To make the setup process go smoothly, it is helpful to have certain information ready in advance. This information will be used to configure the job.

First, gather general information about the job, such as project name and location. If test direction is important, also record the locations of where the meter and source will be used.

Next, determine the cabling standard to be used. If unsure about what standard to use, use the TIA-568-C.3 in the US, and the ISO 11801 in Europe. Technicians are given the option of using standard-grade or reference-grade patch cables. If encircled flux compliance is required, the user must use encircled flux mode controllers. These mode controllers are always considered to be reference-grade.

Next, record the physical configuration of the link under test. This includes such things as fiber type, number of connections, number of splices, and reference method.

Finally, determine how the individual fibers are to be named, including the fiber label and the starting fiber number.