EXFO FTBx-740C xWDM OTDR Series Module User Guide

: August 6, 2024
: EXFO

Table of Contents

EXFO FTBx-740C xWDM OTDR Series Module
Product Usage Instructions
FAQs
INTRODUCTION
KEY FEATURES
Troubleshooting
KEY BENEFITS
POWERFUL CONNECTOR
SPECIFICATIONS
ORDERING INFORMATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

EXFO FTBx-740C xWDM OTDR Series Module

Product Usage Instructions

Wavelength-Division Multiplexing Basics
- Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) is a technology that multiplexes several optical carrier signals onto a single optical fiber link by using different wavelengths to increase bandwidth.
CWDM vs. DWDM
- CWDM and DWDM are both used in CRAN and commercial services deployments. They are not mutually exclusive and can coexist in hybrid passive networks.
Why Use an xWDM OTDR During Construction?
- Use an xWDM tunable OTDR to validate the complete optical path before turning up the service.

FAQs

Q: What are the main features of the FTBx-740C xWDM OTDR Series?
- A: The main features include CWDM+DWDM combo, high resolution, short dead zones, in-service testing, and the ability to test through MUX/DEMUX/OADM.
Q: Which platforms are compatible with the FTBx-740C xWDM OTDR Series?
- A: The FTBx-740C xWDM OTDR Series is compatible with FTB1v2/FTB1 Pro, FTB2/FTB2 Pro, and FTB4 Pro platforms.
Q: What applications are suitable for the FTBx-740C xWDM OTDR Series?
- A: The FTBx-740C xWDM OTDR Series is suitable for single-ended construction, troubleshooting, metro Ethernet links, commercial services deployments, fiber-deep applications, and C-RAN networks.

INTRODUCTION

C-BAND DWDM AND 18-WAVELENGTH CWDM TUNABLE OTDR SERIES FOR METRO ETHERNET AND C-RAN LINK CHARACTERIZATION

C-Band DWDM and all 18 CWDM ITU channels in single OTDRs for testing through MUX/DEMUX channels, providing a complete end-to-end link characterization or troubleshooting for commercial services, C-RAN networks and metro Ethernet deployments.

KEY FEATURES

CWDM+DWDM combo available in compact FTB-1v2
C-BAND ITU DWDM grid channels 12-62 selection in a single OTDR port
18 CWDM channels covered in a single OTDR port
Test through MUX/DEMUX/OADM
In-service testing of active networks
High-resolution and short dead zones
Select favorite channels list

APPLICATIONS

Single-ended construction and troubleshooting solution
CWDM and DWDM metro Ethernet links
Commercial services deployments
Fiber deep, remote PHY, and node splitting
CBH antenna feeds and C-RAN networks
ALM-ready: one-touch multiple acquisitions, with clear go/no-go results presented in a straightforward visual format
ALM’s SFP-Safe Troubleshooting: guarantees no damage to SFP
Market-leading onboard PDF reporting solution and essential
PC‑based post‑processing included for all users

COMPLEMENTARY PRODUCTS AND OPTIONS

Advanced data post‑processing software FastReporter

WAVELENGTH-DIVISION MULTIPLEXING BASICS

Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) is a technology that multiplexes (aggregates) several optical carrier signals onto a single optical fiber link by using different wavelengths to increase the bandwidth of an optical fiber link.

CWDM VS. DWDM

Besides traditional WDM that relies on 1310 nm and 1550 nm, there are two main patterns aggregating a greater number of wavelengths/signals that have been widely used to expand the capacity of a network without adding more fiber: coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM).
CWDM uses up to 18 wavelengths, from 1271 nm to 1611 nm, with a channel spacing of 20 nm. DWDM has been mainly deployed over the C-Band (1525–1565 nm) with channel spacing from 1.6 nm (200 GHz) to 0.4 nm (50 GHz)b.

APPLICATIONS

CWDM and DWDM are gaining popularity for C-RAN or commercial services deployments in which each wavelength can address a specific site, such as a cell tower or a customer.
Both CWDM and DWDM approaches are not mutually exclusive and co-exist in hybrid passive networks that feature DWDM over CWDM to maximize fiber capacity.

CWDM/DWDM PASSIVE NETWORKS

WHY USE AN xWDM OTDR DURING CONSTRUCTION?

