FTTH Drop Cable Testing and Acceptance Guide | OTDR Analysis, Loss Limits & Inspection Tips

■ FTTH Drop Cable Performance Testing and Acceptance Guide (Professional Edition) 

As Fiber to the Home (FTTH) deployments accelerate globally, the FTTH Drop Cable, which serves as the final link between the service provider and the end-user, plays a critical role in ensuring reliable high-speed connections. Acoustic testing and acceptance of drop cables also stand out among quality assurance steps for network developers and owners.

This paper presents information on test methods, acceptance criteria, key performance indicators, and equipment recommended for engineers, technicians, and project managers involved in FTTH network installations.

■ FTTH Fiber-To-The-Home Drop Cable Testing Review 

The performance assessment of FTTH drop cables includes several critical test items:

■ How to Perform OTDR Testing 

OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) will effectively serve as a device for the assurance of the quality of FTTH fiber deployment. The stringing reveals loss and bends due to splices, connectors, and breaks of fibers. 

A. Recommended Testing Procedure 

Prepare the following: 

• OTDR with dual wavelength (1310/1550nm or including 1625nm) 

• Launch fiber and receive fiber (reference cables) 

• Clean jumper and adapters

The OTDR Setup Suggestions: 

• Wavelength: 1310nm and 1550nm 

• Pulse width: 10-30 ns (short-range < 2 km) 

• Test range: 1.5-2 times the cable length. 

• Averaging time: 10-30 frames/s for sensor frame size of 50 MB would yield an average signal-to-noise ratio. 

• Enable the detection of events with consequent automated processing.

Testing Steps: 

• Remove contaminants, if any, from both of the ends of the cable. 

• Link the system using the following sequence: OTDR → Launch Fiber → Drop Cable (DUT) → Receive Fiber. 

• Begin the test, store the traces and the event table.

■ Key Parameters and Acceptance Criteria 

The following parameters are essential for performance assessment:

Note: Poor return loss (e.g., > -35 dB) may indicate dirty or loosely connected interfaces.

■ How to Detect Fiber Bending Issues  

A. Macrobend Detection 

• Method: PCR filtering step with high wavelength (1550-1625nm). 

• Symptoms: Indentations that aren't uniform presenting at ripples along the trace; changes for 1310nm absent. 

• Common Causes: Poor flat walls and abrupt sharp angles in the internal wiring install.

B. Microbend Detection 

• Method: Use OTDR practical or power meter reflections to perceive gradual attenuation of the power in level of the trace. 

• Symptoms: Uncoatably inconsistent drop without definite event points reflecting. 

• Reasons: Excessive load through heavy connectors, clamp screw up, or endless tie mismatch. 

Translation of OTDR high-wavelength measurements and illumination for a comprehensive result. 

■ Recommended Testing Instruments

ZC OTDR Series Product Comparison Table

Specification	ZCOTDR-4000 Mini Pro	ZCOTDR-5600 Multi Functional	ZCOTDR-6000P PON	ZCOTDR-6200P PON	ZCOTDR-6800
PIC
Screen Size	5-inch touch screen	7-inch capacitive touchscreen	7-inch capacitive touchscreen	7-inch capacitive touchscreen	7-inch capacitive touchscreen
Operating System	Embedded OS	Embedded OS	Embedded OS	Embedded OS	Linux OS, quad-core processor
Max Dynamic Range	32dB	45dB	42dB	43dB	45dB
Event Dead Zone	1.5m	0.8m	0.8m	0.8m	0.8m
Attenuation Dead Zone	8m	4m	4m	4m	4m
Max Test Distance	120km	200km	200km	200km	260–420km
Storage Capacity	≥8GB	≥8GB	≥8GB	≥8GB	≥12GB
Wavelength Options	1310/1550nm	Multiple options incl. 1625nm	1310/1490/1550nm	1310/1490/1550/1625nm	Multiple: incl. 1625nm & 1650nm
VFL (Visual Fault Locator)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes, ≥10mW
LS (Laser Source)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes, ≥-5dBm
OPM (Optical Power Meter)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
End Face Detection	No	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported
PON Network Testing	Up to 1:8 splitter	Up to 1:64 splitter	Up to 1:64 splitter	Up to 1:64 splitter	Up to 1:64 splitter
Report Export Format	PDF, SOR format	PDF, SOR format	PDF, SOR format	PDF, SOR format	PDF, SOR format (Chinese/English naming supported)
USB Ports	1×USB-A	2×USB-A	2×USB-A	2×USB-A	2×USB-A + Type-C
Battery Capacity	7.4V, 5000mAh	7.4V, 5200mAh	7.4V, 5200mAh	7.4V, 5200mAh	7.4V, 5200mAh
Weight	<1kg	<1.2kg	<1.2kg	<1.2kg	<1.2kg
Dimensions (mm)	190×130×65	227×160×70	227×160×70	227×160×70	227×160×70
Other Functions	OTDR/VFL/OPM/LS	OTDR/VFL/OPM/LS/Event Map	Same, with 3-wavelength PON	Same, with higher performance	Same + Network Test, Remote Ethernet

■ Next Step and Final Acceptance Advices 

A. Suggested Acceptance Process: 

• Take the test plan and include acceptance limits in it. 

• Make sure that the cable routes and the cable arrangement. 

• Carry out combined OTDR and power meter examinations. 

• Signal repair actions for the links that show failing links. 

• Prepare an acceptance report with the saved test data.

B. Test Report Should Include: 

• The project name and the ID 

• The cable identification and the number of the fiber core 

• OTDR setting parameters (details on wavelength, range, and pulse) 

• Presentation of the event table and the screenshots of the trace 

• Writing down of the losses and reflections 

• Pass/fail expression 

• Signature and the date of the technician

■ Conclusion 

Therefore, accurately testing FTTH Drop Cables and taking their acceptance guarantee not only project compliance but also the reliability of the ambience built and the satisfaction of the end-users. Companies are now confident in fibrous connections and bent fiber detection, hence the competent engagement of these professionals to produce high-quality connections focused on the FTTH technology.

For the editable acceptance report templates, such as English-Chinese OTDR result sheets or fibre testing equipment datasheets, you could contact our support team and request dedicated materials.

James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication. 

Specializes in Optical Fiber communications,  FTTH Solutions, 

Fiber optic cables,  ADSS cable, and ODN networks.

james@zion-communication.com

+86 13777460328