Patent ID: 7756418
Filing Date: 2010-07-13
Classification: H04B,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of measuring attenuation of an optical fiber having a first end and a second end, comprising the steps of: connecting with a first jumper a first test apparatus at said first end of said optical fiber, a reference loss value for at least said first jumper being accessible to said first test apparatus; connecting with a second jumper a second test apparatus at said second end of said optical fiber, a reference loss value for at least said second jumper being accessible to said second test apparatus; performing a synchronization between said first test apparatus and said second test apparatus, said synchronization including sending a digital signal representing a plurality of test wavelengths from said first test apparatus to said second test apparatus; transmitting at least one continuous wave test signal from said first test apparatus acting as a transmitter by way of said optical fiber to said second test apparatus acting as a receiver, said at least one continuous wave test signal having a specified wavelength; receiving at said second test apparatus said at least one continuous wave test signal; measuring an apparent strength of said at least one continuous wave test signal received at said second test apparatus; subtracting from said apparent strength of said received at least one continuous wave test signal said reference loss value for at least said second jumper connected to said second test apparatus; digitally communicating from said second test apparatus to said first test apparatus a value representing said apparent strength of said received at least one continuous wave test signal less said reference loss value for at least said jumper connected to said second test apparatus; as necessary, depending on the referencing method used to measure said reference loss values for said first jumper and said second jumper, subtracting at said first test apparatus a reference loss value for said first jumper to provide a resultant value; and as necessary, communicating said resultant value digitally to said second test apparatus; whereby, said first test apparatus and said second test apparatus each has available for display an attenuation value for said optical fiber measured from said first end to said second end.