VIAVI Solutions has announced the industry’s first all-in-one medium and long-range bidirectional testing and certification solution for hollow core fibre (HCF). The offering implements VIAVI’s advanced 8100 Series optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) modules, optical dispersion measurement (ODM) modules and ReportPRO software, which includes specific algorithms capable of performing the bidirectional OTDR analysis required for HCFs.
The efficacy of the solution has been tested and proven through validation trials in partnership with fibre manufacturers, specialist contractors and three leading hyperscalers.
Compared to single mode fibre, HCF enables up to 30 per cent lower latency, up to 70 per cent reduced chromatic dispersion (CD), up to 65 per cent lower attenuation and reduced signal distortion. This enables faster data transmission over increased distances without the need for amplification and minimal data errors/losses.
HCF projects require larger investments and an expansive range of tests due to increased manufacturing and specialist contractor deployment costs and differing optical properties such as backscattering and spectral range. In addition to bidirectional OTDR measurements at higher wavelengths, dispersion testing and attenuation profile are needed to confirm correct installation to protect investments and ensure future performance, particularly over medium- and long-haul links. Few testing and certification options exist, and those without the necessary OTDR performance or those that use OTDR-based dispersion test techniques may only being capable of testing shorter distances.
VIAVI’s solution is the first all-in-one certification solution capable of bidirectional OTDR, PMD, CD and attenuation profile testing and reporting for HCF links. It is suitable for all types of HCF including DNANF and PBG over short-, medium- and long-distance links. These solutions are hosted on VIAVI’s OneAdvisor 800 Fiber platform.
Commenting on the announcement, Kevin Oliver, vice president and general manager, fibre and access solutions, VIAVI, said, “A key advantage of HCF is that it transmits data faster over longer distances. However, testing for splice quality, connector losses and fibre integrity requires a different approach with higher-performance test solutions. VIAVI’s all-in-one offering has delivered strong results over short-, mid- and long-distance links in trials we have held in collaboration with leading fibre manufacturers and hyperscalers, allowing them to protect these larger investments in HCF and ensure future return on investment (ROI).”
