This Recommendation contains test methods which are particularly suited to the characterization of
single-mode optical fibre cable links. The methods are not intended for application to links that
contain optical network elements, amplifiers, dispersion compensators, or passive
splitters/combiners. Measurements associated with these devices, in combination with optical fibre
cable are defined elsewhere. These measurements of the cable links between such devices and the
calculation methods for combining the results of concatenated cable links are also presented.
This Recommendation uses a tiered approach. The first level indicates measurements that are
normally carried out to commission new optical fibre cable links. The second level indicates
measurements that may be carried out to satisfy Service Level Agreements (for example when a
dark fibre contract is signed) or to verify attributes of older links that may be used at higher bit rates
or over extended wavelength ranges.