A positive value, is normally used to define the return loss of a connection (two mated connectors). Fiber Optic Measurement Units: "dB" and "dBm" Whenever tests are performed on fiber optic networks, the results are displayed on a power meter, OLTS or OTDR readout in units of “dB. ” Optical loss is measured in “dB” which is a relative measurement, while absolute optical power is measured in “dBm,”. In optical communications, dB (decibel) is a logarithmic unit used to quantify signal strength, power gain, or loss. When the power emitted by a light source is transmitted through a fiber optic line and the power at the. Optical loss (for connectors), sometimes called attenuation, is simply the reduction of optical power induced by transmission through a medium such as a pair of fiber optic connectors. Return loss is the amount of light reflected from a single discontinuity in an optical fiber link such as a. Well the real problem is that to understand this you need to understand logarithms and that's Algebra II*, way beyond fourth grade addition and subtraction.
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