What does an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) primarily measure in fiber optic cables?

An Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is a crucial tool used in the maintenance and testing of fiber optic networks. Its primary function is to measure attenuation, which refers to the reduction in power of the optical signal as it travels through the fiber. The OTDR works by sending a pulse of light into the fiber and then measuring the light that is reflected back. Any reflections can provide insights into the amount of signal loss due to various factors such as bends, splices, and imperfections in the fiber.

The measurements obtained by an OTDR allow technicians to identify the specific points of high loss or faults within the cable, enabling efficient troubleshooting and maintenance. This capability is vital for ensuring the quality and reliability of fiber optic communication systems, as excessive attenuation can lead to signal degradation or complete loss of connection.

While bandwidth, frequency, and mode are important parameters in the field of fiber optics, they are not the primary measurements performed by an OTDR. Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time, frequency pertains to the rate at which the signal oscillates, and mode relates to the propagation paths of light in multimode fibers. However, the core function of an OTDR rests on its ability to