What are the V-Scout and Link Map OTDR Functions?

Short Answer: They complement each other. V-Scout™ is an improved OTDR test function and the Link Map view 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 Link Map 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. Originally, OTDRs only used the same pulse width to test fibers for each wavelength.
The Link Map is a simplified view that summarizes existing OTDR test results as easy to understand block diagram representation for the link under test. It is an automatic analysis and representation of each individual events found in the OTDR trace, often with a PASS/FAIL validation label for each of the events found.

The combination of V-Scout and Link Map view can be very helpful to novice users who don't know yet how to interpret the traditional OTDR trace. The Link Map 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 Link Map.

1. 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.

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 Link Map format.

2. Link Map View

The Link Map view presents a singular iconic view of each of the events found in the 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. The selected event is highlighted with blue box.

The PASS or FAIL evaluation for each event is based on either industry standards or user-defined thresholds.

3. Link Map's Event Icons

New icons can be added along with new features and/or applications, so please tap on the icon on the Link Map diagram to get the details.

What are the V-Scout and Link Map OTDR Functions?

OTDR measurement results can be represented in traditional trace and event table, or shown as an automatic iconic Link Map diagram. V-Scout can significantly improve the event detection and visibility using multiple pulse widths to provide better event details.

1. V-Scout

2. Link Map View

3. Link Map's Event Icons

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