application note

Optical and DWDM Testing



with the T-BERD 310

1
 Optical and DWDM Testing 

with the T-BERD 310

T
he rapid development of fiber optic technology has made possible the ever-
increasing flow of data and voice traffic over a single fiber. Increased usage places
exceptional demands on service quality and makes errored or interrupted service
more critical than ever before. Service providers are continuing to increase
bandwidth using higher speeds or Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology.
Because many existing optical fiber cables were installed to transport lower rates and single
wavelengths, intermittent errors commonly surface when systems are upgraded to increase
bandwidth. As a result, technological advances create the possibility for problems that could
delay service turn-up and increase callbacks. Testing the physical layer for various wavelengths
and physical impairments during provisioning ensures future acceptability as networks expand,
saving the time and expense of cable replacement. Today, service providers not only need
comprehensive optical tests, but they also need an overall strategy for network installation and
maintenance before live traffic is commissioned.
This application note is one in a series of comprehensive guides for service providers
using the TTC T-BERD 310 to install and maintain telecommunications networks. Each of
the application notes in this series contains specific tests and troubleshooting appendices to
isolate common problems associated with the transport network. If you have difficulty with
any of the tests, call TTC’s Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at 1-800-638-2049. The TAC
staff also would appreciate hearing from you about additional testing tips to enhance the
troubleshooting appendices.

A Layered Testing Strategy

The testing strategy outlined in this series is an efficient, bottom-up testing approach
designed to systematically eliminate problems found at various transport testing layers that
affect higher layer services. Unlike the layers in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Basic
Reference Model, which describe protocol relationships, the testing layers referred to in this
application note represent categories of common problems and solutions gathered from
numerous field installation and maintenance calls. Figure 1 shows the layers referred to in
these testing applications.

2

ATM Configuration Layer
Testing Strategy
SONET Configuration Layer
Physical Layer
Figure 1:
Transport testing layers
Physical layer testing identifies a
variety of problems caused by improper line
build-out, connector or cabling faults,
repeater failure, optical reflections, optical
loss, and improper optical amplifier tuning
in Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing
(DWDM) systems. Tests include pulse shape,
jitter, signal measurements, Bit Error Rate
Test (BERT), Optical Return Loss (ORL),
optical insertion loss, as well as channel
peak power, center wavelength and
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in DWDM
systems. Because these tests are performed
primarily at several network locations (DS3
demarcation points and in the optical
backbone), Optical and DWDM Testing
with the T-BERD 310 and DS3 Testing
with the T-BERD 310 application notes
were developed to thoroughly test the
physical layer. Since physical layer problems
commonly cause intermittent and hard-to-
find trouble at higher layers, it is critical to
verify DS3 and optical backbone operation
during installation to prevent callbacks.
SONET configuration layer testing
eliminates common problems associated
with SONET circuit setup. Tests include
SONET timing, SONET path configuration,
error and alarm reporting, and concatenated
signal configuration. These tests, detailed in
the SONET Testing with the T-BERD 310
application note, ensure the circuit is
properly installed for the desired service.
This testing results in reduced turn-up time
and fewer maintenance calls.
ATM configuration layer testing
verifies ATM Virtual Path/Virtual Channel
(VP/VC) configuration. Specific tests include
ATM switch configuration, end-to-end
channel setup, alarm and error reporting,
errored cell handling, and bandwidth and
priority configuration. These tests are
performed during installation of the
backbone ATM transport network or during
configuration of ATM service. It is important
to include in-service testing since data
transport problems, such as delay variation
and congestion, can only be roughly
simulated during out-of-service testing.
The unpredictable nature of data networks
can cause problems to surface even after
out-of-service simulations have functioned
properly. In-service tests include monitoring
ATM congestion, alarms, errors, and delay
variation. The application note pertaining
to this layer is ATM Testing with the
T-BERD 310. Thorough testing verifies
ATM transport configuration to ensure
trouble-free service turn-up.
Why Test
Optical Fibers?
Testing the optical network
during service turn-up is one way to avoid
expensive upgrades and callbacks due to
intermittent errors that surface after the
optical transmission equipment is placed
on the span. ORL and Insertion Loss (IL)
are the two tests that, when performed
together, ensure the fiber span has been
thoroughly verified.
ORL indicates the optical network’s
ability to transport high-speed signals
because it measures the total accumulated
power from reflections in the fiber. The ORL
measurement is taken at the transmitting end
of the fiber using an Optical Continuous
Wave Reflectometer (OCWR), also referred
to as the stable source. Too much total
reflected power can interfere with the
operation of the transmitting laser, causing
degraded service. These problems are
especially evident at today’s high speeds,
since many existing optical fiber cables were
installed to transport lower rates. In some
cases, optical measurements were never
performed on these cables.
A high ORL measurement is desirable
because it indicates less light is being
reflected back to the laser source. A
measurement of 30 dB is sufficient for most
applications, while a measurement of about
12 dB indicates a large reflection caused by
an open fiber. The equation for measuring
ORL is shown below. Assuming the power
transmitted stays constant, the lower the
power received by the transmitter, the higher
the total ORL measurement.
ORL (dBm) = 10 log x TX Power (by Trans)
RX Power (by Trans)
Since ORL only measures what is
happening at the transmitting end of the
fiber, it cannot verify the total integrity of the
span or that sufficient power actually arrives
at the optical receiver at the far end. To
illustrate, Figure 2 on the next page shows
a sharp bend in the fiber, which allows light
to escape the cladding. Because the bend
reduces total reflection back to the
transmitter, the ORL measurement actually
improves. What the ORL test does not show
is that the bend also reduces the total
amount of power crossing the span to the
receiver. A second test is needed to verify
the receiving end of the fiber.
An IL test measures total power loss
across an optical span and indicates overall
receiver health. A high IL means excessive
power loss with inadequate levels reaching
the receiver. A low IL indicates minimal
power loss, which can cause receiver
saturation, especially when high power
lasers are used. Long reach lasers require a
minimum of 10 dB insertion loss. To prevent
intermittent errors or system failure, total IL
should be within a defined range.
This application note defines
5 dB to 15 dB power loss as an
acceptable range for single
mode fibers. This is calculated
using a known output of the
T-BERD 310 stable source
as -10.0 dBm, while optical
power is verified between
-15.0 dBm and -25.0 dBm.
3

