Passive Optical Networks: Cabling Considerations and Reference Architectures
As with all fiber-optic links, troubleshooting (with a Tier II device such as an OTDR) requires knowledge of the system, expected link losses (loss budget as calculated in the large PON deployment scenario described earlier in this paper) and optical signal levels, and typical problems that may be encountered (such as difficult pathways and potential bending areas of the cable). Inspection and cleaning of connectors must be a core competence of those doing troubleshooting and remediation, as studies indicate that this is disproportionally the largest source of fiber link failures.
