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What is the primary piece of test equipment used to measure loss per kilometer in optical fiber links?

  1. Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)

  2. Digital Multimeter

  3. Fiber Optic Power Meter

  4. Network Analyzer

The correct answer is: Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)

The primary piece of test equipment used to measure loss per kilometer in optical fiber links is the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR). An OTDR is designed specifically for testing and characterizing fiber optic cables, providing crucial insights into the quality and integrity of the fiber link. It works by sending a pulse of light into the fiber and measuring the time it takes for the reflected light to return. This measurement enables technicians to identify splice loss, connector loss, and overall attenuation over specific distances within the fiber. While other tools can be used for testing in fiber optics, such as a Fiber Optic Power Meter, which measures the power level in the fiber to determine end-to-end loss, the OTDR provides a more comprehensive analysis by generating a trace that shows the loss at various points along the fiber link, helping to pinpoint specific issues. In contrast, a Digital Multimeter is not suitable for measuring optical signals, and a Network Analyzer primarily focuses on electrical characteristics of networks rather than optical loss. Thus, the unique capabilities of the OTDR make it the standard choice for loss measurement in optical fiber applications.