ABSTRACT: This document provides the Telcordia view of generic requirements and objectives for all types of Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) optical test equipment that should be met to satisfy the typical needs of service providers. The document includes test procedures that can be used to determine if the OTDR type product in question possesses the features, functions, and characteristics claimed by the supplier.

It is important to note that GR-196 is a hardware document covering all types of OTDR-like equipment. Unlike GR-196, Issue 1, Issue 2 does not contain detailed information on the OTDR Data Format. SR-4731, Issue 2 provides a detailed description of the ".sor," OTDR Data Format.

Since the last issue of GR-196, the telecommunications market has changed from a long haul point-to-point network to one that is also bringing service to the home.

GR-196, Issue 2:

• Has criteria for the newer, hand-sized, and battery-operated OTDRs
• Addresses a much lower cost OTDR test set
• Examines the new features and flexibility of today's OTDR
• Covers Multimode and Single-Mode Fiber OTDRs