Example applications.
The cloudOTDR system has been developed to be as versatile as possible. As a consequence the possible applications for the system are numerous. Which follows is a non-comprehensive list of a few of these applications.
FTTH
In the FTTH environment the cloudOTDR hardware is employed in the central location from where the residences are connected to the network. This setup allows the automation of the quality control of the last mile of the network. Traditionally a specialist with a handheld OTDR is required to be at the central location to perform the measurements while another technician is present at the other end to attach a launch fiber as a tail cord to complete the connection. After setting up the cloudOTDR hardware in the central location, the presence of the specialist is no longer required at the central location. Measurements can then be made by the technician working at the residences. The auto analysis algorithm will then assess the quality of the fiber and produce a pass/fail result based on the parameters supplied beforehand. The OTDR specialist is now freed up to remotely service multiple projects simultaneously and offer assistance, or troubleshoot where it is needed.
Network maintenance & fault finding
The ability to remotely control the OTDR remotely using a mobile phone simplifies the fault finding process such that it can be performed by a single technician. After connecting the hardware to one end of the faulty fiber, the mobile app can be used to remotely perform measurements when required. In the near future, realtime measurements will also be possible, further accommodating the fault finding process.
Monitoring applications
With the monitoring functionality offered by the cloudOTDR platform, large numbers of fibers can be periodically monitored. When user defined thresholds are exceeded, alarms are generated using different media such as in app notifications, e-mail messages, and physical alarm systems like an alarm light or sounder. Currently the monitoring functionality is used in an offshore cable laying setting, but is is also applicable in any other setting where the integrity of a (live) fiber needs to be guarded.
Datacenter applications
In modern datacenter settings, the quality of ever larger numbers of fiber connections have to be measured and recorded. With the option of expanding our cloudOTDR hardware with switches with very high port counts, coupled with the ability to remotely initiate measurements and the ability to queue measurements for fibers on any amount of channels of this switch increases the efficiency dramatically. The results are directly available in the cloud and can be downloaded in bulk or synchronized by using our API connection.