SONET
Network
Element Tx
Figure 2:
Sharp bend in optical fiber
DWDM Primer
In the recent past, the
telecommunications industry has seen
unprecedented growth and investment in the
search for increased bandwidth. WDM offers
an effective solution that increases the
capacity of existing fiber optic networks and
provides increased flexibility in new ones.
Broadband-WDM is a process by which
several optical signals are carried on a single
fiber at varying wavelengths. This method
involves the use of repeaters, which convert
the signal into electrical pulses for extraction,
amplifies them, and then reinserts the
regenerated signal back into the subsequent
fiber section. However, because regeneration
requires each signal be separated with its own
regenerator, there has been little advancement
in Broadband-WDM technology.
In contrast, Narrowband-WDM
systems, referred to as DWDM, link multiple
channels in the 1550 nm spectral range.
Today, DWDM allows up to 240 channels to
simultaneously transmit on a single fiber,
each having a different wavelength. Currently,
most DWDM systems function within C-band,
between 1530 nm and 1565 nm. Systems
are also available using the L-band, between
1570 nm and 1605 nm. Ultra-Dense Wave
Division Multiplexing (UDWDM or UWDM)
with hundreds of channels will be available
in the near future.
4
Bend in fiber
Rx
SONET
Network
Element
DWDM systems are made possible
by the evolution of a purely optical amplifier,
the Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA).
This amplifier directly boosts optical signals
and provides low-noise amplification of
wavelengths ranging from 1530 nm to
1565 nm. Despite being highly effective as
an optical amplifier, EDFAs suffer from gain
variations across the passband. They add
optical noise (Amplified Spontaneous
Emission [ASE]) to the amplified signal,
and worse, apply a constant gain to the total
input energy. This cascading noise gain,
amplified by every EDFA with which the
optical signal comes in contact, raises the
noise floor progressively through the DWDM
span. This noise gain reduces the SNR at each
EDFA and, consequently, only a limited
number of EDFAs can be put in a span.
A DWDM system can be broken down
into the following elements:
• A transponder (for transponder-based
systems) for each channel, which
converts the incoming signal at 1310 nm
or 1550 nm into a wavelength within the
EDFA amplification range. Currently,
transponder laser outputs can be spaced
as tight as 0.2 nm apart, and they will be
compressed to an even greater degree in
the future.
• A coupler, or optical multiplexer, which
receives modulated carrier signals from
all sources and couples them into one
optical fiber. (Converts multiples of “n”
fibers into one fiber.)
• A single optical fiber that transports
all the channels throughout the network.
• EDFAs which boost total optical power
in the fiber without extracting information
carried by the optical signals.
• A splitter, or passive demultiplexer.
(Splits one fiber back into its original
multiple of “n” fibers.)
• A selector (filter) to separate
specific wavelengths.
A splitter and a selector are
often combined into a single
optical structure.
• Receivers that process some SONET/SDH
overhead such as B1 byte (section BIPs)
and section trace (found in second-
generation DWDM systems). These
receivers also function to recover low-
powered signals and help to prevent
errors from being introduced into a
DWDM system when additional channels
are added to systems carrying live traffic.
See Figures 3.1 and 3.2.
How a DWDM
System Performs
At the transmit end, multiple “n”
signals are fed into transponders where the
signals are converted to defined wavelengths
within the 1530 nm to 1565 nm spectral
range. An optical WDM coupler joins the
signals, inserts them into one optical fiber,
and forwards that one multiplexed, optical
signal to an EDFA. Depending on the path
length, the optical signal can encounter none
(metro DWDM systems) or several fiber
amplifiers, which boost the attenuated signal.
However, since noise gain can diminish the
effective goal of signal gain, the recommended
maximum number of cascaded EDFAs is five
or six, with a minimum spacing of 60 km to
120 km between each amplifier. EDFA
improvements may increase this number in
the future. At the receive end, the multiplexed
signals are separated by a splitter and
wavelengths are filtered out by a selector.
Then they are fed into the receiver of the
transmission element (SONET ADM).
Second-generation DWDM systems have
an intermediate receiver for increased
performance, as shown in Figure 3.1.
 Transmitter
from
Transmission Selector Second-generation DWDM
Element Transponder (Filter) systems have a receiver for
increased performance
λ1

λ1 WDM 1
Tx Rx

EDFA EDFA
Tx Optical Optical Rx
MUX Demux

Tx Rx
λn Transponder-Based n
λn
Tx Rx

Figure 3.1:
Transponder-based system

Selector
Transmitter Coupler Splitter (Filter)

λ1 WDM WDM λ1
Tx Rx

EDFA EDFA
Tx Rx

Tx Rx
λn Non-Transponder-Based λn

Tx Rx Figure 3.2:
Non-transponder-based system

Types of Optical Fiber NDSF limits the effectiveness of an EDFA,

An important consideration in DWDM
development is the fiber type. There are three
basic types of single-mode optical fiber in use
today for commercial telecom applications,
which have potential ramifications in DWDM
deployment testing. They are:
• Non-Dispersion-Shifted Fiber (NDSF)
• Dispersion-Shifted Fiber (DSF)
• Non-Zero Dispersion-Shifted Fiber
(NZDSF)
While all three fiber types
incur similar optical attenuation in the
1310/1550 nm single-mode transmission
windows, they differ in chromatic-dispersion
characteristics. NDSF, also known as standard
fiber, is the most prevalent type found in
telecom networks. NDSF exhibits low
chromatic dispersion at 1310 nm and high
dispersion in the 1550 nm region. However,
which offers its greatest gain in the 1550 nm
range. Since dispersion is high, this limits
the distance that an optical signal can travel
before regeneration. For DSF, the wavelength
of minimum chromatic dispersion is over
the 1550 nm range, but the zero-dispersion
point is within the passband of the EDFA.
The significance of this factor is that near
this zero-dispersion point, transmitted
DWDM channels have an increased
probability of non-linear effects such as
four-wave mixing (described below). This
disadvantage led to the development of NZDSF,
also known as lambda-shifted fiber. It reduces
the susceptibility of non-linear effects by
providing a zero-dispersion point outside the
passband of the EDFA. It also introduces just
enough dispersion to suppress four-wave
mixing while maintaining signal integrity.
Problems
Encountered in
Optical Systems
As with any transmission system,
physical impairments can impede data flow.
At high power levels, optical channels may
mix non-linearly and form new optical
frequency components, as shown in
Figure 4 on the next page. Commonly
referred to as four-wave mixing, but having
potentially more than four waves, this
phenomenon causes both a loss of energy
from desired signals and a generation of
unwanted signals, which may coincide with
existing channels. To reduce the effects of
four-wave mixing, unequal or increased
channel spacing may be considered.
Another problem encountered
in DWDM systems is dispersion. In an

