AFL OTDR Fiber Rings for Launch and Receive Testing
AFL OTDR Fiber Rings provide compact launch and receive cables for Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer testing. Available in single-mode, bend-insensitive, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and MPO-terminated configurations, they help measure the insertion loss and reflectance of near- and far-end connections. Standard single-fiber lengths include 150, 500, and 1000 m. Available from Simbol Test Systems, an authorized Canadian distributor and service center for AFL and Fujikura products.
Download the AFL OTDR Fiber Rings Specification Sheet (PDF)AFL OTDR Fiber Rings for Launch and Receive Testing
AFL OTDR Fiber Rings are compact, rugged fiber optic test cables designed for use with Optical Time-Domain Reflectometers and compatible optical troubleshooting instruments. They provide the fiber length needed to separate connector events from an instrument’s initial dead zone and support more complete evaluation of installed optical fiber links.
An OTDR Fiber Ring can be used as a launch cable between the test instrument and the fiber link under test. In this configuration, the additional fiber length allows the OTDR to characterize the insertion loss and reflectance of the near-end connection.
A second Fiber Ring can be connected to the far end of the link as a receive cable. This allows the OTDR to measure the insertion loss and reflectance of the far-end connection and distinguish the final connector event from the end of the link.
Using AFL Fiber Rings at both ends provides a practical configuration for measuring the complete installed link, including its near-end and far-end connections. Available fiber types, lengths, connector styles, polish options, and MPO configurations allow the test setup to be matched to a wide range of single-mode and multimode networks.
Compact OTDR Launch and Receive Cables
Long launch and receive cables can be difficult to transport, store, and deploy at a job site. AFL packages coiled optical fiber inside a compact ring that fits easily into many OTDR cases and fiber optic test kits.
- Launch-cable testing: Provides the fiber length required to evaluate the near-end connection of the link under test.
- Receive-cable testing: Allows the OTDR to characterize the far-end connection and end-of-link event.
- Insertion-loss measurement: Supports measurement of connector, splice, and overall link loss.
- Reflectance measurement: Helps evaluate reflective events at near- and far-end connections.
- Compact construction: Coiled fiber is packaged in a rugged, lightweight ring for easier field transport.
- Multiple standard lengths: Single-fiber models are available in 150, 500, and 1000 m configurations.
- Single-mode and multimode options: Supports G.652, G.657.A2, OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4 fiber.
- Multiple connector styles: Available connector configurations include SC, LC, FC, ST, E2000, and selected OptiTap interfaces.
- MPO configurations: Twelve-fiber MPO-terminated rings are available for selected single-mode and OM4 applications.
OTDR Launch-Cable Applications
When an OTDR begins a measurement, the initial pulse and instrument connection can create a dead zone that limits characterization of the first network connector. Installing a Fiber Ring between the OTDR and the link creates sufficient optical distance for the instrument to recover before reaching the near-end connection.
This launch configuration allows the OTDR trace to display the connection between the launch Fiber Ring and the installed link. The technician can then evaluate the near-end connector’s insertion loss and reflectance as part of the test record.
The connector at the OTDR end of the Fiber Ring should be selected to match the instrument port or compatible Port Saver. The connector at the network end must match the link or adapter being tested. Fiber type and connector polish should also match the test configuration.
OTDR Receive-Cable Applications
A receive Fiber Ring is connected to the far end of the installed link. The additional fiber after the far-end connector allows the OTDR to display and measure that connection before the trace reaches the end of the receive cable.
Without a receive cable, the final connector may be combined with the end-of-fiber event, limiting the OTDR’s ability to characterize the far-end connection accurately. Using a receive Fiber Ring provides the distance needed to separate these events.
For complete connector characterization, use one compatible Fiber Ring as a launch cable and another as a receive cable. The fiber type and connector configuration should be consistent with the link and test requirements.
