ADAPTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR DETECTING FAULTS IN AN OPTICALLY AMPLIFIED MULTI-SPAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEM USING A REMOTELY LOCATED OTDR

摘要

A method is provided for using OTDR with a bi-directional optical transmission system that includes first and second terminals interconnected by at least first and second unidirectional optical transmission paths having at least one repeater therein. The method begins by transmitting optical probe signals over the first optical path and receiving over the second optical path returned OTDR signals in which status information concerning the first optical path is embodied. The optical probe signals and the returned OTDR signals are transmitted and received, respectively, at time intervals allowing individual spans of the first optical path, which are separated by the repeater or repeaters, to be monitored in a sequential manner.