What is a common equipment used in OTDR testing?

The optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) is a specific type of test equipment designed for analyzing fiber optic cables. It operates by sending a series of light pulses down the fiber and measuring the light that is reflected back to the device. This process allows the OTDR to detect faults, splice points, and connectors along the length of the fiber and to evaluate the overall integrity of the network.

OTDRs provide crucial information regarding the distance to faults and the loss characteristics of the fiber being tested, making them essential for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber optic systems. The ability to visualize the entire fiber link as a function of distance is central to the OTDR's utility in the field.

Other equipment mentioned, such as signal generators and optical pulse testers, while useful in certain applications, do not provide the comprehensive diagnostic capabilities specific to OTDR testing. Visual light sources are typically used for continuity testing and to check fiber connectivity rather than for detailed fault analysis, which is the primary function of an OTDR.