5

Original Level
New Level
Power
λ1 λ2 λ3 λ4
optical system, different wavelengths and
polarizations do not travel at the same rate
through fiber. These different speeds of light
are commonly referred to as dispersion.
Dispersion broadens the signal as each of
these wavelengths arrives at different times.
A transmitted pulse also spreads as it travels
down the fiber, causing the signals to span
more wavelengths. Compounding that effect,
dispersion increases exponentially for
high-speed systems.
There are two types of dispersion
which affect DWDM systems; namely,
Chromatic Dispersion (CD) and Polarization
Mode Dispersion (PMD). CD is caused by a
variation of the index of refraction with
wavelength. The signal broadening that
results from dispersion causes crosstalk of
adjacent bits, and becomes a more serious
problem as the bit rate increases, as shown
in Figure 5. Polarization is a direct result of
asymmetries in optical fiber and occurs when
the electric-field vector of the wave is
perpendicular to the main direction of the
optical beam. PMD increases the likelihood
of bit errors and is a main concern in
OC-192 deployment since much of the
installed fiber base is non-dispersion shifted.
The end result for both types of dispersion is
a high Bit Error Rate (BER).
Power
Time
6
Peak power is the energy that lies
beneath the filter skirt of each laser line. Each
channel at every available interconnection
point should be measured to verify design
goals have been met and system power
Figure 4: flatness is within limits. Peak power is
particularly important in systems using
Four-wave mixing cascaded optical amplifiers, where gain tilt
has an important effect on the power in each
channel. In a properly functioning DWDM
system, power levels across subsequent
channels should remain constant without
Why Test DWDM Systems? significant fluctuation. When gain tilt is
present, channel power levels incrementally
Testing DWDM systems is imperative
increase, creating a linear-sloped gain. In
to qualify, maintain, and troubleshoot
some DWDM designs, a preset tilt is applied
high-speed transport networks and to
to the power level across channels to
determine any effects of four-wave mixing
counterbalance the gain tilt of typical optical
and dispersion. Since DWDM systems consist
amplifiers. See Figure 7. Some EDFAs
of complex modules, special measurement
require manual tuning for even power
techniques are required to characterize
distribution. By checking individual signal
components and network elements as a
levels, it is possible to detect whether each
function of wavelength.
channel is amplified. A channel with low
Accurate measurement of channel
power can result in bit errors on that channel.
wavelengths and channel spacing for a
See Figure 7.
DWDM system provides an indication of
Overall power is a summation (total
possible wavelength shifts for individual laser
input) of the power of combined lasers tested.
sources in the system. Shifted wavelengths can
Information about the overall power in the
cause crosstalk, resulting in bit errors. The
system is very important since, in DWDM
center wavelength of each channel must be
systems, it is critical to determine whether
measured precisely to ensure design
power exceeds the power budget, while
specifications are met and to detect
keeping in mind gain control performance
unacceptable drifts in laser sources. Drifts
of the EDFA.
in this parameter can be caused by factors
A key measurement for testing the
such as temperature change, back-reflection,
DWDM is SNR. SNR is defined as the ratio of
aging, and laser chirp phenomena. The laser
overall power measured at the wavelength of
source must be analyzed to ensure signals
the data signal and the optical noise power at
remain within their assigned wavelength
the same wavelength (see Figure 8). A low
limits, under all operating conditions. See
SNR correlates to a high BER. However, a high
Figure 6.
Power
Time
Crosstalk
Figure 5:
Chromatic dispersion
Power

ASE

Wavelength
— Channel Peak Power
– – – – Channel Center Wavelength
Figure 6: ASE = Amplified Spontaneous Emission

Wavelength shift analysis

Gain
Tilt
Power

ASE

Wavelength

Figure 7:
Gain tilt
Power

SNR

ASE

Wavelength

Figure 8:
SNR

7
SNR does not necessarily indicate a low BER
because of four-wave mixing (see Figure 4
on page 6) or dispersion (see Figure 5 on
page 6), both of which can cause a high SNR
and a high BER. It also characterizes the
optical noise level detected at the receiving
end of the dense WDM optical link. Therefore,
the ultimate test is end-to-end BER testing.
The decisive parameter in
determining the transmission quality of a
system is the BER in an end-to-end test.
Since DWDM systems typically carry
SONET/SDH framed traffic, a transmission
quality cover of 10-12 BER or better is
expected as per Bellcore GR2918 and
ITU-T G.692. The following approaches are
commonly used for BERT analysis. A lengthy
soak test is the most common approach for
qualifying DWDM systems.
Equipment Required
for Optical and
DWDM Testing
In order to perform this test, the
following equipment is required:
• Fiber Optic Cleaning Kit
(Model No. FO-Cleaner)
8
• Two T-BERD 310 test sets with these
options:
310-12 SONET OC-12 TX/RX
310-14R SONET STS-1, OC-1/3,
OC-3c RX
310-14T SONET STS-1, OC-1/3,
OC-3c TX
310-16 Optical Media Test
310-21 1300 nm SONET OC-48,
OC-48c TX/RX
310-22 DWDM Channel Monitor
• Four tags to label fiber jumpers
Equipment
Verification
To determine if the necessary options
are installed in your T-BERD 310, complete
the following steps:
1. Turn off the power to the test set.
2. Press and hold the MODE switch down
while turning power on.
3. Release the MODE switch when the first
hardware revision appears.
4. Press the MODE down arrow to scroll
through a list of installed boards and
options. Look for the appropriate
option code:
Optical Testing
OPTIC MEDIA TST OPT (310-16)
DWDM Testing w/OC-48
DWDM OPTION (310-22)
SONET OC-48 OPTION (310-21-1300/1550) or
OC-48 DUAL nm OPT (310-21-DUAL)
DWDM Testing w/OC-12
DWDM OPTION (310-22)
SONET OC-12 OPTION (310-12) or
OC-12 DUAL nm OPT (310-12-DUAL)
BER Testing w/OC-48
SONET OC-48 OPTION (310-21-1300/1550) or
OC-48 DUAL nm OPT (310-21-DUAL)
BER Testing w/OC-12
SONET OC-12 OPTION (310-12) or
OC-12 DUAL nm OPT
If the option is installed, the display
shows “Installed” or “Module Code = a
revision number”. If the option is not
installed, the option code may not appear or
shows “Not installed”. If the required option
is not installed, please call your local TTC
sales office or distributor listed on the back
cover, or call TAC at 1-800-638-2049.
Pre-Test Setup
Each test setup in this Application Note
assumes that the T-BERD 310 is restored to
factory default settings before testing begins.
Follow this procedure to restore all factory
default settings:
1. Turn off power to the test set.
2. Press and hold RESTART.
3. Turn on power. Look for the “RELOADING
NOVRAM” message. When the message
appears, release the RESTART button.
Factory default settings restore in about
60 seconds.
Optical Testing

