Technical guideODN Networks (FTTh)Version V1.0

PRACTICAL GUIDE — OTDR TRACE INTERPRETATION

SSP Academy practical guide on interpreting OTDR traces in fibre optics. It provides a quick way to recognise the main events on an FTTH / ODN link: connectors, splices, splitters, losses, reflections, macrobends and fibre breaks. A visual technical resource for technicians, installers and telecommunications network professionals.

8 pagesSeptember 2026

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OTDR Fibre optics FTTH ODN Reflectometry

PRACTICAL GUIDE — OTDR TRACE INTERPRETATION

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Overview

Quickly interpret an OTDR trace

OTDR makes it possible to visualise the events along a fibre optic link and to locate losses or faults.

This SSP Academy practical guide presents a simple method for:

  • recognising a reflective or non-reflective event;
  • identifying a splice, a connector, a splitter or a fibre end;
  • spotting the main anomalies on a link;
  • understanding distance, loss and reflectance;
  • relating the OTDR trace to the FTTH / ODN plan.

Format: 8-page illustrated technical guide.

Who should attend: fibre optic technicians, FTTH installers, telecom integrators and trainees in optical networks.

The full content and technical illustrations are accessible to verified SSP Academy members.

Going further

Related training courses

ODN Networks (FTTH Fiber Optics)

Hands-on training to master the fundamentals of FTTH fiber optic networks, from FTTx/FTTH architecture and the ODN network through to the subscriber connection. It covers fiber preparation and splicing, connection at the SRO and PBO, splitters, tapping, testing with a visual fault locator, power meter and OTDR, as well as reading drawings and writing test reports.

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