PODCAST: How to make sure your fiber optic network is ready for 5G

As fiber is the foundation of 5G networks, it is important to get fiber infrastructure up and running right the first time. This blog will take a quick look at some new technologies being deployed across fiber networks, the role of testing to keep those connections running right and the increased responsibilities of multitasking fiber technicians out in the field.   

Strict, accurate testing is a necessity for 5G

Mobile network operators (MNOs) will be offering new 5G services grouped into one of three main types: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC) and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (urLLC). Each requires its own mix of bandwidth, latency thresholds, guaranteed QoS and automation. To deliver on these new 5G services, networks must transform. An increase in bandwidth and capacity (i.e., 25G, 100G), scaling to a smarter network (e.g. NFV/virtualization, slicing), use of new technologies (e.g., eCPRI), small cell densification (10-20x more cells) within urban environments and pushing the data plane to the edge are all necessary transformations. Another key transformation will be the need to add more fiber and run it deeper into the network. Due to the nature of these transformations, more detailed and highly accurate testing is necessary to ensure everything’s working right. In addition, having the latest and most efficient testing processes in place will be imperative for speeding up the entire process.

Where 4G networks were quick to forgive bad splices or bad connections, 5G networks can’t and won’t. Unless thorough 5G testing practices are strictly followed, failure rates on new 5G deployments will increase. Back in the day, dropping a call was not a deal breaker, but now it is as the expectations for bandwidth, reliability and delay are very high. The “plug and pray” era is definitively a thing of the past. So what can operators due to improve quality of service and reliability? First, in any network—and particularly in outside plant networks—connectors and connections will always be the weakest points. In the vast majority of troubleshooting cases, the culprit is found to be a dirty connector. So, cleaning and inspection are key to providing better network quality.

What to test and how to test it

When a fiber link is deployed, two tests will typically be performed to validate the quality of the install. The first test is end-to-end loss measurement using a loss test set or an optical multimeter. The second test is a distributed measurement using an OTDR or more advanced reflectometry technology like EXFO’s iOLM. Once the optical link has been validated and qualified, technicians install transceivers connecting the different network elements. At that stage, various tests should be performed such as a spectral measurement on systems where multiple wavelengths or signals are carried into the same fiber. This validates that levels are within tolerances and that transceivers are tuned to the proper frequencies. Note that transceivers are considered as consumables with a very low price point and sometimes quality is an issue.  That said, transceivers can be validated and tuned before installation by using a network tester. Some transceivers might have specific requirements in term of dispersion and fiber type and full fiber characterization might be required. That same network tester can be used for end-to-end testing and to validate that services are being properly transmitted and compliant with industry standards. At the network level, tests such as synchronization PTP1588, packet loss and jitter are usually performed to guarantee quality of service. Troubleshooting cell sites also involve RF-over-the-air testing, which is an entire subject onto itself.

Doing more and doing it quicker than ever

In addition to 5G, technicians in the field need to continue to support 4G LTE infrastructure for years to come. Being able to do more in the midst of new, emerging technologies means a rethink of current processes, with automation—one-button, intelligent testing—being vital to the ability to deliver accurate and ultra-fast fiber connections.

With the deployment of 5G—and soon 6G—test solutions need to do more, be more connected, smarter in every way. In terms of smarter testing, test equipment solutions need to do more than enable technicians to collect raw measurement data. Diagnosis information, advice on measurement and other guidance are valuable insights. For example, causes of failure—specifically a dirty connection or a stressor on a fiber—is important information that would be very helpful to include alongside readings collected using an OTDR. Through the power of the cloud, information can flow back and forth between cloud solutions (providing statistics and batch processing) and the test instrument (providing measurements and diagnosis). This enables technicians and engineers in the field to get that much-needed context and guidance.

Conclusion

Improving field-technician efficiency—by using the right tools and processes to identify and troubleshoot from day one—can represent a time savings of 90%, a necessary improvement in today’s 5G world. In turn, operators can continue maintaining 4G infrastructure while turning up 5G right the first time and begin monetizing their 5G investment sooner than later.

Gwenn Amice currently holds the position of Subject Matter Expert at EXFO and is involved with product definition and guidance for next generation optical networks. He regularly contributes to technical seminars and webinars, as well providing training and technical advice to EXFO customers.

Since 2019, Gwenn has been appointed Senior member of technical staff representing EXFO at industry events. Gwenn holds a university degree in electrical engineering and industrial computing. He is also a member of the Broadband Forum Americas Technology Committee.

About EXFO

EXFO develops smarter test, monitoring and analytics solutions for the global communications industry. We are trusted advisers to fixed and mobile network operators, hyperscalers and leaders in the manufacturing, development and research sector. They count on us to deliver superior visibility and insights into network performance, service reliability and user experience. Building on over 35 years of innovation, EXFO’s unique blend of equipment, software and services enable faster, more confident transformations related to 5G, cloud-native and fiber optic networks.