A Testing Optical
s a rule, optical testing should be
done before other types of testing
because optical problems affect
other International Standards
Organization (ISO) layers. Additionally, since
handling fibers and connectors may invalidate
ORL and IL tests, optical tests should be
repeated after all other testing is completed.
The instructions in this application note are
written for the T-BERD 310-S SONET/ATM
User Interface as shown in Figure 9.
connectors and test set connectors. Tag
optical fibers with arbitrary TRANSMIT
Return Loss and RECEIVE designations.
2. At East and West, connect the fiber
The objective of this test is to designated TRANSMIT to the RETURN
verify ORL is within specification at the LOSS/SOURCE connector on the side
SONET transmitters. panel of the T-BERD 310. Leave the fiber
designated RECEIVE connected to the
SONET network element. It is important
Test Setup that this end of the fiber is closed. If the
1. Place a T-BERD 310 at each end of the network element is not available, connect
circuit and arbitrarily identify one as East the fiber directly into the POWER METER
and the other as West. Clean all fiber optic connector on the T-BERD 310. Figure 10
on the next page shows the proper
connections for this test.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10


T-BERD 310 C O M M U N I C AT I O N S A N A LY Z E R
ATM
CELL SYNC
SONET

SIGNAL PRESENT
CELL SYNC LOSS
FRAME SYNC
AIS RDI PATH PTR PRES
HISTORY VT PTR PRES
CONCAT PAYLOAD

DS3 SIGNAL LOSS

PRIMARY SECONDARY FRAME LOSS
SIGNAL PRESENT SECTION BIP
MODE PATTERN RESULTS I RESULTS II RESTART
SUMMARY FRAME SYNC
DS3 LASER LINE AIS
ENABLE DS3 C-BIT FRAME
SONET RX LINE RDI
LOGIC IDLE PRESENT
SONET TX LINE BIP
BPV DISPLAY DS2 FRAME SYNC
RATE PAYLOAD PARITY HOLD PATH AIS
PATTERN SYNC
SECONDARY SECONDARY PATH LOP
AUX FRAME
SIGNAL LOSS PATH RDI
SIGNAL
FRAME LOSS PATH BIP
11 INSERT DROP
TIME
DS2 FRAME LOSS VT AIS
SONET SONET DS3 PATTERN LOSS VT LOP
DS3-DS1 TRANSMIT TIMING TRANSMIT TIMING
BLUE (AIS) VT RDI
SECTION
SONET-VT INT INT YELLOW VT BIP
SONET-STS LINE
RECOVD RECOVD FAR-END ALARM PATH PTR ADJUST
DS1 BITS CLK PATH
EXIT POWER LOSS VT PTR ADJUST
PAYLOAD VT
HISTORY HISTORY
12 VOLUME
ERROR INSERT
ATM ALARM INSERT

LINE AIS VT AIS

INSERT SONET FRAME PATH BIP DS3 LOGIC HISTORY DS3 SOURCE
INSERT LINE RDI VT LOP RESET
13 SECTION BIP
LINE BIP
PATH FEBE
VT BIP
DS3 BPV
DS3 FRAME PATH AIS VT RDI DS3 TRANSMIT DS3 RECEIVE
EXT

PATH LOP ATM AIS

LINE FEBE VT FEBE ATM HEC SONET
PATH RDI ATM RDI

14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Legend:
1. Setup 12. Channel Control
2. MODE 13. INSERT
Figure 9: 3. PATTERN 14. DROP
4. LASER ENABLE button 15. ERROR INSERT button
The T-BERD 310
5. RESULTS I arrowed switch 16. SONET TRANSMIT TIMING
with SONET/ATM 6. RESULTS I blank switch 17. ERROR INSERT select switch
user interface 7. RESULTS II blank switch 18. ALARM INSERT button
8. RESULTS II arrowed switch 19. DS3 TRANSMIT TIMING
9. RESTART 20. ALARM INSERT select switch
10. DISPLAY HOLD 21. DS3 SOURCE
11. AUX

9
 West
T-BERD 310
(Side Panel)
SONET
Network
Element
Figure 10:
Connecting the T-BERD 310 to the
network to test optical return loss
3. At East and West, configure as follows:
Press AUX.
Press MODE; select OPTICAL TEST.
Press PATTERN;
select STABL SOURCE.
Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
select 1310 nm.
Press AUX to exit.
Test Results
1. At East and West, access the
following result:
Press RESULTS I blank switch;
select SIGNAL.
Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
select RETURN LOSS.
Verify the following result:
RETURN LOSS > 30 dB
2. Repeat Step 3 in Test Setup, selecting
1550 nm. Verify the following result:
RETURN LOSS > 30 dB
If any results fail, refer to Appendix B
on page 19 for troubleshooting tips. When
Testing Optical Return Loss results are all
okay, continue to Testing Insertion Loss.
10
East
Power Meter Power Meter
Return Loss/Source Return Loss/Source
T-BERD 310
Tx (Side Panel) Tx
Span SONET
Network
Element
Rx Rx
Testing Insertion Loss 3. At East and West, configure for
optical testing:
The objective of this test is to verify Press AUX.
that total IL is acceptable for the laser type Press MODE; select OPTICAL TEST.
and the receivers. Press PATTERN;
select STABL SOURCE.
Test Setup Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
1. Place a T-BERD 310 at each end of the select 1310 nm.
circuit and arbitrarily identify one as East Press PATTERN; select OPTICAL PWR.
and the other as West. Clean the fiber Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
optic connectors and test set connectors. select 1310 nm.
Tag the optical fibers with arbitrary Press AUX to exit.
TRANSMIT and RECEIVE designations.
2. At East and West, connect the fiber
designated RECEIVE to the POWER Test Results
METER connector on the side panel of the 1. At East and West, access the following
T-BERD 310. Verify that the fiber test result:
designated TRANSMIT is connected to the Press RESULTS I blank switch;
RETURN LOSS/SOURCE connector on the select SIGNAL.
side panel of the T-BERD 310. Figure 11
Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
shows the proper connections for this test.
select OPTICAL PWR.
Verify the following result:
OPTICAL PWR is between
-15.0 dBm and -25.0 dBm
2. Repeat Step 3 in Test Setup, selecting
1550 nm. Verify results.
3. Repeat ORL and IL tests in the opposite
direction. Re-tag cables and swap the
TRANSMIT and RECEIVE cables.
 West East

T-BERD 310 T-BERD 310

(Side Panel) Power Meter (Side Panel) Power Meter
Return Loss/Source Return Loss/Source

Tx Rx Tx
Rx

Span

Figure 11:
Connecting the T-BERD 310 to the
network to test for insertion loss

DWDM Testing

Testing the 6. Configure for SCAN MODE:

