This standard provides procedures for calibrating single-mode optical time domain reflectometers (OTDR). It only covers OTDR measurement errors and uncertainties. This standard does not cover correction of the OTDR response.
In order for an OTDR to qualify as a candidate for complete calibration using this standard, it must be equipped with the following minimum feature set:
a) a programmable index of refraction, or equivalent parameter;
b) the ability to present a display of a trace representation, with a logarithmic power scale and a linear distance scale;
c) two markers/cursors, which display the loss and distance between any two points on a trace display;
d) the ability to measure absolute distance (location) from the OTDR's zero-distance reference;
e) the ability to measure the displayed power level relative to a reference level (for example, the clipping level);
f) the ability to evaluate the reflectance of a reflective event.