbreviations apply in addition to those of
ISO/IEC 11801 and IEC 60050-731.
APC Angled physical contact
CPR Coupled power ratio
IOR Index of refraction
LMD Launched modal distribution
LSA Least squares average
LSPM Light source and power meter
MMF Multimode optical fibre
MPD Modal power distribution
na not applicable
OTDR Optical time domain reflectometer
RPD Relative power distribution
SMF Single-mode optical fibre
3.3 Symbols
For the purposes of this document the following symbols apply.
Optical fibre connector (general)

Optical fibre connector on installed cabling

Optical fibre connector with reference termination

Joint
4 Conformance
To test installed cabling according to this International Standard:
• the general requirements of clauses 5 and 8 shall be met;
• the test equipment and test cords shall conform to the requirements of Clause 6;
• the test method, as appropriate, and treatment of results shall conform to Clauses 9 and
10;
• the test results shall be documented in accordance with 5.4;
• the requirements of IEC 60825-2 shall be met.
To inspect installed cabling according to this International Standard:
• the inspection equipment shall conform to the requirements of Clause 7;
• the inspection method, as appropriate, shall conform to Clause 11;
• the requirements of IEC 60825-2 shall be met.
Relevant national and local regulations covering safe working practices shall be observed.

14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E) – 13 –
5 General requirements
5.1 Test system
The test systems defined in this International Standard comprise local test equipment and
remote test equipment (where required) together with cabling interface adapters which enable
the connection of the test equipment to the cabling under test (see Figure 2).
The cabling interface adapters take the form of test cords together with any connecting
hardware adapters that are required at the test interfaces.
The test system and, particularly the cabling interface adapters, affect the uncertainty of
measurement for a given parameter.
Temporary index matching materials (gels and/or fluids) between the polished end faces of
connectors shall not be used.
Remote cabling
Local cabling
interface
interface
adaptor
adaptor
(where required
(where required
by test method)
by test method)
Test interface Test interface
Local test Remote test
equipment equipment
TEST TEST
EQP EQP
Remote test
Local test Cabling under test system
system
(where required
by test method)
Figure 2 – The test system and the cabling under test
5.2 Normalisation and calibration
Normalisation processes are specified, where appropriate, to enable the test system to achieve
the stated measurement uncertainty.
Test equipment should be calibrated using standardised procedures (e.g. IEC 61315 and
IEC 61746), as appropriate.
The test operator shall have evidence, in the form of a valid calibration certificate, to support
the use of the test equipment at the time the tests are undertaken.
5.3 Environmental conditions
5.3.1 Protection of transmission and terminal equipment
Transmission and terminal equipment shall be disconnected from the cabling under test before
any testing or inspection according to this Standard is carried out.

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5.3.2 Contamination
Dust, dirt and other contaminants at the interfaces to the cabling under test or at interfaces of
the cabling interface adapter and at the interface to the test equipment may produce
misleading results and in some cases damage the cabling under test.
Materials to clean the connections (such as 98 % reagent grade alcohol, appropriate cleaning
solvents, lint-free wipes and clean compressed air) shall be available and used in accordance
with suppliers’ instructions.
Any connecting hardware adapters used together with all connector end-faces on the test cords
comprising the cabling interface adapter and the cabling under test shall be cleaned according
to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the connectors. Cleaning shall be repeated
every time a test cord is connected to the cabling or component under test.
Connections should be inspected with a microscope after cleaning, to verify that they are
uncontaminated.
5.3.3 Use of test equipment
External effects (for example, environmental, electromagnetic or physical) can affect the test
equipment and thereby influence the measured results. Test equipment shall be operated as
per manufacturer’s specifications.
5.3.4 Relevance of measurement
Measurements shall either
a) be made under environmental conditions which are representative of the intended
operational environment,
b) have correction factors applied to the measured results in accordance with manufacturers’
specifications in order to reflect the intended operating environment, or
c) be documented as being performed under non-representative conditions.
5.3.5 Treatment of marginal test results
Marginal results may be treated in a number of ways including
a) verification of the normalisation of the test system,
b) acceptance of all marginal results,
c) repetition of the measurement using a test system with improved measurement uncertainty.
Further guidance for the treatment of marginal results is found in ISO/IEC 14763-2.
5.4 Documentation
The documentation for each parameter shall include
a) identification and details of the parameter,
b) whether channel or permanent link is being tested,
c) test equipment:
1) type and manufacturer;
2) serial number and calibration status;
3) nominal wavelength,
d) optical fibre details (fibre core size/MFD, fibre type e.g. OM1, OM2, OM3, OS1),
e) details of the cabling connector type(s),
f) the configuration of the cabling test equipment during the test,

