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      What are the V-Scout and LinkMap OTDR Functions?

      OTDR measurement results can be represented in traditional trace and event table, or shown as an automatic iconic Link Map diagram. The link visibility can be significantly improved by using multiple pulse widths to provide better event details.

      Short Answer: They complement each other. V-Scout™ is an improved OTDR test function and LinkMap™ is a more intuitive link and events representation feature. They work together to better identify events and produce automatic and simplified OTDR analysis with an iconic view.

      • V-Scout is an innovative OTDR trace optimization feature that utilizes various pulse widths during testing to deliver highly accurate results and enhance event identification. This feature greatly simplifies fieldwork, particularly for novice technicians, by presenting events in the form of intuitive icons accompanied by essential data. Along with the LinkMap visualization, they significantly reduce the risk of misinterpretation when reading test results. The V-Scout test mode is an add-on (paid) license for any of the OTDR models, with the exception of our PON-optimized OTDRs which include V-Scout test mode at no extra cost.
      • The LinkMap view summarizes existing OTDR test results as simplified block diagrams, while the V-Scout Test Mode utilizes multiple pulse widths in the same test, to build a very accurate diagram of the fiber link. Originally, OTDRs only used a single pulse to test fibers for each wavelength.
      The combination of V-Scout and LinkMap can be very helpful to novice users who don't know yet how to interpret the traditional OTDR trace. The LinkMap view functionality is now offered as a standard feature in all VeEX's OTDRs.

      When testing Fiber Optics Networks, one of the major challenges is accurately interpreting the results provided by test equipment. This can be particularly time-consuming for technicians with limited experience as they try to decipher the essential information from a traditional OTDR trace. Consequently, this can have a direct impact on the overall productivity. In order to simplify and optimize OTDR test results for technicians working in the field, VeEX has developed V-Scout and LinkMap.

      1. LinkMap

      The LinkMap view presents a singular iconic view of measurement results by analyzing all the event table results for each pulse, whether using single or multiple pulse widths, and all test wavelengths. Users get a span summary, in the form of a block diagram, for each test wavelength shown at the bottom of viewing window. Tap each icon to obtain more information about that specific event on the fiber as shown below. For example, event 4 represents a connector with excessive loss, which is common when connectors are not cleaned prior to mating or if they are damaged.

      LinkMap_Icons2

      2. V-Scout

      V-Scout test mode improves upon the traditional OTDR testing technique by using multiple pulse widths and wavelengths to measure different sections of a single fiber, capturing more details, and providing the best visibility for all the events on long fibers, high loss or short fibers such as in PON networks.  

      VScout

      Users can apply default V-Scout or build custom test profiles for their unique requirements - test wavelengths and test parameters such as pulse, resolution, time and optimization for visibility (DZ) or loss/length (DR). Like other OTDR results, V-Scout traces can also be represented in LinkMap format.

      V-Scout_Setup

      3. LinkMap Icons

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