The RFTS from VIAVI, Optical Network Management System (ONMSi), increases workforce productivity and facilitates the management of fiber optic networks with fewer technicians through fiber remote testing and accurate fiber plant documentation. The system accurately detects and locates fiber degradation, alerting operators and managers with the details of faults. Measurement schedules allow network operators to assess long-term fiber performance to form the basis of efficient asset management. Find more RFTS and fiber monitoring products and resources.

What is the definition of RFTS?

RFTS stands for “Remote Fiber Test System” which is a centralized system that combines strategically placed fiber optic test heads in key network locations to constantly sweep the fiber with an OTDR test signal to identify and locate fiber faults and degradations. The RFTS can switch across the fiber plant and/or test on demand. On-demand test use cases include construction verification and post-repair verification after a fiber break.

What issues can be tracked with an RFTS like ONMSi?

Fiber degradation where fibers are becoming crushed or bent and signal impairment is a result. No outage will be present yet, but performance issues can arise. Because connectors are the number one issue affecting fiber plants, a dirty, damaged, or disconnected connector can be seen using the RFTS OTDR. Other on-demand use cases include switching the OTDR to a specific DWDM wavelength and conducting a troubleshooting test to see if there is a fiber problem vs. an active element problem where the OLT or ONT/ONU might not be performing to standard.

Key Benefits

• FAST: ONMSi RFTS monitors the network 24/7 and alarms when there is a problem, automatically and accurately quantifies and locates the problem, then dispatches the technician right to the site – ALL within minutes!
• SCALABLE: ONMSi allows users to start small and then expand at any rate needed
• COMPREHENSIVE: ONMSi supports both P2P (Metro/Core/Access) & P2MP (PON) networks – all the way to the ONT
• PROVEN: ONMSi has a strong track record with over 250 optical networks currently being monitored
• FLEXIBLE: ONMSi is designed to be easily integrated within customer organization (web-enabled application, multiple API, domains architecture)

Key Applications

• Optical Network Troubleshooting for both P2P and P2MP networks
• SLA management (improves MTTR and proves results)
• Network security (detects intrusion)
• Network construction (reduces test time & staff, keeps track of test records)
• Instant view of optical network performance
• Fiber health (temperature and strain) and optical performance monitoring for Submarine Cable Networks

Key Features

• Large range of Test modules and Optical switches
• Scalable system from one to hundreds of test probes
• Multiple dashboards for instant network and system diagnostics
• Domain architecture for organizational flexibility
• Alarm notification by e-mail, SMS, Web Services or SNMP; compliant with OSS-J and ITU-X733
• 100% web based in a secure environment
• Single GUI (Graphical User Interface) for map and monitoring display
• Detects fiber faults all the way to the subscriber
• Locates faults smarter (associates network landmarks information)