Point-to-multipoint xWDM systems (CWDM and/or DWDM) in access networks, such as C‑RAN or commercial services deployments, feature different topologies than in metro/core networks.
In these scenarios, it is critical to ensure link continuity, meaning that the right wavelength is connected to the right port on the WDM multiplexer (MUX), demultiplexer (DEMUX), or optical add-drop modules (OADM).
Wavelengths must be dropped at the right site by using the right OADM, and by connecting the fiber to the right port.
It is a simple but very common issue in access networks of cable operators or fronthaul rings that could be avoided or fixed on-site before leaving the job site.
An OTDR using the same channel/wavelength to test through MUX/DEMUX/OADM can provide users, from a single-ended, single operator, with a complete view of the link and total loss budget.
Knowing the actual distances between the head‑end and the target site, an OTDR can confirm that a wavelength is properly addressed.

USE A xWDM TUNABLE OTDR FOR:

Single-ended CWDM/DWDM fiber characterization
Validating the continuity and end-to-end loss through MUX, OADM, and DEMUX, during construction
In-service testing using the customer’s wavelengths port—all without impacting other customer wavelengths and with no downtime
Troubleshooting and characterization by a single operator from the head-end

With a CWDM/DWDM OTDR, network service providers can see and validate the complete optical path before turning up the service.

FTBx-740C xWDM OTDR SERIES

This series includes one CWDM OTDR module to cover all 18 CWDM channels from a single port and one DWDM tunable OTDR module to cover DWDM C-Band channels.
This solution is available in the FTB-1v2/FTB-1 Pro, FTB-2/FTB-2 Pro and

FTB-4 Pro platforms.

The FTBx-740C xWDM OTDR Series has been designed with EXFO’s renowned high-quality standards to stabilize central channels under test, preventing any drift/leakage into adjacent channels, which would otherwise affect other valuable customers.
The OTDR’s GUI lets the technician define a list of favorite channels over the C-Band (DWDM) or CWDM grid (CWDM) for quicker access and a more efficient test routine.

FTB-1v2 DC COMBOS: COMPACT AND FULLY LOADED FOR HYBRID PASSIVE CWDM/DWDM NETWORKS

Both CWDM and DWDM OTDRs can be housed in the compact and powerful FTB-1v2 dual-carrier platform. With the best CWDM and DWDM testing specifications in the industry, field technicians are empowered to capture accurate, first‑time‑right measurements in the fastest manner possible without carrying heavy equipment, missing a wavelength, or requiring users to swap modules to cover the complete application.
The dual-carrier FTB-1v2 with CWDM and DWDM modules is ideal for use for commercial services in fiber-to-the building (FTTB), fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) and fronthaul deployments that are evolving and migrating from CWDM to hybrid DWDM or any other WDM point-to-multipoint network architecture.
With this test kit, multiple-service operators (MSOs) and contractors always have the required CWDM or DWDM wavelength to characterize through MUX, OADM, and DEMUX, provide complete end-to-end link characterization, and validate complete optical paths before turning up a service or troubleshooting for commercial services.

DWDM OTDR port
CWDM OTDR port
Mic/headset jack
Micro SD card slot
1 GigE port
USB 3.0 port (1)
USB 2.0 ports (2)
VFL
Power meter

LOADED WITH FEATURES TO BOOST YOUR EFFICIENCY

Real-time averaging
- Activates the OTDR laser in continuous shooting mode, the trace refreshes in real-time and allows for monitoring of the fiber for a sudden change. Perfect for a quick overview of the fiber under test.
Zoom tools
- Zoom and center to facilitate the analysis of your fibers. Draw a window around the area of interest and center on the screen quickly.
Auto mode
- Used as a discovery mode, this feature automatically adjusts the distance range and the pulse width in the function of the link under test. It is recommended to adjust the parameters to perform additional measurements to locate other events.
Set parameters on the fly
- Dynamically change OTDR settings for the ongoing acquisition without stopping or returning to the submenus.

ALM—REMOVING THE COMPLEXITY FROM OTDR TESTING

OTDR testing comes with its load of challenges…

In response to these challenges, EXFO developed a better way to test fiber optics:

The film is an OTDR-based application designed to simplify OTDR testing by eliminating the need to configure parameters, and/or analyze and interpret multiple complex OTDR traces.
Its advanced algorithms dynamically define the testing parameters, as well as the number of acquisitions that best fit the network under test.
By correlating multipulse widths on multiple wavelengths, the iOLM locates and identifies faults with maximum resolution—all at the push of a single button.

