Evaluation of Lifetime of the Fiber Optic Infrastructure Based on Chromatic Dispersion and Polarization Mode Dispersion Measurements

In this research, authors propose approach to assess lifetime of fiber optic infrastructure (buried cable) based on measurements of chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD). The initial dispersion measurements were made right after cable installation then approximately three months (4440 hours) later before start of service, and then repeated measurements in two and a half years (22000 hours) time period. In total three series of measurements were available. Proposed methodology calculates non-refusal work probabilities of fibers in the cable, considering measured CD and PMD, and estimates expected lifetime. Results showed that expected lifetime of single fibers based on initial and before service measurements may differ significantly. However, calculated lifetime of the fibers after repeated measurements was less scattered and showed longer lifetime expectations.