Single-Mode and Multimode Fiber Options
Standard single-mode Fiber Rings use G.652 fiber and are available in 150, 500, and 1000 m lengths. Bend-insensitive G.657.A2 configurations are also available as special-order products in the same nominal lengths.
Multimode Fiber Rings are available with OM1 62.5 µm fiber and OM2, OM3, or OM4 50 µm fiber. Standard multimode rings use a 150 m fiber length, which is suitable for many premises, enterprise, campus, and data center applications.
The Fiber Ring must match the fiber type being tested. A single-mode launch ring should be used for compatible single-mode links, while the corresponding OM classification should be selected for multimode testing whenever required by the test procedure.
MPO-Terminated Multi-Fiber Rings
AFL offers 12-fiber MPO-terminated Fiber Rings for selected single-mode and OM4 multimode applications. Standard MPO models use 61 m of fiber and are available with Type A polarity.
Single-mode MPO configurations use APC connectors, while standard OM4 configurations use UPC connectors. Pinned and unpinned connector options accommodate different MPO test interfaces.
Correct MPO selection requires confirmation of the fiber type, polarity, polish, pin configuration, instrument interface, and network-side connector. Special-order configurations may be available when a standard model does not match the test setup.
Why Buy AFL OTDR Fiber Rings from Simbol Test Systems?
Simbol Test Systems supplies professional OTDRs, Optical Troubleshooters, launch and receive cables, Optical Port Savers, connector adapters, inspection systems, and fiber optic cleaning products. As an authorized Canadian distributor and service center for AFL and Fujikura products, we support customers with product selection, calibration, repair, maintenance, and technical service.
Configuring an OTDR Fiber Ring requires careful selection of fiber type, length, connector style, polish, polarity, and pin configuration. Simbol Test Systems can help identify an appropriate launch and receive cable configuration for premises, broadband, FTTH, telecom, enterprise, data center, and long-haul fiber networks.
AFL OTDR Fiber Ring General Specifications
| Brand | AFL |
| Product Name | AFL OTDR Fiber Rings |
| Product Type | Compact OTDR launch and receive cables |
| Primary Applications | OTDR link testing, baseline traces, near-end testing, far-end testing, insertion-loss measurement, and reflectance measurement |
| Single-Mode Fiber Types | G.652 standard single-mode and G.657.A2 bend-insensitive fiber |
| Multimode Fiber Types | OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4 |
| Standard Single-Fiber Lengths | 150, 500, and 1000 m |
| Standard Multimode Length | 150 m |
| Standard MPO Fiber Length | 61 m / 200 ft |
| MPO Fiber Count | 12 fibers |
| Single-Fiber Connector Options | SC/UPC, SC/APC, LC/UPC, LC/APC, FC/UPC, FC/APC, ST/UPC, E2000, and selected OptiTap configurations |
| MPO Connector Options | APC or UPC, pinned or unpinned, depending on fiber type and configuration |
| Construction | Coiled fiber in a compact, rugged, lightweight ring |
Single-Fiber AFL Part Number Format
Single-fiber OTDR Fiber Ring part numbers use the format FR-FFF-LLLL-CC1-CC2.
