nbn™ FTTC (Fibre-to-the-Curb) Test Methods and Topology
We are here to assist you in understanding the nbn™ FTTC (Fibre-to-the-Curb) Testing requirements, providing specialised
Test Equipment, Safety equipment, and Tools to Install and Maintain the nbn™ FTTC Fibre and Copper infrastructure and Network
Breakout Joint Location (BJL)
Located in the Local Fibre Network (LFN)
Flexible Joint Location (FJL)
Distribution Joint Location (DJL)
Located in the Distribution Fibre Network (DFN)
When installing a new optical network it's imperative that a "baseline record" of optical link quality is recorded measuring optical loss characteristics of all links, and optical power levels. Creating a "baseline" results assist
in maintaining, and troubleshooting issues that may arise after end users are connected to the network.
In nbn™'s Distribution Fibre Network (DFN) and Local Fibre Network (LFN), Uni-directional testing is performed using an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) to characterise the optical link at both 1310nm and 1625nm wavelengths.
An OTDR sends thousands of pulses of light into a fibre at these wavelengths to create a Trace. This trace shows "events" in optical cable, relating to optical length, splice loss, and "macro bending".
So why test at both 1310nm and 1625nm wavelengths?
By comparing the Trace of the 1310nm and 1625nm this highlights macro bending. Macrobend loss refers to losses induced in bends in the fibre predominately caused when manipulating
the physical fibre inside splice closures - Breakout Joint Location (BJL), Flexible Joint Location (FJL) and Distribution Joint Location (DJL).
For more detailed information, we would recommend reading "Macrobend Detection Using an OTDR"
VIAVI MTS-4000 Tri-band OTDR
The VIAVI MTS-4000 Tri-band OTDR includes 1310nm, 1550nm & 1625nm wavelengths to meet both NBN and Telstra OTDR fibre testing requirements.
Smart Link Mapper
The VIAVI Smart Link Mapper (SLM) comes as standard on the all VIAVI OTDRs and provides a block diagram overview of the trace. This excellent function helps the user breakdown the trace with icons for Splitters,
connectors and bends.
The VIAVI MTS-2000 or MTS-4000 is the only OTDR currently on the market that will display the trace and SLM view on the screen at the same time.
Smart Assistant
The OTDR settings need to be changed depending on where you are testing on the Distribution or Local Fibre Network. Smart Assistant allows the user to select the section they are working on and will automatically configure the OTDR
to the NBN documents.
Testing Through Splitters
The NBN Architecture 3 Network now comprises of Splitters which are housed in the FJL, BJL or the SMP. These splitters can be problematic for taking OTDR traces. If the OTDR is only designed to test from point to point then you will
have errors with the results given from the OTDR.
The Viavi MTS-2000 and MTS-4000 can be configured to test through the splitters allowing the user to test from the DPU all the way back to the exchange if required.
Launch Leads - What are they and why are they used?
Launch leads are an essential accessory to be used with the OTDR when testing a Fibre Network.
The launch lead places the Fibre under test far enough from the connector of the OTDR to prevent any errors caused by a possible dead zone.
For NBN a minimum of 150 metre Fibre Launch Lead must be used. and for 1,000 metres for other carriers such as Telstra.
150m Launch Lead, Singlemode
The PH Palden LL-ECO-150M is an ideal 150m long launch lead with SC/A Singlemode connectors for your NBN OTDR testing needs
VIAVI MTS-2000 Tri-band OTDR
The VIAVI MTS-2000 Tri-band OTDR includes 1310nm, 1550nm & 1625nm wavelengths to meet both NBN and Telstra OTDR fibre testing requirements.
Connecting to Optitap / Optitip ports for Testing
If you need to connect a PON meter or OTDR to the Multiport then you will need a OptiTap Adaptor. Your choice is a SCA/ HC Male and a SCA/ HC Female adapter.
OptiTap to SC/APC Adapter (FEMALE)
SC/APC to Optitap
2m Patch Lead (MALE)
Why and where are they used?
Tests 1310 nm upstream, 1490/1550 nm downstream
VIAVI OLP-87-FTTC-BV PON Meter
This VIAVI OLP-87 Package is TMG's Best Value Package. This PON Meter will test 1310nm, and 1490/1550nm downstream wavelengths.
The MAJOR benefit of the OLP-87 is that you can plug in a P5000i USB Fibre Connector Microscope (sold separately - special price when buying the OLP-87) and
conduct PASS/FAIL Analysis AND save the inspection result.
Kingfisher KI6102AA-APC PON Meter
Good quality, ruggardised PON Meter. This PON Meter will test 1310nm, and 1490/1550nm downstream wavelengths.
90% of faults in the fibre network are caused by bad connections.
