What is Networking

Hello Giovanni

It depends on what you want to test. Fiber optics as part of structured cabling, will indeed have patch panels, but these cannot be tested alone. They must be tested as part of the end to end path of light (fiber optic termination to fiber optic termination). This means that in order to test a particular patch panel, you will need to test the entirety of the circuit that terminates there.

The most common elements that are tested include:

  • Continuity testing - testing to simply see that light does get through.
  • Power monitoring - testing the loss of power over a particular light path
  • Optical return loss testing - tests the amount of light that is lost along the light path

There are many more features that should be tested. Now there are various devices that can test various characteristics. The two most common are

  • Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS)
  • Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)

Both are useful for testing fiber optics, they perform different but important roles. To help determine what you need, take a look at this article.

The equipment that I have used int he past, and have found very useful is manufactured by Fluke. You can find a series of these devices at this Link. They vary in capabilities, but also in price. Depending on what you want to test and how much you are willing to spend (as they can get very expensive), you can choose the appropriate device. Useful information for fiber optic testing strategies can also be found at this link.

I hope this has been helpful!

Laz