News | January 29, 2007

JDSU Introduces New Remote Test Unit for Monitoring FTTx To Ultra Long-Haul Fiber Networks

Milpitas, CA - JDSU recently introduced the OTU-8000, a remote test unit for its optical network management system (ONMS) that integrates the latest optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) and optical switch technologies. Based on JDSU's cutting-edge MTS/T-BERD 8000, a single OTU-8000 can test hundreds of fiber links within a large (40,000 km2) area and report any faults relative to the nearest physical landmark. With this addition, JDSU is a test and measurement provider that offers a proprietary portfolio of critical remote fiber test solutions for fiber networks (FTTx to ultra long haul) including an optical switch, OTDR, mapping software, and passive components.

The JDSU OTU-8000's powerful, wide range of applications help carriers decrease operational costs by eliminating erroneous field technician dispatches, reducing mean-time-to-repair (MTTR), and anticipating service disruption by detecting fiber degradation before service is affected. The product also monitors the long-term performance of installed fibers and, for organizations concerned about network security, detects and locates fiber tapping.

"JDSU's ONMS is already ahead of the competition because it ensures that what the telecommunications or cable operator sees in its network map is the same as what is actually in the network," said Enzo di Luigi, general manager of JDSU's Fiber Optics Communications Test and Measurement group. "By adding the powerful OTU-8000, network operators can attain a higher level of reliability, efficiency and cost savings using a compact test unit that has low power consumption."

The OTU-8000 can house two field-interchangeable OTDR modules and monitors active fibers using a 1625nm module designed to take into account factors such as the Raman effect of the optical amplifier. The dual-power feeds provide an alternate power input in the event of one power source failure. All configurations are saved on the OTU-8000's solid state disk, and when the server is not available alarms can still be sent directly to the user via e- mail or SMS. Provisioning of the OTU-8000 is easily accomplished using any on-site or remote web browser.

About JDSU's Optical Network Management System (ONMS)

Residing on a server or desktop, JDSU's ONMS includes optical fiber mapping (OFM) software that enables customers to address the state of the network from their fingertips. This powerful automated mapping, facilities management and geographic information system (AM/FM/GIS) consolidates data entered manually or through other applications. All fiber optic network documentation -- including fiber route maps, distribution panel graphics and OTDR traces -- can be easily retrieved, cross-referenced, and shared among multiple users. Network operators have access to all of their networks' geographic and functional components and can track, document and monitor an unlimited number of circuit wavelengths for each physical fiber path, allowing users to initiate queries from any physical point in the network.

SOURCE: JDSU