What instrument is used for testing of fiber spans and includes loss per kilometer and a total distance of span measurements?

The correct choice for testing fiber spans, including measurements such as loss per kilometer and total distance, is the optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR). An OTDR is specifically designed to send pulses of light into a fiber optic cable and then measure the light that is reflected back. This capability allows it to assess the integrity of the fiber, identify splices, connections, and measure loss over distance.

The OTDR can effectively provide a graphical representation of the fiber's performance along its entire length, making it an invaluable tool for locating faults, measuring loss, and ensuring that the fiber optic link meets the required standards. The data it gathers can be used to calculate loss per kilometer, which is essential for understanding the overall efficiency of the fiber span.

Other instruments, while useful for various fiber optic testing tasks, do not combine the specific functionalities of distance measurements and loss per kilometer analysis in the same comprehensive manner as the OTDR. For instance, optical loss test sets primarily focus on measuring power loss between two points but don’t provide detailed distance information. Optical spectrum analyzers are used to examine the optical power spectrum of wavelengths but are not designed for distance or loss measurements. Optical channel checkers are generally used for testing channel integrity and connectivity, which does not