This could be caused by a bad splice or a contaminated connector. As per the NBN document NBN-TE-CTO-376. It is vital; that the female and male sides of any fibre are cleaned and inspected (however new or old the fibre or connector is)
before mating together or irreversible damage is caused causing more time and money to resolve.
For Fibre-to-the-Curb (FTTC), you will need to INSPECT ALL of the following;
- the Ribbon 12F Optitip,
- the Opti Tap Femaie / Male of the Bulkhead connector (see below), and
- the single fibre SC/APC drop cable being terminated at the DPU.
Specialised Optitap and Optitip Inspection Probe Tips
VIAVI FBPT-COD-L
Tip, OptiTap Single Fibre for Fibre Inspection Probe
VIAVI P5000i USB Fibre Connector Face Inspection Microscope
The P5000i makes it fast and easy to certify that every connection in your network is clear and optimized
Easily connect to an OLP-87 PON Meter, MTS-2000 or MTS-4000 OTDR, HST-3000, ONX-580, ONX-620/630 or laptop/PC via USB without the need for any additional adapters.
Splicing is required at each Splitter in the Fibre in the Local Fibre Network (LFN) and Distribution Fibre Network (DFN) parts of the Network.
Whether you are splicing Ribbon Fibre in the Distribution Fibre Network (DFN) or the de-ribbonised Fibre in the Local Fibre Network (LFN) it is important to choose a splicer with high accuracy (Low Insertion Loss) and that is quick and easy to
use.
Local Fibre Network (LFN)
Single Core Alignment Splicing is required
Sumitomo Type-72C
High Definition Single Core Aligning Fusion Splicer
To carry out splicing at the FJL or the BJL the Ribbon Fibre needs to be firstly de-ribbonised into single fibres.
Each Fibre needs to be prepared, cleaved, spliced with precision to ensure minimum loss over the splice.
The Sumitomo 72C (pictured) uses the latest in technology to line up the fibre with precision and will out the splice in seconds.
Distribution Fibre Network (DFN)
Ribbon Splicing is required
Sumitomo Type-71M
Mass Ribbon Fusion Splicer
The Sumitomo 71M Ribbon Splicer (pictured) is able to splice both ribbon and single core fibre.
This allows the user to Splice at the DJL using the 12 Ribbon Fibre Holder on at the FJL / BJL with the Single Fibre Holder.
Video Series FTTC OTDR Testing with the VIAVI (formerly JDSU) OTDRs
TMG Video Series for the VIAVI (formerly JDSU) OTDRs
This playlist currently contains the following videos:
OTDR Folder Instructions - nbn FTTC & FTTP
OTDR Set Up for NBN FTTC (DPU to FJL)
OTDR Training - Selecting the correct Pulse Width Setting for the MTM LFN
The OTDR Training video series is our way of continuing our commitment to providing the very best in technical support for our valued customers.
Video Series Inspect Before You Connect ™ Training Videos
This Video Series currently contains the following training videos:
⟹ Inspect Before You Connect Introduction
⟹ Proactive vs. Reactive Inspection
⟹ Importance of Inspecting BOTH Sides of a Connection
⟹ The Importance of Inspecting New Fibre Connectors
⟹ Cleaning Stick vs. a Clicker
⟹ Static Charge and Contamination
⟹ Understanding Fibre Cleaning Solvents
⟹ The Importance of Reliable Cleaning Tools
⟹ Understanding the IEC-61300-3-35 Standard
⟹ The Importance of Automated Pass/Fail Analysis for Fibre Inspection
⟹ The Importance of Documenting Fibre Inspection Results
⟹ The Importance of Investing in Inspection and Cleaning Today
These videos are presented by Tyler Vander Ploeg (VIAVI Solutions) and Brian Teague (MicroCare)
| BJL | Breakout Joint |
| CSP | Content Service Provider |
| DDD | Detailed Design Documentation |
| DFN | Distribution Fibre Network |
| FAN | Fibre Access Node |
| FDH | Fibre Distribution Hub |
| FJL | Flexible Joint Location |
| FTTN | Fibre to the Node |
| FTTB | Fibre to the Building |
| FTTC | Fibre to the Curb |
| HFOC | Hardened Fibre Optic Connector |
| IOR | Index of Refraction |
| LFN | Local Fibre Network |
| MDU | Multi-Dwelling Unit |
| MFD | Mode Field Diameter |
| MPT | Multiport |
| MT-DFN | Multi-Technology – Distribution Fibre Network |
| MT-LFN | Multi-Technology – Local Fibre Network |
| MT-DFN/LFN | Multi-Technology – Distribution Fibre Network/Local Fibre Network |
| MTM | Multi-Technology Mix |
| OTDR | Optical Time Domain Reflectometer |
| PCD | Premises Connection Device |
| PON | Passive Optical Network |