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What are the Main Applications for the OTT?

The Optical Test Toolkit (OTT) is basically a remote-controlled fiber optics switch, for test applications. A technician uses it to connect a reference light source to multiple fibers assigned and, once on site, use a cellular phone to switch it to a specific port or drop to test.

VeEX's patent pending Optical Test Toolkit (OTT) is basically a remote-controlled fiber optics switch, focused on testing applications. It's currently (2026) available in 1x16 configuration and enhanced with LTE-M IoT cellular connectivity and GNSS/GPS.

Simplified diagram of the OTT application (switching the test signal from a trusted light source to different optical ports under test)

At the fiber distribution cabinet or pedestal, a technician connects the OTT’s common port to a known optical light source and its output ports to the individual fiber legs or drops scheduled for testing or verification (for example, continuity checks, attenuation measurements, and similar tasks). The technician then drives or walks to each customer site, uses a mobile phone to command the OTT to switch the reference source to the required port, performs the tests, and proceeds to the next location. There is no need to return to the distribution cabinet to move patch cords. This optimized workflow shortens overall test time and removes the need for the traditional two‑technician method.

Basic application diagram of the OTT ODN construction verification application

Applications

There are multiple applications and users can come up with more. Here are some examples:

  • One obvious application is to connect a known optical light source (OLS) to the common port of the OTT at a fiber distribution cabinet, then the fan-out leads to the fiber links assigned for the day, drive to the sites, select the appropriate port, and use an optical power meter (OPM) at the customer's side, to verify continuity and attenuation.

  • Some communication service providers (CSP) are using a dedicated PON signal from an OLT, at the central office. Their technicians connect it to the OTT and use a PON Analyzer test set, at the customer site, to get more advanced signal health, PON-specific KPIs and connectivity information. A field alternative to this approach is to use a test set with PON OLT emulation functionality, connected to the OTT's input.

At first glance, it might seem easier to simply connect a high‑power OLS to the input of the 1:N PON splitter and avoid making any port selections. However, this is not acceptable when there are already active users on the system. If used during construction (dark fiber) a splitter would not allow for crossed fiber identification either.

1. Fiber Construction & Deployment

The OTT is designed to streamline testing during fiber build-outs at distribution cabinets and fiber serving terminals (FSTs). Technicians can remotely switch between multiple distribution fibers (up to 16) without physically re-patching, which significantly reduces installation time and repeat site visits.

2. Remote Optical Power Testing

A core application of the OTT is remote optical power measurement. Field technicians can send simple text commands to select a specific fiber port and measure power levels accurately, even when the test point is located inside a cabinet or enclosure. This enables fast verification of signal presence and quality.

3. Fiber Activation & Turn-Up

During service activation, the OTT allows technicians to confirm correct fiber routing and validate optical power levels at individual ports before customer handoff. This helps ensure services are activated correctly on the first attempt, reducing failed turn-ups and truck rolls.

4. Fiber Maintenance & Troubleshooting

For ongoing network operations, the OTT supports maintenance and fault isolation by enabling quick checks of signal and power on specific fibers without opening cabinets repeatedly.

5. Operational Efficiency & Cost Reduction

By eliminating repeated trips between the fiber distribution cabinet and the test point, the OTT significantly improves workflow efficiency. Remote control via mobile devices (with no apps or configuration required) reduces labor time and operational costs, making it ideal for high-volume field operations.

The OTT is well suited for different types of distribution and access networks, with star architecture, including:

  • PON (Passive Optical Network) environments
  • Point-to-point fiber architectures

It integrates easily with other VeEX tools such as light sources, PON power meters, PON analyzers, OTDRs, and service installation meters to form a complete fiber test workflow.

Related Test Solutions

  • OTT - Optical Test Tool for Fiber Construction and Maintenance

  • FX40 - Optical Light Source (OLS)

  • FX45 - OPM / OLS / OLTS

  • FX83 - Optical Light Source (OLS)

  • FX84 - Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS)

  • FX86 - CWDM Quad Laser Source

  • FX120 - PON Analyzer and Multi-Gig Service Test Set/PON Analyzer

  • PX90 - PON Service Installation Meter

  • PX92 - PON Analyzer and Multi-Gig Service Test Set

  • Fiber Optics Test Solutions