Telecom-Grade OTDR for Long-Haul Fiber Trace Analysis
Telecom-grade OTDR is designed for single-mode route commissioning, long-distance fault location, splice/connector analysis and documented acceptance. The NK5600 series uses 1310/1550 nm testing with model-defined dynamic range, short dead zones, adjustable pulse width and native trace storage so engineers can examine where loss and reflection occur along a link.
Long-distance capability is determined by the complete link budget and test settings, not only the 120 km screen range. Fibre attenuation, splitter loss, reflections, pulse energy, averaging time and noise floor all affect the usable trace. The exact NK5600A/B/C configuration and any live-line function must be approved before quotation.
Where the NK5600 OTDR Adds Project Value
Project stage | OTDR deliverable | Control point |
Cable installation acceptance | Length, event map, splice/connector loss and reflection trace | Define wavelength, direction, thresholds and file naming before testing. |
Long-haul maintenance | Distance to breaks, severe bends or degradation | Compare current trace with baseline and route records. |
Splice quality investigation | Event loss and reflectance at each splice/connection | Use appropriate pulse/averaging and consider bidirectional analysis. |
First/last connector acceptance | Characterise end connections with launch and receive fibres | Specify fibre type, length and connector polish with the kit. |
Active network maintenance | Only on an approved filtered live-test port/procedure | Do not infer safe live testing from a generic optical signal threshold. |
Dynamic Range, Dead Zone and Pulse Width Explained
The specified 28/26 dB dynamic range describes sensitivity under stated test conditions; it is not the same as the physical distance menu. Event dead zone determines how close two reflective events can be distinguished, while attenuation dead zone determines how soon a loss measurement can recover after reflection. Both matter on short links and patch panels even when the route itself is long.
Narrow pulses provide better spatial resolution; wide pulses improve reach but broaden dead zones. The IOR setting directly affects calculated distance. Native SOR files preserve the trace and settings for later review, while a PDF alone is convenient for handover but cannot replace the raw measurement data.
Technical Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
Product Model | NK5600 Series (NK5600A/NK5600B/NK5600C) |
Tool Type | High-Precision Multi-Functional Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) |
Applicable Fiber Type | Single Mode (SM) Fiber (G.652/G.655/G.657) |
Operating Wavelength | 1310/1550nm±20nm; Supports live line test (Optical signal ≤-10dBm) |
Dynamic Range | 28dB (Typical, 1310nm); 26dB (Typical, 1550nm) |
Event Blind Zone | 0.8m (Min) |
Attenuation Blind Zone | 5m (Min) |
Test Range | 100m/1km/2km/4km/8km/16km/32km/64km/120km (Adjustable) |
Pulse Width | 1ns/3ns/5ns/10ns/20ns/30ns/50ns/80ns/160ns/320ns/500ns/800ns/1μs/2μs/5μs |
Ranging Accuracy | ±(0.3m + Sample Interval + 0.002% × Test Distance) |
Linearity | ±0.10dB/dB |
Sample Points | 64K ~ 256K (Adjustable) |
Sample Resolution | 0.01m ~ 5m (Adjustable) |
Loss Resolution | 0.001dB |
Loss Threshold | 0.10dB |
Refractive Index (IOR) | 1.45000 ~ 1.55000 (Adjustable, 0.00001 Step) |
Reflection Accuracy | ±1.5dB |
File Format | SOR Standard File Format, Support PDF Report Batch Export & Printing |
Laser Safety Class | Class II, Meets IEC 60825-1 International Laser Safety Standards |
Optical Interface | FC/UPC (Interchangeable with SC/ST/LC Connectors via Adapter) |
Integrated Functions | Multi-Functional Integration: Automatic OTDR, Expert OTDR, Event Map, OPM, VFL, Stable Light Source, Optical Loss Test, Test Result Automatic Diagnosis, Software Remote Upgrade |
OPM Parameter | Test Range: -75dBm~+10dBm; Wavelength Range: 800~1700nm; 10 Calibration Wavelengths |
Stable Light Source Parameter | Output Power: -5dBm~+2dBm Adjustable; Wavelength: 1310/1550nm |
VFL Parameter | Wavelength: 650nm±10nm; Effective Distance: ≥15km; CW/Pulse Mode |
Power Supply | Built-in 3.7V 5000mAh Rechargeable Li-ion Battery; AC/DC Adapter (100~240V, 1A); USB Charging Supported |
Battery Life | ≥10 Hours (Normal Operation at Room Temperature); Support Power Bank Charging |
Display Screen | 5.6-inch High-Definition Color Touch Screen, 800×480 Resolution, Touch & Key Dual Operation, Gesture Zoom, Screen Capture |
Storage Capacity | Built-in 16G Memory, Support 300,000 Curve Storage; TF Card Expansion (Max 64G); File Name Support Chinese & English |
Operating Temperature | -10°C to +55°C (Battery Charging: 0°C to +45°C) |
Storage Temperature | -40°C to +75°C (Excluding Battery) |
Relative Humidity | 5%~95% (No Condensation) |
Body Material | High-Strength Engineering Plastic, Anti-Drop (2m) and Wear-Resistant, IP65 Dustproof & Waterproof |
Overall Dimensions | 190mm × 115mm × 50mm (Handheld Ergonomic Design) |
Net Weight | ≈650g (Including Battery) |
Certifications | CE, RoHS (Meets International Quality and Safety Standards) |
Warranty Period | 1 Year (Device Body); Consumables Excluded |
Standard Package | 1×NK5600 OTDR Host, 1×AC/DC Adapter, 1×FC/UPC Connector, 1×USB Data Cable, 1×User Manual, 1×Warranty Card, 1×Portable Storage Case, 1×Cleaning Kit, 1×Charging Cable |
Configuration control: The detailed NK5600 table is retained. Values such as dynamic range, dead zones, drop protection, IP rating, integrated OPM/VFL/OLS functions and live-line capability must be verified for the ordered sub-model. IEC 61746-1 covers calibration of single-mode OTDR errors and uncertainties; request model/serial-specific calibration evidence where the tender requires it.