| Code | Meaning | Available Values |
|---|---|---|
| FR | Product family | Single-fiber OTDR Fiber Ring |
| FFF | Fiber type | SMF, BIF, OM1, OM2, OM3, or OM4 |
| LLLL | Fiber length in metres | 150, 500, or 1000 depending on configuration |
| CC1 | OTDR-end connector | Selected compatible connector code |
| CC2 | Network-end connector | Selected compatible connector code |
Single-Fiber Connector Codes
| Connector Code | Connector Description |
|---|---|
| USC | SC/UPC |
| ASC | SC/APC |
| ULC | LC/UPC |
| ALC | LC/APC |
| UFC | FC/UPC |
| AFC | FC/APC |
| UST | ST/UPC |
| UE2 | E2000/UPC |
| AE2 | E2000/APC, special order |
| OTA | OptiTap APC, special order |
Standard Single-Mode Fiber Ring Ordering
| Description | AFL Part Number Format |
|---|---|
| 150 m G.652 single-mode Fiber Ring | FR-SMF-150-CC1-CC2 |
| 500 m G.652 single-mode Fiber Ring | FR-SMF-500-CC1-CC2 |
| 1000 m G.652 single-mode Fiber Ring | FR-SMF-1000-CC1-CC2 |
| 150 m G.657.A2 bend-insensitive Fiber Ring | FR-BIF-150-CC1-CC2 |
| 500 m G.657.A2 bend-insensitive Fiber Ring | FR-BIF-500-CC1-CC2 |
| 1000 m G.657.A2 bend-insensitive Fiber Ring | FR-BIF-1000-CC1-CC2 |
Standard Multimode Fiber Ring Ordering
| Description | AFL Part Number Format |
|---|---|
| 150 m OM1 62.5 µm multimode Fiber Ring | FR-OM1-150-CC1-CC2 |
| 150 m OM2 50 µm multimode Fiber Ring | FR-OM2-150-CC1-CC2 |
| 150 m OM3 50 µm laser-optimized multimode Fiber Ring | FR-OM3-150-CC1-CC2 |
| 150 m OM4 50 µm laser-optimized multimode Fiber Ring | FR-OM4-150-CC1-CC2 |
MPO Fiber Ring Part Number Format
MPO-terminated 12-fiber rings use the format FRM1-FF-LLLL-P-MC1-MC2.
| Code | Meaning | Available Values |
|---|---|---|
| FRM1 | Product family | MPO-terminated 12-fiber Fiber Ring |
| FF | Fiber type | S2 for G.652 single-mode or M4 for OM4 multimode |
| LLLL | Fiber length in metres | 61 m |
| P | Polarity | A for Type A or B for Type B where available |
| MC1 / MC2 | MPO connector configurations | AF, AM, UF, or UM |
Standard MPO-Terminated Fiber Rings
| Description | AFL No. |
|---|---|
| 61 m G.652 single-mode, Type A, APC unpinned to APC unpinned | FRM1-S2-61-A-AF-AF |
| 61 m G.652 single-mode, Type A, APC unpinned to APC pinned | FRM1-S2-61-A-AF-AM |
| 61 m OM4 multimode, Type A, UPC unpinned to UPC unpinned | FRM1-M4-61-A-UF-UF |
| 61 m OM4 multimode, Type A, UPC unpinned to UPC pinned | FRM1-M4-61-A-UF-UM |
How to Select an AFL OTDR Fiber Ring
First, select a fiber type that matches the installed link. Then choose a length suitable for the instrument, pulse width, link type, and testing procedure. Premises networks commonly use 150 m Fiber Rings, while 500 and 1000 m single-mode rings are intended for broadband and longer-distance applications.
Select the OTDR-end connector to match the instrument port or Optical Port Saver. Select the network-end connector to match the launch panel, adapter, or link under test. Confirm UPC or APC polish before connecting the Fiber Ring.
For MPO testing, confirm the fiber type, polarity, APC or UPC polish, and pinned or unpinned interface at both ends. Not every combination of fiber, length, and connector is available as a standard product.
OTDR Testing and Connector Care
Inspect and clean the OTDR port, Fiber Ring connectors, adapters, and link connectors before testing. Contamination can increase insertion loss, create reflective events, affect trace quality, and damage optical interfaces.
Store the Fiber Ring with its dust caps installed and avoid excessive pulling, twisting, or bending of the test leads. Use launch and receive rings that are in good condition and appropriate for the fiber network being tested.
Professional Support and Availability
Contact Simbol Test Systems with the OTDR model, fiber type, required length, instrument-side connector, network-side connector, polish, and MPO requirements to request AFL OTDR Fiber Ring availability, part-number assistance, special-order configurations, OTDR calibration, repair, or technical support.