New OC I fibre optic certifier from IDEAL Networks improves efficiency and user experience

IDEAL Networks has launched the new Optical Certifier I (OC I) Tier-1 certifier for multi-mode and single mode fibre cabling.  The OC I delivers the fastest automated loss, length and polarity certification of fibre links against international industry standards, maximising efficiency and reducing the cost of ownership.

Designed to help installation contractors, network engineers and IT maintenance technicians achieve faster, first-time-right system acceptance, the OC I fibre certifier delivers outstanding speed and optical performance and has an advanced suite of user-assistance features including a step-by-step reference wizard, intelligent fault diagnosis and patented margin meters.

“The OC I has been developed for optimum user experience, so all of the features provide expert guidance throughout the test process,” says Tim Widdershoven, Global Marketing Manager at IDEAL Networks.  “This increases efficiency by removing the risk of errors or negative loss, even for first-time users, as we know this can be a common source of issues in certification jobs.”

Boasting a user friendly, tablet-inspired design with a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen and an intuitive app-like interface, IDEAL Networks’ OC I offers integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as up to 12 hours of battery life. Moreover, its on-board reporting capabilities enable technicians to document their work live from the field, converting multiple measurements into a single, professional report in a format recognised by industry standards.

With on-board functionality removing the need for post-processing back at the office, productivity is increased as technicians can close jobs more quickly and move on to the next one.  The reliable data and report management capabilities also allow end customers to easily see proof of performance, helping to prevent any delay in payment and retain the profitability of the job.

The main and remote units of the OC I both have access to the certifier’s full range of features and are compatible with the market-leading FIP 420B inspection probe to quickly inspect connector endfaces at both ends. This allows both the technician with the main unit and the person with the remote unit to see, understand and act on the results, without either being delayed by dirty or damaged connectors.

To provide optimal cost of ownership, with more peace of mind and less hassle, the OC I includes a 3-year warranty and a calibration interval of 3 years.

Tim explains “With the emergence of big data, OTT services and the advent of virtualisation—from cloud services to SDN and NFV, more and more is expected from the networks. Higher speeds, greater storage capacity and increased agility are required, and it is necessary to ensure that the network infrastructure can support these transformations without impacting the quality customer experience and business-related SLAs.”

“By adopting and applying industry best practices, this certifier helps installers to continue to offer a high level of service in a changing network infrastructure landscape. It allows fibre inspection to become a more efficient, one-step process that can be carried out by technicians of any skill level,” concludes Tim.