Press MODE; select WDM RX.
Optical Spectrum The peak threshold limit defines Press PATTERN; select MODE.
the minimum value of optical Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
The objective of this test is to verify
power required for peaks to select SCAN MODE.
overall and individual carrier measurements
be considered valid DWDM 7. Press AUX to exit.
through non-intrusive testing.
channels. Each laser line must
Test Setup: exceed the peak threshold limit. Test Results
1. Overall results:
310 Module Only It is determined by subtracting
Press RESULTS I switch;
1. Clean all fiber optic connectors and test the PEAK THRESHOLD value select SIGNAL.
set connectors. from the power of the largest Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
2. Connect the fiber from the system to the laser line. The default value for scroll through the following
side panel of the T-BERD 310. measurements:
PEAK THRESHOLD is 10 dB.
3. Configure receive signal as follows: WDM Channels
Press AUX. WDM Total Power (dBm)
Press MODE; select WDM RX. WDM AVG WAVE
5. Define PEAK EXCURSION: WDM AVG FREQ
Define UNITS:
Press RESULTS II arrowed switch; 2. Individual carrier results:
Press PATTERN; select UNITS. select EXCURSION value (which
Press RESULTS I arrowed switch; must be between 0 and 40 dB). Press AUX.
select nm or THz. Press MODE; select WDM RX.
4. Define PEAK THRESHOLD: Press PATTERN;
select CHANNEL.
Press PATTERN; select PEAK.
The PEAK EXCURSION defines Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
select THRESHOLD value (which the rise and fall in amplitude select the desired channel.
must be between 0 and 40 dB). Press AUX to exit.
that must take place for a
Press RESULTS I switch;
laser line to be recognized. select SIGNAL.
The default value for
PEAK EXCURSION is 15 dB.

11
 Press RESULTS I arrowed switch; 7. Configure the user interface as follows:
scroll through the following Define UNITS:
measurements: The PEAK EXCURSION defines
Select nm or THz.
WDM Channel Wavelength (nm) the rise and fall in amplitude
WDM Channel Frequency (THz) Define PEAK THRESHOLD:
WDM Channel Power (dBm) Enter value between 0 dB and 40 dB. that must take place for a
WDM Channel SNR (dB) laser line to be recognized.
3. Repeat steps for subsequent individual The default value for PEAK
carrier wavelengths. EXCURSION is 15 dB.
The peak threshold limit defines
Test Setup: the minimum value of optical
power required for peaks to
310 Module w/Laptop 7. Scan Waveform
1. Set Baud Rate: be considered valid DWDM Press RESTART SCAN button
Press AUX. channels. Each laser line must on the PC GUI.
Press MODE; select PRINT. exceed the peak threshold limit. After the waveform updates
(approx. 25 secs. due to Baud rate);
Press PATTERN; It is determined by subtracting
select BAUD RATE. select STOP SCAN.
the PEAK THRESHOLD value
Select 9600.
2. Clean all the fiber optic connectors and
from the power of the largest Test Results
test set connectors. laser line. The default value for 1. Select the desired wavelength:
3. Connect the fiber from the system to the PEAK THRESHOLD is 10 dB. Using table on PC software GUI,
side panel of the T-BERD 310. scroll to desired wavelength
4. Connect the PC to the T-BERD 310 via an and click to select. (See Figure 12.)
RS-232 cable. Define PEAK EXCURSION:
5. Double click on the DWDM icon to run
Enter value between 1 dB and 30 dB.
the program.
6. Verify the connection. The LED on the PC
screen will turn green. A red LED indicates
no connection.

Figure 12:
DWDM scan mode

12
End-to-End useful for system verification. The
real-case scenario of this method,
loads. But while this method provides the
best balance of cost and time effectiveness,

BER Testing however, is that sectionalization can

The four methods described in
the following paragraphs are applicable
for non-transponder-based systems whose
access is provided at the tributary level of
the add-drop MUX.
• Daisy Chain. At first glance, the Daisy
Chain method could be seen as the most
cost effective and time-efficient method of
testing because it allows complete testing
of the system. In theory, the Daisy Chain
method generates a SONET signal through
the DWDM span using a single test set. The
output is looped back to the receiver on
the far-end of another channel, sending
the SONET signal back to the near-end.
Each output is cabled to each receiver in
turn until the last channel is connected to
the receiver of the test set. This method is
be very time consuming if a problem
is found. Each section must be tested
separately, and the inability to load up
each channel during sectionalization
testing may not cause the impairments
that led to the original failure. Moreover,
not all DWDM systems have enough
signal strength from each selector for the
receiver to recover the signal, disallowing
the daisy chain method. These factors
limit the effectiveness of this method.
(See Figure 13.) In addition, typically
no more than seven channels can be daisy
chained at the same time.
• Multi-channel BERT. This technique
employs a single SONET transmitter with
an optical splitter to load all channels of
the DWDM MUX. Here, all channels are
loaded (causing impairments), and
impairments are detected as each channel
impairments that occur at the same time
on multiple channels are not detectable,
also limiting the effectiveness of this
approach. (See Figure 14.)
• Multiple Receiver. This method often
provides the best solution for accuracy
and efficiency. It uses one transmitter
with an optical splitter and an optional
EDFA (to boost output power if required)
to load all channels of the DWDM MUX.
All channels are loaded simultaneously,
allowing impairments from other
channels. On the receiver end, multiple
receivers monitor each receiver
concurrently during the soak test and
allow BERT measurements to be made
simultaneously. This approach significantly
reduces test time and is the most effective
in locating problems, but it also requires
significant test equipment investment.
(See Figure 15.)

Transponder Selector
Rx Tx Rx Tx
1 1
Rx Tx 2 2
Test Set 3 Optical Optical 3
MUX Demux
16 EDFA EDFA 16

Selector
Transponder
Tx Rx
1 Tx Rx
1
2
2
3
Optical Optical 3
MUX Demux
16
16 16

Figure 13:
Daisy chain testing

Transponder Selector

λ1 Test Set
λ1
Rx

Test Set Tx Splitter EDFA

Optical Rx
Optical
MUX Demux
EDFA
(optional Rx
depending on λn
signal strength) λn
Rx

Figure 14:
Multi-channel BERT with
single transmit and receive testing

13
 Transponder Selector
Test Set
λ1
λ1 λ1
Rx
Test Set
EDFA
Test Set Tx Splitter Rx
Optical Optical
MUX Demux Test Set
EDFA
(optional Rx
depending on λn
signal strength) λn Test Set
λn
Rx

Figure 15:
Multiple receiver testing

• Single Channel. This process loads a

single channel with a BERT pattern one
at a time. End-to-end, or loopback, is
useful for testing a single wavelength that
is being added to an existing system with Transponder Selector
live traffic. However, testing a single Test Set Test Set
channel at a time is not recommended λ1 λ1
Tx Rx
for turning up a DWDM system since
EDFA
wavelengths are not loaded simultaneously Tx Rx
Optical Optical
and may not produce nor allow detection MUX Demux
of impairments from other channels. (See Tx Rx
λn
Figure 16.)
λn
Tx Rx
Test Setup
1. Determine which of the above mentioned
methods is applicable.
Figure 16:
2. Clean all the fiber optic connectors and
test set connectors. Tag the optical fibers Single channel testing
with TRANSMIT and RECEIVE designations
as shown in Figure 17.
3. If only one test set is available, the fiber
marked RECEIVE should be connected
from the T-BERD 310 receiver to the
network element transmitter, and the
fiber marked TRANSMIT should be
connected from the network element
receiver to the T-BERD 310 transmitter,
as seen in Figures 13 and 14 on page Power From the
Meter Network Element
13. If more than one test set is available,
place a T-BERD 310 at each end of the T-BERD 310
Rx
circuit to emulate SONET network (Side Panel)
equipment. Figures 15 and 16 show the
location of the test sets in relation to the
network. One side will be arbitrarily
Figure 17:
designated West and the other East to
facilitate test instructions. Connections to the T-BERD 310
4. At East and West, connect the fibers for testing optical power
marked RECEIVE to one of the following
T-BERD 310 side-panel connectors:
OC-1/3 RECEIVE, OC-12 RECEIVE,
or OC-48 RECEIVE, depending on the
test access rate.

