What is the OTT?

VeEX's patent-pending Optical Test Tool (OTT) serves as an innovative remote testing companion for Optical Distribution Networks (ODN), specifically in fiber construction, verification and troubleshooting. Whether it is verifying newly built F1s, F2s or the fiber drops from the last PON splitter cabinet, this advanced tool enables Field Technicians to efficiently route a test signal to up to 16 or 32 individual fiber ports assigned for testing. Then drive to the different far-end test points and use their cell phones, to seamlessly switch between ports. This eliminates the need for having a second technician stationed at the fiber distribution cabinet (FDC) or having to drive back-and-forth to the cabinet to connect to the next port in their job order.

The development of the OTT was driven by requirements and valuable feedback from key Tier 1 communication service providers, highlighting the need for improving scalability and efficiencies to support the rapid expansion of fiber access networks.

"We actively engaged with tier 1 communication service providers (CSP) to gain insights into their challenges and workflows, allowing us to tailor a brand-new solution that effectively addresses their needs. The OTT, along with our ‘One-Tech-Out’ approach, significantly reduces the requirement for multiple technicians and eliminates the need for multiple trips to the fiber distribution cabinet, resulting in expedited validation processes, minimized errors, and decreased operational costs."

The OTT enables the One-Tech-Out strategy, which enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of by streamlining workflows, enabling a single Field Technician to select and test different fibers from the far end, thereby optimizing processes and reducing operational costs.

For instance, fiber construction verification technicians first go to the fiber distribution cabinet, connect the OTT's input to the desired test signal source (such as an OLT feed, Light Source, etc.) and the outputs to all the distribution ports assigned for the day. Scan the OTT's QR Code to reserve its resources for the day, then drive to each of the test locations, and use their cell phone to command the OTT to make the appropriate connection. No App installation or registration required. Once all the required tests have been performed, they can proceed to the next location (no need to drive back to the fiber cabinet). The OTT has a built-in LTE-M1 IoT modem for connectivity and GNSS/GPS receiver capabilities for geolocation.

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The OTT can adapt to different test scenarios and workflows (methods and procedures), crews' responsibilities, different optical access network architectures, and test signals required. Whether it is testing to the first or last PON splitter, or to the subscribers' drops, the OTT can help optimize the process.

The OTT is an innovative test solution that enhances workflow efficiency for field operations at fiber distribution cabinets. Field technicians can remotely switch between up to 16 or 32 distribution fibers to the desired Fiber Serving Terminal (FST) using simple text commands. This capability facilitates accurate power measurements on individual ports, eliminating time-consuming trips back to the fiber distribution cabinet, thereby boosting productivity and reducing operational costs across various testing scenarios.

Key Features

Remote switching of test signal to as many as 16 or 32 Distribution fibers
Low insertion loss
Simple control and operation; no apps or configuration required
Field portable, battery operated
Intuitive LED status indicators
Cellular LTE-M1 IoT and SMS remote connectivity
Geo-location (GNSS/GPS) capabilities
Standard USB-C PD port

Note: The OTT's IoT connectivity requires active 4G/5G cellular service and coverage, while field technicians can be any 3G/4G/5G phone.

OTT - Optical Test Tool (product page)
OTT Quick Reference Guide (customer-specific example)

What is the OTT?

VeEX's Optical Test Tool (OTT) is a remote companion, used in Optical Distribution Networks (ODN) for fiber construction verification and troubleshooting. Streamlines workflow by allowing one Field Technician to select from multiple fibers to test.

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