14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E) – 15 –
g) the measured result,
h) the applicable requirements,
i) details of the reference numbers and direction of test,
j) the date of the test (the time may also be recorded),
k) the test operator,
l) the calculated measurement uncertainty of the test system.
6 Test equipment
6.1 LSPM
6.1.1 General
Derived from IEC 61280-4-1, IEC 61280-4-2 and IEC 61300-3-4, the following has been
adapted to the requirements of ISO/IEC 11801 for link and channel attenuation measurements
with an LSPM.
6.1.2 Light sources
Light sources for testing multimode optical fibre (MMF) cabling and components shall conform
to the spectral characteristics of Table 1.
Table 1 – MMF light source characteristics
Centre wavelength
nm
850 ± 30
1 300 ± 30
Light sources for testing single-mode optical fibre (SMF) shall conform to the spectral
characteristics of Table 2.
Table 2 – SMF light source characteristics
Centre wavelength
nm
1 310 ± 30
1 550 ± 30
6.1.3 Power meters
The equipment shall be capable of measuring relative or absolute optical power (such as an
optical power meter) and shall be designed in such a way as to make power measurements
independent of modal distribution. The equipment shall enable optical power measurements to
be recorded to at least one significant digit in the decimal place (for example, −14,3 dBm,
10,1 mW).
If the power meter consists of an optoelectronic detector with a demountable adapter then the
adapter shall be fitted to the meter in accordance with the instructions provided by the supplier
of the power meter.
6.1.4 Test system stability
The stability of the light source contributes directly to measurement variability. A light source
shall be used in such a way that any variation in output power from the normalised values (see
5.2) shall be as specified in ISO/IEC 14763-2.

– 16 – 14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E)
A power meter with adequate equipment temperature stability and optical power linearity to
meet the desired measurement uncertainty shall be used.
NOTE Non-linearity between the measured and incident optical power may cause measurement errors. Also,
equipment with internal waveguides may exhibit measurement variability with varying modal conditions.
6.2 OTDR
6.2.1 General
OTDR equipment for testing multimode optical fibre (MMF) cabling and components shall
conform to the central wavelengths of Table 1.
OTDR equipment for testing single-mode optical fibre (SMF) shall conform to the central
wavelengths of Table 2.
See Annex C for further information on optical fibre time domain reflectometry.
6.2.2 OTDR characterization using a launch cord only
Characterization of cabling using an OTDR with a launch cord only
• produces a characterization of the form shown in Figure 3,
NOTE There may not be a remote interface reflection if the far end of the optical fibre is broken or
terminated with an angled interface.
− SMF may not produce a remote interface reflection if the optical fibre is broken,
− APC connectors may not produce a discernable reflective event,
• does not provide any continuity measurement for the cabling under test,
• provides information about the general quality of the local interface to the cabling under
test, the quality of the installed cable and any embedded joints within the cabling under test,
• does not allow any quantitative measurement of the local interface to the cabling under test
unless the scattering characteristics of the optical fibre within the launch cord are the same
as those of the optical fibre under test,
• does not allow any quantitative measurement of embedded connecting hardware joints
within the cabling under test unless the scattering characteristics of the optical fibres on
either side of the embedded connecting hardware are identical or unless measurements are
taken in each direction,
• cannot be used for measurement of the channel or link (see 8.1) attenuation/insertion loss
as it does not provide optical attenuation measurement for the remote connector and
therefore cannot provide an optical attenuation measurement for the channel or permanent
link under test.
6.2.3 OTDR characterization using a launch cord and a tail cord
Characterization of cabling using an OTDR using a launch cord and a tail cord
• produces an unidirectional characterization of the form shown in Figure 4 (two traces need
to be combined and evaluated),
• provides a continuity measurement for the cabling under test,
• provides information about the general quality of both the local and remote interface to the
cabling under test, the quality of the installed cable and any embedded connecting
hardware,
• provides quantitative measurement of the local and remote interfaces to the cabling under
test using measurements taken in each direction,
• provides quantitative measurement of the channel or link (see 8.1) attenuation when the
measurement is taken in one direction provided that

14763-3 © ISO/IEC:2006(E) – 17 –
− the channel or link only contains a single fixed cable and terminating connectors,
− the scattering characteristics of the optical fibre within the launch and tail cords are the
same,
• provides quantitative attenuation measurement of the channel, or link embedded
connecting hardware (see 8.1) when the measurement is taken from two directions
provided that
− attenuation measurements of permanent links, channel or embedded connecting
hardware are derived by averaging the associated bi-directional test results,
− th
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