Locating high PMD sections of an overhead cable using polarization-OTDR

Abstract

High Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) values pose an obstacle to the upgrading of links for higher transmission rates. Polarization Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (P-OTDR) measurements give an indication of the specific fiber sections that cause the high PMD values, allowing an informed decision to be taken regarding the upgrading of a link. In this work P-OTDR measurements are used to indicate the fiber sections potentially giving rise to high PMD in an overhead optic fiber cable in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Verification of the P-OTDR predictions is done by cutting out the sections flagged as being high PMD contributors, and measuring actual PMD values.