Which method is typically used for testing the performance of installed optical fiber systems?

The method typically used for testing the performance of installed optical fiber systems is an Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS). This testing method is crucial because it measures the overall end-to-end loss of the optical fiber links and ensures that they meet the specified performance standards.

An OLTS consists of a light source and a power meter, allowing technicians to measure the power levels at the source and at the receiver end. By comparing these measurements, one can determine the total loss experienced through the fiber link, which includes the effects of connectors, splices, and the fiber itself. This information is essential for ensuring the integrity and performance of the fiber optic system, as excessive loss can result in degraded performance or network failures.

While other methods such as OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) are also valuable for testing, they are better suited for locating faults and analyzing the characteristics of optical fibers rather than providing an end-to-end loss measurement in installed systems. Similarly, power meters are often used in conjunction with light sources, but on their own, they do not provide a full characterization of the system performance like an OLTS does. Network analyzers are typically more relevant in fiber systems integrated with active components or for analyzing complex network behaviors rather than testing passive optical links