This part of IEC 61280 is applicable to the measurements of attenuation and optical return loss of an installed optical fibre cabling plant using single-mode fibre. This cabling plant can include single-mode optical fibres, connectors, adapters, splices, and other passive devices. This type of testing is the most accurate testing available and is the most accurate characterization of the fiber optic system's apability. It encompasses all of the standards, processes, and tools used to test the components of both. This document outlines the specifications for a single-mode optical fiber and cable designed for use around the 1310 nm zero-dispersion wavelength, suitable for both the 1310 nm and 1550 nm regions, and compatible with analogue and digital transmission. It details the fiber's geometrical, optical. To be able to judge whether a fiber optic cable plant is good, one does a insertion loss test with a light source and power meter and compares that to an estimate of what is a reasonable loss for that cable plant.
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