Fiber Network tester 10G - Recommendations

[big_tiger]

We are looking to buy a new fiber tester here at my job. Pretty much there are two different kinds of testers we are looking at. One that just looks at the fiber, and one that checks L2/3 traffic. Since everything is new is using 10G I can see benefit in actually testing throughput.

Here are the models I've found.
Fluke OptiView XG

JDSU MTS-5800

Currently have a demo unit of the MTS-2000

Any input would be appreciated.

[Craizie]

I don't know what any of that means.... but I'll test the shit out of some fiber.

[mustang_revival]

I bought this one a while back for our DC guys to use.

http://www.valuetesters.com/jdsu-fit-s215-pro-fiber-optic-inspection-test-and-cleaning-kit.html

If we are talking just to see if fiber is clean - IMO you really don't need to see L2/L3 traffic as long as -DB levels are within "range".

I'd rather look at L2/L3 at the src/dst hosts themselves since their are so many other variables at play most times.

I really like the models you posted, but I could not get enough budget for those. A handheld sniffer could be invaluable when SHTF.

[mustang_revival]

Your fiber end point devices should be able to give stats on DB loss and signal strength. I like the unit I chose above because I had a way to tell if cleaning the fiber actually helped or if it is GBIC/SFP(+) issue.

[big_tiger]

The MTS-2000 can have the attachment for the microscope camera thing.

Since our organization has multiple education technology departments under it, they don't see a problem for breaking the bank a little. I just have to justify the cost, and find a place that I can buy it for a decent price.

[Ratt]

I haven't used either of those, but I've anyways heard Fluke makes great products.

[abecx]

mustang_revivals method is what I use. All my fiber switches tell me the stats I need, if I needed an easier readout, I could just write an expect script.

[ceyko]

I don't deal with cabling any longer, but back 15 years ago no one got fired for purchasing Fluke brand testers. I do not know if their reputation/quality is still as good as it was back then though.