Upkeep of the quality and integrity of the optical signal-transmission is very high in the list of priorities, when a fiber-optic infrastructure is built. Thus, knowing important insights and key-metrics about the Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) infrastructure becomes very significant. This entire process is called Fiber Characterization, wherein a full performance-assessment of OFC-based infrastructure is done. Fiber Characterization also comprises inspection of fibers, connections and performance-aspects. The process enables technicians to understand issues and optimize the performance of fiber-networks by detecting the limitations of each fiber. Due to certain physical properties of fiber-optic strands, light traveling through strands of glass gets distorted, resulting in signal-interruptions and data-errors. The very purpose of Fiber Characterization is to facilitate more data-flow at faster speeds through the OFCs. A whole host of tests are performed under Fiber Characterization. Networks must be characterized to ensure their different parts and components do not generate Bit-Error-Rate (BER) levels that don’t match communication system requirements. OTDR Testing, Light Source/Power Meter Testing, ORL Testing, Chromatic Dispersion Testing, Polarization Modal Dispersion Testing and different other corrective measures to control network-attributes help evaluate the performance of fiber-optic infrastructure and identify the possibilities for future scalability. Apart from a deep understanding of the physical infrastructure, these tests are crucial to ascertain the types of services and applications that can be supported by a specified network. All of these tests enable technicians to reduce costly redesigns, delays in project-completions and system-degradation and achieve speedy time-to-market for fiber-optic services.
Polycab Telecom, a division of Polycab India Ltd., is best-known for the delivery of major telecom infrastructure projects, with capabilities to roll out large telecom Infrastructure projects for both, Broadband and Wireless Networks. We’ve been regularly delivering our services for BharatNet, world’s largest rural broadband project. Doing mostly Underground Cable Installation and executing Fiber Characterization services regularly, we achieved back-to-back timely completion of projects in Gujarat and Bihar. Working currently for another project under BharatNet Phase-II in Tamil Nadu, we’re in the process to lay OFCs for around 16,500 kms, with almost 85% being aerial and the rest underground, as mandated by the TANFINET, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), instituted by the state.