Components and subsystems developer II‐VI has unveiled its pluggable optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) for embedded network monitoring applications in carrier and data centre networks.
The worldwide use of embedded OTDR modules is forecast to achieve significant growth over the next five years, according to consultancy ElectroniCast. The pluggable OTDR fills the need for improved operational efficiency from carriers and data centre operators, and is needed to fully realise the benefits of software defined networking (SDN) through the characterisation and continuous monitoring of the fibre plant.
II-VI’s pluggable OTDR is a compact device with standard interfaces, powered by complex digital processing that analyses data in real time. Equipment manufacturers can now monitor data on fibre plant quality, both at system start-up and during operation, to ensure that decision making is based on optimum and timely information.
“Pressures to improve service-level agreements are driving the use of embedded OTDR modules.” said Stephen Montgomery, director of the fibre optic component group and president of ElectroniCast Consultants. “The capability to permit an OTDR test simultaneously, with advanced early detection, fault location and optical link loss notification, is critical in today’s optical communications networks, especially when considering the need for software-based wavelength rerouting.”
The new product is 50 per cent smaller than II-VI’s existing module and can be configured with an optical switch to monitor two fibres alternatively. The pluggable OTDR can be plugged into a standard XFP receptacle and features an XFP control interface.
The product is currently being sampled and will be generally available in Q3 2017. It will be on display at II-VI’s booth #2101 at OFC 2017 in Los Angeles on 21 – 23 March.