| Application | OTDR-based intelligent Optical Link Mapper (iOLM) software for automated fiber-link characterization on EXFO handheld and modular OTDR platforms. |
| Key features | Self-adjusting unit that adapts test parameters to any fiber link, performs intelligent multiacquisitions at multiple wavelengths with icon-based link view, provides comprehensive fault diagnostics, consolidated bidirectional link view and generates OTDR trace files (.sor). |
| Pass/fail thresholds | TIA/IEC automated pass/fail thresholds available as an option for enterprise and data center applications. |
| Loopback testing | Optional iLOOP mode can test two fibers simultaneously using loopback single-ended measurements, then splits results into individual links with separate iOLM and OTDR (.sor) files and a PDF report. |
| Supported network applications | Point-to-point (P2P) access; FTTx last mile; LAN/WAN, enterprise and data center certification; FTTx/PON MDU; fronthaul (FTTA, DAS and small cells) and backhaul; FTTH unbalanced/tapered PON; passive optical LAN (POL); metro core and longhaul; CWDM/DWDM; cable certification (IL/ORL measurement). |
| Supported topologies | Supports P2P, centralized PON, cascaded PON and unbalanced/tapered PON within the standard iOLM application. |
| Compatible platforms | FTB family platforms, available on MaxTester 700B/C/D OTDR Series, FTBx-700C/D OTDR Series and FTB-7000E OTDR Series. |
| Optimodes | Short-link close events mode for short links with closely spaced connectors (e.g., FTTA, data centers, central offices, FTTx); Fast short link (FSL) mode for high-volume testing of short connectorized links in less than 10 seconds per fiber; Fast medium range (FMR) mode for P2P spliced links such as FTTH feeder and distribution, DCI and backhaul, characterizing a link under 20 km at 2 wavelengths. |
| Additional Optimodes | SFP safe troubleshooting mode for P2P links up to 100 km and passive CWDM/DWDM while protecting SFPs from uncontrolled pulse widths; PON last-mile certification mode to test all connections from customer premises to the splitter, including splitter continuity but excluding elements after the splitter. |
| Bidirectional analysis | Bidirectional analysis combines results from both directions to provide average loss per event, using multiple pulse widths and wavelengths to ensure accurate splice characterization and a consolidated bidirectional link view. |
| Advanced SOR support | Manages an unrestricted number of acquisitions and lets the user define pulse width, averaging time and wavelength(s) for the SOR trace included in the report, with the ability to view the reported SOR trace directly in iOLM. |
| Expert mode | Expert mode allows creation of custom network elements with user-defined icons and thresholds, as well as advanced trace editing and re-analysis, for example treating a spliced pigtail connector as a combined splice and connector event. |
| Data center certification (iCERT option) | iCERT option transforms iOLM into an intelligent Tier-2 certifier with automated pass/fail thresholds for SM/MM cables and supports simultaneous certification against multiple cabling and application standards, including TIA-568, ISO 11801, IEEE and Fibre Channel standards. |
| Cloud-based results management | Integration with EXFO Exchange cloud solution to share test results, improve compliance and efficiency, enhance collaboration and visibility, and access comprehensive reporting for compatible EXFO devices via web and mobile/native applications. |
| Launch and receive cables | Use of a launch cable is recommended to compensate for connector loss or to enable UPC network testing; the dynamic multipulse width approach allows launch cables up to 15 m for most applications. Launch cables help extend connector life by reducing matings and iOLM can recommend and calibrate suitable launch and receive fiber lengths. |
| Multimode Encircled Flux testing | For high-speed multimode networks, EXFO recommends an external Encircled Flux (EF) compliant launch mode conditioner. EF, as referenced in TIA-568 via TIA-526-14-B and IEC 61280-4-1 Ed. 2.0, controls source launch conditions to provide accurate and consistent Tier-2 troubleshooting. |
| iOLM pack/options summary | iOLM Standard pack includes dynamic multipulse multiwavelength acquisition, intelligent trace analysis, single-link view and event table, intelligent diagnostics, SOR trace generation, single iOLM file per link and characterization/troubleshooting of unbalanced or tapered PON. Additional capabilities are provided by options such as iADV (iOLM Advanced), iLOOP and iCERT. |
| Software configuration codes | Base software codes: Oi enables iOLM standard application alongside the existing OTDR application; Oi2 converts an existing OTDR application into iOLM-only software; 00 leaves the current base software unchanged. Software option codes: 00 keeps iOLM in its standard configuration; iADV enables iOLM Advanced; iLOOP enables loopback testing mode and automated bidirectional analysis; iCERT enables iOLM Tier-2 cabling certification. |
| APC connectors | For accurate singlemode measurements, iOLM must be used with APC connectors on the singlemode port to keep reflections low and maintain performance. APC connectors better tolerate harsh conditions without becoming highly reflective, whereas UPC connectors can become highly reflective when contaminated, worn or damaged. Using APC/UPC test jumpers or launch fibers (SPSB) ensures compatibility with UPC networks, and APC connectors are mandatory on singlemode ports when using iOLM. |
| a: Dual-ended automated bidirectional iOLM results are available on dual FTB units equipped with FTBx-730C/735C/750C modules running iOLM and iLOOP. b: Some options are singlemode only and require configurations without splitters, as well as one PCK-BIDIR120 accessory kit per FTB unit where specified. c: Certain automated bidirectional workflows require EXFO Exchange and an iOLM-ready instrument with iOLM base software. d: For detailed Encircled Flux (EF) information, EXFO refers to the Encircled Flux test solution specification sheet. | |