14
5. At East and West, connect the fibers
marked TRANSMIT to one of the following STS-1 Transmit
to the Network Element
T-BERD 310 side-panel connectors:
OC-1/3 TRANSMIT, OC-12 TRANSMIT, OC-48 Transmit To the
or OC-48 TRANSMIT, depending on the Network Element
test access rate. From the STS-1 Receive OC-12 Transmit To the
Network Element Network Element
6. Ensure the test connections are as shown
in Figure 18. T-BERD 310
7. Verify the LED above the side panel (Side Panel)
OC-1/3 RECEIVE, OC-12 RECEIVE, or
OC-12 Receive From the
OC-48 RECEIVE connector is illuminated From the Network Element
if the signal is optical. Network Element OC-1/3 Receive
OC-48 Receive From the
8. At East and West, configure transmit Network Element
signals as follows: OC-1/3 Transmit
to the Network Element
Press Setup switch; select SONET TX.
Press MODE; select signal rate
(STS-1 or OC-1/3/12/48). Figure 18:
Verify the LASER ENABLE button is
illuminated if the signal is optical. Connections for testing SONET path continuity
Press PATTERN; select DS1 ASYN
INT, DS3 ASYN INT, CONCAT(3c),
CONCAT(12c), or CONCAT(48c).
Press SONET TRANSMIT TIMING;
select DS1 BITS CLK. 11. At West, configure the transmitted path 2. At East and West, examine the
trace message as follows: SONET LEDs.
Press AUX. Verify no red LEDs are illuminated.
Press MODE; select SONET TX. Verify the following SONET LEDs are
This requires an external clock
Press PATTERN; select PATH TRACE. illuminated (green):
source, synchronized to the
Press RESULTS I arrowed switch; SIGNAL PRESENT, FRAME SYNC, and PATH PTR
SONET network, to be connected select USER 3. PRES and also VT PTR PRES will illuminate if a DS1
to the bantam DS1 BITS CLOCK Press AUX to exit. payload is being tested, CONCAT PAYLOAD will
connector on the side panel of 12. If the transmit signal is OC-3/12/48 with illuminate if OC-3c/12c/48c is being tested.
a DS1 or DS3 payload at East and West, 3. At East and West,
the T-BERD 310. If a clock is not
select the STS-1 channel as follows: Press RESULTS I blank switch;
available, then RECOVD timing
Press Channel Control switch; select SUMMARY.
can be used, but only if it can be select SONET-STS. Verify RESULTS I window indicates
verified that the device under Press DROP switch; select the STS-1 “ALL RESULTS OK”.
test is timed to the BITS clock. channel which maps the DS1 or 4. At East and West, verify timing of the
DS3 payload. signal as follows:
Press INSERT switch; select the same Press DISPLAY HOLD.
STS-1 channel as above. Press RESULTS II blank switch;
9. If testing DS1, perform this step.
Otherwise, skip this step and proceed 13. For all signal rates, at East and West, select SECTION.
to Step 10. configure receive signals as follows: Press RESULTS II arrowed switch;
At East and West, configure the transmit Press DS3 SOURCE; select SONET. select SON RX FREQ.
signal using the 310-1 lid Press Setup switch; select SONET RX. Verify the result is within the range
as follows: Press MODE; select signal rate (STS-1 according to the following table,
Press 310-1 MODE; select T1 D4. or OC-1/3/12/48). depending on the line rate.
Press 310-1 PATTERN; select 3 IN 24. Press PATTERN; select AUTO.
Press 310-1 TRANSMIT TIMING; 14. Verify ds1 asyn, ds3 asyn, or concat(3c) Line Rate Min. Freq Max. Freq
select INTERNAL. is displayed (as selected in Step 9). (Hz) (Hz)
10. At East, configure transmitted path trace
message as follows: Test Results STS-1/OC-1 51,838,963 51,841,037
Press AUX. 1. At East and West, verify the LED
OC-3 155,516,890 155,523,110
Press MODE; select SONET TX. above the side panel OC-1/3/12/48
Press PATTERN; select PATH TRACE. RECEIVE connector is illuminated if OC-12 622,067,558 622,092,442
Press RESULTS I arrowed switch; the signal is optical.
select USER 1. OC-48 2,488,279,234 2,488,369,766
Press AUX to exit.
Press DISPLAY HOLD.

15
 5. At East and West,
Press RESULTS II blank switch;
select LINE.
Press RESULTS II arrowed switch.
Verify the following results:
POINTER JUST = 0
POINTER DATA = stable, any value from 0 to 782
6. At West, verify path configuration
as follows:
Press RESULTS II blank switch;
select PATH.
Press RESULTS II arrowed switch;
select PATH TRACE.
Verify the result indicates:
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
1234567890!@#$%*
7. At East, verify path configuration
as follows:
Press RESULTS II blank switch;
select PATH.
Press RESULTS II arrowed switch;
select PATH TRACE.
Verify the result indicates:
T-BERD 310: Communications Analyzer
for SONET, DS3, DS1, & DS0
8. At East and West,
Press RESTART to initiate test. Allow
to run undisturbed for at least
30 minutes.
9. At East and West, verify results
as follows:
Press RESULTS II blank switch;
select PATH.
Press RESULTS II arrowed switch;
verify results:
PATH EQU BER is less than 1.0 E-10
PATH BIP ES = 0
PATH BIP ESB = 0 If the termination point and
PATH BIP SES = 0 the monitoring point at the
PATH UAS = 0
mid-span are not co-located,
Press RESULTS II blank switch;
select LINE. then two T-BERD 310s will be
Press RESULTS II arrowed switch; needed for this test (one at the
verify results: West side and the other at the
POINTER JUST = 0 East side).
POINTER NDF = 0
LINE EQU BER is less than 1.0 E-10
LINE BIP ES = 0
LINE BIP ESB = 0 Test Setup
LINE BIP SES = 0 1. Clean all the fiber optic connectors and
LINE UAS = 0 test set connectors. Tag optical fibers with
10. At East and West, TRANSMIT and RECEIVE designations as
shown in Figure 17 on page 14.
Verify no HISTORY LEDs or red LEDs
are illuminated. 2. At East, the fiber marked RECEIVE
should be connected from the
Verify RESULTS I window indicates
T-BERD 310 DWDM input port to the
“ALL RESULTS OK”.
EDFA monitor jack.
3. At West, the fiber marked TRANSMIT
should be connected from the
OC-1/3/12/48 system receiver to the
Mid-Span T-BERD 310 transmitter.
BER Testing 4. At West, connect a fiber cable from
the channel output connector to the
The objective of this test is to provide T-BERD 310 side-panel connectors:
the capability to filter out a single channel and OC-1/3 RECEIVE, OC-12 RECEIVE,
locate the source of the impairment in a DWDM or OC-48 RECEIVE, depending on the
system. An optional EDFA may be required if the test access rate.
individual signal strength is -19 dBm or less.
(See Figure 19).

