A new approach to remote fiber testing in optical networks

A novel remote fiber testing system (RFTS) for error detection in optical networks is presented in this paper. The proposed measurement system is applicable to access and local optical networks for which the standard RFTS is too expensive. The basic idea lies in replacing expensive optical switches with more affordable optical power splitters. Consequently, all fibers are simultaneously tested and therefore the new method for error detection is developed. The experimental results demonstrate the possibilities of the new testing system.