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.
The centralised nature of our solution, combined with remote control and flexible switching solutions ensures that we can provide an appropriate solution for a multitude of applications. Together with our diverse hardware lineup we can serve projects from small scale to large scale, from datacentres to offshore, from FTTH to fault finding, and everything in between.
FTTX: Remote Fiber Testing for Scalable Operations
FTTX (Fiber to the X) encompasses various fiber network topologies—such as FTTH, FTTO, FTTB, and FTTC—each designed to bring high-speed connectivity closer to the end user. As these networks expand, efficient testing and monitoring of the optical infrastructure becomes critical.
cloudOTDR enables centralized, remote-controlled OTDR testing across all FTTX scenarios. In FTTH deployments, for example, the cloudOTDR unit is installed at the central distribution point. From there, field technicians can initiate OTDR measurements directly from the customer premises. The system’s automated analysis engine evaluates trace data in real time, delivering pass/fail results based on predefined thresholds.
This eliminates the need for an OTDR specialist to be physically present at the central office, freeing up expert resources to support multiple projects remotely. cloudOTDR streamlines last-mile validation, accelerates troubleshooting, and enhances scalability across fiber rollouts.
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.