How does it work?

Turning traditional OTDR testing into clear, automated, first-time-right results for technicians of any skill level.

Three ways to benefit from the iOLM

ALM features value pack

In addition to the standard ALM feature set, you can select added-value features as part of the Advanced or Pro packages.
Please refer to the iOLM specification sheet for the complete and most recent description of these value packs.

Troubleshooting

ALM Advanced with SFP-Safe Troubleshooting

Ideal for point-to-point troubleshooting when an SFP might be connected on the far end.
When technicians are dispatched on‑site, they are still unaware of what is wrong and may accidentally damage a transceiver with an uncontrolled pulse width.
EXFO’s patented SFP-Safe Troubleshooting solution prevents the risk and guarantees no damages to the SFP while troubleshooting, yielding cost savings and faster time to recovery.
Watch it in action: SFP-Safe Troubleshooting.

GET ALL ADVANCED CAPABILITIES FOR FREE

FastReporter is a consolidated data management and post-processing solution designed to improve results quality as well as auditing and reporting productivity.
Download the latest version of FastReporter, launch the application, and create your EXFO Exchange account to get the full range of capabilities, at no cost.
EXFO Exchange automates and optimizes workflows, troubleshooting, field testing, and reporting within a secured collaborative software platform for each step of network deployment.

FEATURES	FastReporter (version 3)
Basic	Full (now free with EXFO Exchange

DISCOVER THE INDUSTRY’S FIRST FULLY AUTOMATED FIBER INSPECTION SCOPES

Housing a unique automatic focus adjustment system, EXFO’s fiber inspection scope series automates each operation in the sequence of inspecting a connector end face.
The result: fiber inspection is now a quick, one-step process that can be performed by technicians of all skill levels.

Automated models

The FIP-500: wireless, autonomous, and fully automated scope featuring the fastest inspection in the industry for both multifiber and single-fiber connectors. All-day testing without the need to recharge batteries or offload results.
The FIP-435B: connected to EXFO platforms or your smart device, this fully automated wireless scope enables connector certification in one step. View and store results on your EXFO platform or smart device.
The FIP-430B: fully automated inspection scope featuring USB-wired connectivity to PC and EXFO platforms.

Semi-automated and manual models

The FIP-420B: semi-automated scope featuring a manual focus adjustment. USB wired connectivity to PC and EXFO platforms.
The FIP-410B: basic inspection features for manual inspection. USB wired connectivity to PC and EXFO platforms.

FEATURES	USB WIRED	WIRELESS	AUTONOMOUS
FIP-410B	FIP-420B	FIP- 430B	FIP- 435B

FIP-500
Image capture| •| •| •| •| •
Five‑megapixel CMOS capturing device| •| •| •| •| •
Automatic fiber image‑centering function and focus adjustment| | •| •| •| •
Automatic fiber image‑focus adjustment| | | •| •| •
On‑board pass/fail analysis| | •| •| •| •
Pass/fail LED indicator| | •| •| •| •
USB connectivity to an EXFO platform or PC| •| •| •| •|
Wireless connectivity to an EXFO platform or PC| | | | •|
Wireless connectivity to a smartphone| | | | •| •
Semi‑automated multifiber / MPO inspection| •| •| •| •|
Fully automated multifiber / MPO inspection| | | | | •
On‑board touch screen and data storage| | | | | •
SmarTips with automated thresholds and quick‑connect mechanism| | | | | •

For more information, visit www.EXFO.com/fiberinspection. SHARE TEST RESULTS. BOOST COMPLIANCE. UNLOCK INSIGHTS. Cloud-hosted solution for sharing test results and ensuring compliance. Paired with EXFO’s leading test instruments, EXFO Exchange drives an entire ecosystem, while integrating seamlessly with existing operation processes.

