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.

Since we are demonstrating a Tier 2 certification test, we will assume the TIA-568-3.D cabling standard. As a side note, this standard requires encircled flux compliance when testing OM3 and OM4 fibers at 850nm. In this case, the user must use a special reference cable called an encircled flux mode controller. Call OWL if you have any questions about encircled flux compliance.

However, for ease of demonstration, we will simply be testing a singlemode fiber cable today.

Next, record the physical configuration of the link under test. This includes such things as fiber type, core diameter, number of connections, number of splices, and reference method. You will also need to know whether or not your reference cables are standard-grade or reference-grade.

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