Comparative Analysis on Fault Detection Techniques in Fiber Optics Communication Links

Abstract

One of the major challenges in fiber optics communication links is the maintenance of steady or uninterrupted network which include localization and identification of cable fault or break. Optical Time Domain Reflectometer, OTDR, is one of the methods or techniques used in fault detection on fiber links. However, this technique presents some challenges among which is fading of precision and accuracy due to increased variations of the distances measured which leads to more uncertainty in fault localization. In order to solve this problem, an algorithm was proposed and implemented which gives the actual locations of fault/break on earth. Results obtained from both the OTDR and the algorithm was compared and analyzed using a statistics and data analyzing software (STATA). A perfect correlation (r =1) of the measured distance by OTDR and the actual location of fault from the algorithm was obtained. Also, a probability value, “P value”, of 0.9992 with 95% Confidence Interval obtained using STATA in the analysis of the measured distance from OTDR and the actual location of fault implies no significant difference. This authenticates the accuracy of the algorithm in locating the actual location of faults in fibers on earth which will be of great benefit to fiber optics engineers.