KEY BENEFITS

SIMPLE SETUP IN THREE STEPS

Create your free EXFO Exchange account
- Begin your journey by creating an EXFO Exchange account. Setting up your account is quick and easy.
- https://exfoexchange.com/.
Install the mobile app
- Download the EXFO Exchange app to allow test data from compatible EXFO devices to be uploaded securely to the cloud (free of charge).
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.exfo.flowautomation.
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exfo-exchange/id1516686990.
- For MaxTester and FTB users, install the native app.
- https://docs.exfoexchange.com/quick-tour-ftb-max/.
Save time and boost efficiency
- Once your account is created—and the mobile app is installed and paired with compatible EXFO devices—all test results will be sent to the cloud. On the web app, you will see field test results from all invited testers.
- Get started >
- https://www.exfo.com/en/products/field-network-testing/network-operations-automation-data-insights/exchange/?utm_source=exfo&utm_medium=exfo_resource_link&utm_campaign=fiber_corporate_09-2023&utm_content=exchange-specsheet#manager ****

POWERFUL CONNECTOR

POWERFUL CONNECTOR END-FACE IMAGE VIEWING AND ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

Automatic pass/fail analysis of the connector end faces
Lightning-fast results in seconds with a simple one-touch operation
Complete test reports for future referencing
Stores images and results for record-keeping

SPECIFICATIONS

All specifications are valid at 23 °C ± 2 °C with an FC/APC connector, unless otherwise specified.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

| FTBx-740C- CWDM| FTBx-740C- DWC
Laser nominal wavelength (nm)| 1270, 1290, 1310, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1390, 1410,

1430, 1450, 1470, 1490, 1510, 1530, 1550, 1570,

1590, 1610

| C-Band tunable 1527.99-1567.95 nm ITU-T G694.1 Channels 12-62

(191.2 THz – 196.2 THz)

Central wavelength uncertainty (nm) a| ±3| DWDM 50Ghz channel wavelength control
Channel spacing tuning| N/A| 50 GHz and 100 GHz increments on ITU-T G694.1 grid
Dynamic range at 20 µs (dB) b| >37| 40
Event dead zone (m) c| 1.1| 0.7
Attenuation dead zone (m) c| 5| 3.5
Distance range (km)| 0.1 to 400| 0.1 to 400
Pulse widths (ns)| 5 to 20 000| 5 to 20 000
Sampling points| Up to 256 000| Up to 256 000
Sampling resolution (m)| 0.04 to 10| 0.04 to 10
Distance accuracy (m) d| ±(0.75 + 0.0025 % x distance + resolution)| ±(0.75 + 0.0025 % x distance + resolution)
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Size (H x W x D)| 158 mm x 24 mm x 174 mm (6 ¼ in x 15/16 in x 6 7/8 in)
Weight| 0.4 kg (0.9 lb)
Temperature Operating Storage| Refer to the platform’s specification sheet –40 °C to 70 °C (–40 °F to 158 °F)
Relative humidity| 0% to 95% non-condensing

LASER SAFETY

For complete details on all available configurations, refer to the ordering information section.

a. Typical, using 10 μs pulse.
b. Typical dynamic range with a three-minute average at SNR = 1.
c. Typical for reflectance at –45 dB, using a 5-ns pulse.
d. Does not include uncertainty due to fiber index.

ORDERING INFORMATION

a. Available for models: CW18-M8W and CW18-M10W.
b. Please refer to the iOLM specification sheet for the complete and most recent description of these value packs.

OTDR CONNECTOR

APC connectors generate lower reflectance than UPC, which is a critical parameter that affects performance, particularly in dead zones.
APC connectors provide better performance than UPC connectors, thereby improving testing efficiency. APC connectors on the OTDR port are mandatory with the FTBx-740C Series.
Note: UPC connectivity is available through a hybrid test jumper. Simply replace EA-XX with EI-XX in the ordering part number to get one free-of-charge hybrid test jumper for APC to UPC (SC/APC to SC/UPC or FC/APC to FC/UPC or LC/APC to LC/UPC).

CONTACT INFORMATION

EXFO headquarters

T +1 418 683-0211
Toll-free +1 800 663-3936 (USA and Canada)
EXFO serves over 2000 customers in more than 100 countries.
To find your local office contact details, please go to www.EXFO.com/contact.

For the most recent patent marking information, please visit www.EXFO.com/patent. EXFO is certified ISO 9001 and attests to the quality of these products. EXFO has made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this specification sheet is accurate. However, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions, and we reserve the right to modify the design, characteristics and products at any time without obligation. Units of measurement in this document conform to SI standards and practices. In addition, all of EXFO’s manufactured products are compliant with the European Union’s WEEE directive. For more information, please visit www.EXFO.com/recycle. Contact EXFO for prices and availability or to obtain the phone number of your local EXFO distributor. For the most recent version of this spec sheet, please go to www.EXFO.com/specs. In case of discrepancy, the web version takes precedence over any printed literature. FTBX740C/X/WDM/OTDR.12EN © 2024 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada 24/07