West East

Transponder Selector

Test Set Test Set

λ1
λ1 Rx
Tx

Tx Optical Rx
Optical
MUX Demux

Tx Rx
λn
Test Set
λn
Tx Rx

= Amplifiers may be necessary to boost power

Figure 19:
Mid-span BER testing

16
5. At East, configure receive signal
as follows:
Press AUX.
Press MODE; select WDM RX.
Define UNITS:
Press PATTERN; select UNITS.
Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
select NM or THz.
Define PEAK THRESHOLD and
PEAK EXCURSION:
Press PATTERN; select PEAK.
Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
select THRESHOLD value (which
must be between 0 and 40 dB).
The peak threshold limit defines
the minimum value of optical
power required for peaks to
be considered valid DWDM
channels. Each laser line must
exceed the peak threshold limit.
It is determined by subtracting
the PEAK THRESHOLD value
from the power of the largest
laser line. The default value for
PEAK THRESHOLD is 10 dB.
Press RESULTS II arrowed switch;
select EXCURSION value (which
must be between 0 and 40 dB).
The PEAK EXCURSION defines
the rise and fall in amplitude
that must take place for a
laser line to be recognized.
The default value for
PEAK EXCURSION is 15 dB.
6. Configure for DROP MODE:
Press MODE; select WDM RX.
Press PATTERN; select CHANNEL, and
press RESULTS I arrowed switch
until desired wavelength displays.
Press PATTERN; select MODE.
Press RESULTS I arrowed switch;
select DROP MODE.
Press AUX to exit.
7. Ensure the test connections are as shown
in Figure 18 on page 15.
Test Results
1. At West, insert Line BIP errors as follows:
Press ERROR INSERT select switch;
select LINE BIP.
Press ERROR INSERT button five
times to insert Line BIP Errors.
Verify no red LEDs are illuminated.
Examine the SUMMARY category. Verify
the following error is shown:
LINE FEBE = 5
2. At West, configure to insert AIS alarm
as follows:
Press RESTART.
Press ALARM INSERT select switch;
select LINE AIS.
Press ALARM INSERT button.
Verify the SONET NE goes into alarm
and generates required local alarms.
Verify remote management center
alarms, if applicable.
Verify only the LINE RDI LED (red)
is illuminated.
3. At East, verify AIS results as follows:
PATH PTR PRES is not illuminated.
CONCAT PAYLOAD is not illuminated
(only applicable for concatenated
OC-3c/12c).
PATH AIS is illuminated.
4. At West, cancel LINE AIS alarm as follows:
Press ALARM INSERT button so it
is not illuminated.
5. At East and West, verify network clean-
up as follows:
Press RESTART.
After five minutes, verify the SUMMARY
category window indicates “ALL
RESULTS OK”.
Verify the SONET NE clears alarms.
(You may need to wait several
minutes for the network to
cancel alarms).
6. At West, remove the fiber from the
OC-1/3/12/48 TRANSMIT connector,
clean it and connect to the OUT jack of
the SONET NE. Remove the fiber from
the OC-1/3/12/48 RECEIVE connector,
clean it and connect to the IN jack of
the SONET NE.
7. At West, remove the fiber designator
tags used during tests. Verify any new
equipment that is installed (such as
customer premises’ equipment) is
configured with the proper timing.
17
Appendix A:
Troubleshooting Tips for Optical Testing
T
his appendix provides a list
of items to check when your
test setup or test results do
not match what is described in
this application note.
Trouble Found
OPTICAL PWR result is
“NO SIGNAL”
RETURN LOSS is too low
(less than 30 dB)
OPTICAL PWR is too low
(between -25.0 dB and
-55.0 dB or less)
OPTICAL PWR is too high
(between -10.0 dB and
-15.0 dB)
18
Items to Check
Indicates received power is too low to be detected.
• Verify fiber marked RECEIVE is connected to the POWER METER connector on side panel of
T-BERD 310.
• Replace possibly defective optical patch cord.
• Verify optical connector keys are lined up at both ends of the jumper cable.
• Verify opposite end of fiber is connected to the RETURN LOSS/SOURCE connector on the
T-BERD 310. The LED above that connector should illuminate.
• Try another fiber.
Indicates too much light is reflected in the span. The ratio of the power of the outgoing signal
measured against the power of the signal reflected back shows impedance discontinuity.
• Other end of fiber may be open. This can cause a large air-to-glass reflection. Ensure the end
of the fiber is closed.
• The reflection needs to be attenuated. One way to cause attenuation is to use a mandrel wrap
on the fiber. Wind the fiber five times around an object (like a pencil) close to the RETURN
LOSS/SOURCE connector. If the return loss result improves (gets higher), the bulk of
reflections are downstream from the mandrel wrap. If result does not improve, then the
largest reflection occurs upstream of the mandrel wrap. Clean the test set connector, ensure
the connection is secure, and polish or replace the fiber.
• Verify fibers are clean. Polish if necessary.
• Verify test set connectors are properly cleaned.
• Verify connector keys are properly aligned.
• If problem persists, scan the fiber with an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) and
repair faults.
Indicates too much light is lost across the span. This optical power loss can cause intermittent
errors because insufficient power is reaching the receiver.
• Verify fibers are clean. Polish if necessary.
• Verify test set connectors are properly cleaned.
• Verify connector keys are properly aligned.
• If problem persists, scan the fiber with an OTDR and repair faults.
• Replace the fiber.
Indicates not enough light is lost across the span. This reading could indicate intermittent errors
because excess power is crossing the span, saturating the receiver.
• Install an attenuator and adjust until power measurements fall within acceptable limits.
Table 1:
Optical testing troubleshooting tips
Appendix B:
Troubleshooting Tips for DWDM Testing
T
his appendix provides a list
of items to check when your
test setup or test results do
not match what is described
in this application note.
Trouble Found
Number of channels found
does not correspond to
number of system wavelengths
PEAK POWER of all channels
is too low (based on
manufacturer’s specification)
PEAK POWER of a specific
channel is too low (based on
manufacturer’s specification)
Inaccurate CHANNEL
CENTER WAVELENGTH
SNR <20 dB (or below
manufacturer’s specification)
for all wavelengths
SNR <20 dB (or below
manufacturer’s specification)
for specific wavelength
Items to Check
Indicates channels are not within PEAK EXCURSION and/or PEAK THRESHOLD range.
• Verify channels are within 1528 nm to 1565 nm range (based on manufacturer’s design).
• If number of channels is too low, increase PEAK THRESHOLD and/or decrease PEAK
EXCURSION levels.
• If number of channels is too high, decrease PEAK THRESHOLD and/or increase PEAK
EXCURSION levels.
Indicates a system-wide power loss.
• Verify fibers are clean. Polish if necessary.
• Verify test set connectors are properly cleaned.
• Verify connector keys are properly aligned.
• Verify span amplification.
• Verify amplifier tuning.
• Verify power level of initial SONET signal.
Indicates a channel-specific power loss.
• Verify fibers are clean. Polish if necessary.
• Verify test set connectors are properly cleaned.
• Verify connector keys are properly aligned.
• Verify power level of a specific channel.
• Verify span amplification.
• Verify power level of initial SONET signal.
Indicates improper laser tuning.
• Verify CHANNEL CENTER WAVELENGTH (is correct according to manufacturer’s specifications).
• Consult system manufacturer for possible explanation.
Indicates excessive or improper amplification, or optical amplifier malfunction.
• Verify span amplification.
• Verify amplifier tuning.
• Verify power level of the initial SONET signal.
Indicates a decreased power level for a specific channel.
• Verify power level of a specific channel.
• Verify span amplification.
• Verify power level of the initial SONET signal.
Table 2:
DWDM testing troubleshooting tips
19
 Trouble Found
Daisy Chain—Bit errors
are detected at SONET layer
End-to-end BERT—Bit
errors are detected at
SONET layer
Mid-span BERT—dB level
cannot be recovered at
SONET layer
20
Items to Check
Indicates too many channels may be daisy chained (TTC recommends <7 channels).
• Verify fibers are clean. Polish if necessary.
• Verify test set connectors are properly cleaned.
• Verify connector keys are properly aligned.
• Reduce number of channels being daisy chained.
• Sectionalize errors via end-to-end BERT using the T-BERD 310 SONET capabilities.
• Verify fibers are clean. Polish if necessary.
• Verify test set connectors are properly cleaned.
• Verify connector keys are properly aligned.
• Sectionalize errors via mid-span BERT with DWDM drop capabilities.
Indicates there is not enough signal power on the dropped channel.
• Verify fibers are clean. Polish if necessary.
• Verify test set connectors are properly cleaned.
• Verify connector keys are properly aligned.
• Verify signal power level using the optical power meter on the Optical Media Test
Option (310-16).
Input Power Ranges
OC-1/3 -7 dBm to -35 dBm
OC-12 -8 dBm to -26 dBm
OC-48 -9 dBm to -28 dBm
• Amplify the signal where necessary to ensure sufficient signal power.
Table 2:
DWDM testing troubleshooting tips
(continued)
Appendix C:
Nominal Central Frequencies
(Taken from ITU-T Recommendation G.692)

