EXFO-certified technicians
Our characterization service includes EXFO-certified technicians who perform the testing and collect the field measurements for your project.
Characterization & Testing
Understand the fiber. Verify the link.
Fiber characterization from connector condition and splice loss to chromatic and polarization mode dispersion. Get the measurements and analysis your engineering team needs to evaluate the link.
Inquire About This ServiceIncluded in our characterization service
Certified expertise.
Visibility from the field.
Real-time field data
We use EXFO Exchange to collect and view real-time test data from the field, giving our team visibility into results as the work progresses.
Customer portal access
As part of our service, customers also receive access to the EXFO Exchange portal to view their project’s test data and follow the results from the field.
Data retention up to 90 days
Project test data can be retained in EXFO Exchange for up to 90 days, supporting customer review and project closeout.
The scope
The right scope for your project.
We use a wide range of EXFO tools for OTDR, OLTS and CD/PMD testing, as well as fiber end-face inspection, to evaluate fiber performance. Characterization connects the measurements across the entire route: connector condition, individual events, end-to-end loss, returned light and dispersion. Together, these results give your engineering team a baseline for commissioning, upgrades and future troubleshooting. We define the wavelengths, test directions and acceptance criteria with you before testing.
Capabilities
OTDR: event location, loss & reflectance
We map fiber length, splice and connector events, attenuation and reflections at the specified wavelengths. Event locations are reported in your preferred measurement units so findings can be tied back to the route. Comparing traces across wavelengths also helps identify wavelength-dependent loss that may indicate bending.
OLTS: end-to-end insertion loss
A referenced light source and power meter measure the optical power lost across the link at the required wavelengths. We compare measured loss with the customer’s link budget; OTDR event analysis helps locate where that loss occurs.
CD: wavelength-dependent delay
Different wavelengths travel through fiber at different speeds, spreading an optical pulse over distance. We measure chromatic dispersion so your engineering team can assess the link against its transmission requirements. This is especially useful when evaluating long-haul routes or links containing different fiber types.
PMD: polarization-dependent delay
The two principal polarization modes can arrive at different times, broadening the signal and affecting transmission performance. We measure PMD and compare the result with the specified limits, providing information that insertion-loss testing alone cannot establish.
ORL: reflected power across the link
Optical return loss evaluates the combined light returned toward the source. It is distinct from the reflectance of an individual connector or event. We review the link’s ORL alongside localized OTDR reflections to help identify conditions that need attention.
Fiber inspection: connector condition
We inspect connector end faces for contamination, scratches and defects, clean where needed and re-inspect before testing. Inspection records help distinguish connector condition from other sources of optical loss and reflection.
How we interpret the results
The measurement is only the start.
Choose the acquisition for the route
Short pulses resolve closely spaced events near the panel; longer pulses provide reach on longer or higher-loss links. We balance pulse width, range and averaging time rather than treating one trace setting as suitable for every route.
Interpret apparent gainers correctly
Different backscatter characteristics on either side of a splice can produce apparent gain in one direction and excess loss in the other. Where bidirectional testing is included, we match the A→B and B→A events and average their losses to assess the splice.
Separate the measurements
Connector reflectance, total ORL, insertion loss and dispersion describe different behaviors. We evaluate each against its applicable criterion and document any limits imposed by access, test direction or unresolved events.
Report the finding, not just a status
For an exception, we identify the fiber, direction, wavelength and event location where applicable, and include the actual measured value and the customer’s limit. This gives the project team a concrete basis for investigation or corrective work.
Deliverables
A closeout package should let your team trace each finding back to its measurement. We organize the agreed raw files, analysis and reports by route, circuit and fiber, with individual criteria clearly identified. Final circuit acceptance remains with the customer.
- Raw OTDR traces and scoped OLTS, CD/PMD and inspection results
- Bidirectional event analysis when both test directions are included
- Measured exceptions with event distances in your preferred measurement units and applicable customer limits
- Reports organized by route, circuit, port or fiber, wavelength and test direction as applicable
- A closeout package prepared for customer acceptance review
How we work
- 01
Define the test plan
Confirm endpoints, fiber assignments, connector types, access, required wavelengths and customer criteria. Align the test scope and naming convention before measurements begin.
- 02
Acquire and review
Inspect the connections, perform the specified measurements and review event-level results while the crew is in the field.
- 03
Analyze and document
Correlate the scoped test results, complete bidirectional analysis where required and package raw files, reports and measured exceptions for customer review.
Planning your project
Let’s define your characterization plan.
Share what you know today. Our discovery team will review the details and follow up to clarify the scope.
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