Remote Test Unit (RTU)

The RTU is the testing module of the RFTS described in GR-1295, Generic Requirements for Remote Fiber Testing Systems (RFTSS). An RFTS enables fiber physical plant to be automatically tested from a central location. A central computer is used to control the operation of OTDR-like test components located at key points in the fiber network. These test components will scan the fiber to locate problems. If a problem is found, its location is noted and the appropriate Operations Systems (OSs) are notified to begin the repair process. The RFTS can also provide direct access to a corporate database that contains a historical repository for the OTDR fiber traces and any other fiber records for the physical fiber plant.

Since OTDRs and OTDR-like equipment have many uses in the communications industry, their possible operating environment is varied, ranging from indoors to outdoors. Most often, however, these test sets are operated in controlled environments, accessing the fibers at their termination points on fiber distributing frames. Indoor environments include controlled environments such as in central offices (COs), equipment huts, or Controlled Environment Vaults (CEVs). Use in outside environments is rarer, but may include use in a manhole, aerial platform, open trench, or a splicing van.

August 5, 2011

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