Frequencies (THz) for spacings Frequencies (THz) for spacings Wavelengths (nm)
of 50 GHz of 100 GHZ and above

196.10 196.10 1528.77

196.05 – 1529.16
196.00 196.00 1529.55
195.95 – 1529.94
195.90 195.90 1530.33
195.85 – 1530.72
195.80 195.80 1531.12
195.75 – 1531.51
195.70 195.70 1531.90
195.65 – 1532.29
195.60 195.60 1532.68
195.55 – 1533.07
195.50 195.50 1533.47
195.45 – 1533.86
195.40 195.40 1534.25
195.35 – 1534.64
195.30 195.30 1535.04
195.25 – 1535.43
195.20 195.20 1535.82
195.15 – 1536.22
195.10 195.10 1536.61
195.05 – 1537.00
195.00 195.00 1537.40
194.95 – 1537.79
194.90 194.90 1538.19
194.85 – 1538.58
194.80 194.80 1538.98
194.75 – 1539.37
194.70 194.70 1539.77
194.65 – 1540.16
194.60 194.60 1540.56
194.55 – 1540.95
194.50 194.50 1541.35
194.45 – 1541.75
194.40 194.40 1542.14
194.35 – 1542.54
194.30 194.30 1542.94
194.25 – 1543.33
194.20 194.20 1543.73
194.15 – 1544.13
194.10 194.10 1544.53
194.05 – 1544.92
194.00 194.00 1545.32
193.95 – 1545.72
193.90 193.90 1546.12

Table 3:
Nominal central frequencies 21
 Frequencies (THz) for spacings Frequencies (THz) for spacings Wavelengths (nm)
of 50 GHz of 100 GHZ and above

193.85 – 1546.52
193.80 193.80 1546.92
193.75 – 1547.32
193.70 193.70 1547.72
193.65 – 1548.11
193.60 193.60 1548.51
193.55 – 1548.91
193.50 193.50 1549.32
193.45 – 1549.72
193.40 193.40 1550.12
193.35 – 1550.52
193.30 193.30 1550.92
193.25 – 1551.32
193.20 193.20 1551.72
193.15 – 1552.12
193.10 193.10 1552.52
193.05 – 1552.93
193.00 193.00 1553.33
192.95 – 1553.73
192.90 192.90 1554.13
192.85 – 1554.54
192.80 192.80 1554.94
192.75 _ 1555.34
192.70 192.70 1555.75
192.65 – 1556.15
192.60 192.60 1556.55
192.55 – 1556.96
192.50 192.50 1557.36
192.45 – 1557.77
192.40 192.40 1558.17
192.35 – 1558.58
192.30 192.30 1558.98
192.25 – 1559.39
192.20 192.20 1559.79
192.15 – 1560.20
192.10 192.10 1560.61
192.05* – 1561.01*
192.00* 192.00* 1561.42*
191.95* – 1561.83*
191.90* 191.90* 1562.23*
191.85* – 1562.64*
191.80* 191.80* 1563.05*
191.75* – 1563.45*
191.70* 191.70* 1563.86*
191.65* – 1564.27*
191.60* 191.60* 1564.68*

*These figures are extrapolated.

Table 3:
Nominal central frequencies
(continued)

Copyright 2000, TTC, a division of Dynatech, LLC. All rights reserved. TTC and T-BERD are registered trademarks of TTC. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the
property of their repective owners. Specifications, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.
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Notes:

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 World Headquarters
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