Novel automatic remote fiber line testing system and new fiber termination module for expanding local subscriber loops

This paper describes the recent development of remote fiber line testing systems especially for expanded local subscriber loops. An evaluation of the manufactured system shows that the test time to locate faults can be reduced by 80% compared with conventional systems, and that system installation costs can also be reduced by 50%. Small fiber selectors with low insertion loss, high-speed switching, and switching durability over 120,000 repetitions can be achieved. We also propose a new fiber termination module (FTM) which can accommodate 2,000 fibers that offers easy and trouble-free fiber handling during maintenance. NTT is planning to introduce this novel system and FTM into all facilities accommodating over 100 fiber optics from October 1996.