What OTDR Results Do and Do Not Prove
- One-way splice loss: backscatter differences can create apparent gainers or exaggerated loss; contractual splice acceptance may require bidirectional averaging.
- Automatic event analysis: useful for speed but dependent on thresholds; engineers should review trace shape and settings.
- Long distance selection: a 120 km range setting does not mean every 120 km link is measurable with the stated accuracy.
- Live-fibre claim: confirm filtered port, wavelength, isolation and operator procedure; standard 1310/1550 testing can interfere with service.
- Integrated functions: built-in OPM/VFL/OLS are field conveniences and must be verified separately if used for formal acceptance.
Common Field-Failure Risks and Prevention
Risk | Result in the field | Prevention |
No baseline trace | Future degradation cannot be separated from original events | Store approved SOR files at both wavelengths and defined directions. |
Wrong IOR | Route and fault distance are wrong | Use project fibre data and include IOR in the test record. |
Pulse too wide | Closely spaced events merge | Verify critical sections with narrower pulse and adequate averaging. |
Dirty front-panel connector | Large reflection and repeatability problems | Inspect and clean the port plus launch cord before every test. |
Only one direction tested | Splice loss can be misjudged | Specify bidirectional testing where acceptance accuracy requires it. |
Live link connected to wrong port | Service disruption or receiver overload | Use only the approved live-test configuration and written method. |
Pre-shipment Quality and Acceptance Plan
- Verify sub-model, wavelength, dynamic range, dead zones, distance/pulse menus, optical interface and integrated functions.
- Test known reference events for distance, loss and reflectance consistency at agreed settings.
- Confirm SOR save/open/export, PDF generation, memory, naming, language, screen and software workflow.
- Check battery endurance, charger, USB/TF functions, buttons/touch operation and protective housing.
- Inspect optical port and accessories; match launch/receive fibres, adapters, cleaning kit, serial label and report.
B2B Buyer Guide: Information Required for an Accurate Quote
- Maximum link length and estimated total loss, not distance alone.
- Required wavelengths, dynamic range, event/attenuation dead zones and reporting standard.
- Splice/connector density, splitter topology and whether bidirectional or baseline testing is required.
- Live-fibre requirement with exact filtered wavelength/port and operator approval.
- Launch/receive fibres, connectors, adapters, calibration evidence, SOR/PDF workflow, language, plug and warranty.
When a Mini OTDR or OPM/OLS Pair Is Better
Choose the 24/22 dB mini OTDR for compact FTTH access work where its range and dead zones are sufficient. Use an OPM with a stable light source when the contractual result is end-to-end insertion loss rather than an event trace.
MOQ, Samples, Lead Time and Packing
Commercial item | Standard arrangement |
MOQ | Project-based quantity for test instruments; all configuration details can be customized to customer requirements. |
Samples | Available according to customer requirements for functional and workflow approval. |
Lead time | Normally 5–10 days after technical configuration and order confirmation for standard availability. |
Packing | Protective bag or case plus export carton; project-specified packing available. |
Customization | Function set, adapters, accessories, label, language, inspection documents and packing. |
Related Fiber Testing Tools
Specify launch and receive fibres, inspection/cleaning tools, reference patch cords, adapters and an optical fibre identifier as one controlled kit. LinkFiber can provide consistent labels, manuals, accessory lists and pre-shipment records for project teams.