2000m OTDR Fiber Ring Launch Cable Box – Dead Zone Eliminator for Long-Haul Near-End Fiber Testing | G652D | SC / FC / LC / ST | UPC & APC
The 2000m OTDR Fiber Ring Launch Cable Box is a field-ready fiber optic launch cable assembly containing 2,000 meters of G652D singlemode fiber wound on a compact fiber ring spool inside a ruggedized, IP54-rated hard-shell case. It connects between the OTDR and the fiber link under test to eliminate the OTDR’s near-end dead zone, enabling accurate measurement of insertion loss and reflectance at the first connector of the link — measurements that would otherwise be masked by the OTDR’s launch pulse recovery time.
Available with SC, FC, LC, and ST connectors in both UPC and APC polish, the 2000m fiber ring launch cable box provides the maximum dead zone coverage in the OTDR launch cable range — recommended for OTDRs operating at long pulse widths (>1µs) for long-haul singlemode fiber testing, and for applications where the near-end connector of the link must be accurately characterized regardless of OTDR model or pulse width setting.
What Is an OTDR Launch Cable Box and Why Is 2000m Needed?
Every OTDR has a dead zone at the beginning of a trace — a blind region caused by the recovery time of the OTDR’s receiver after the high-power launch pulse. During this dead zone, the OTDR cannot accurately measure events (connectors, splices, faults) on the fiber. The dead zone has two components:
- Event Dead Zone (EDZ): The minimum distance after a reflective event before the OTDR can detect another event — typically 1–5 meters for modern OTDRs
- Attenuation Dead Zone (ADZ): The minimum distance after a reflective event before the OTDR can accurately measure loss — typically 10–100+ meters depending on OTDR model and pulse width setting
By inserting a 2000m launch cable between the OTDR and the link under test, the OTDR’s dead zone is pushed 2,000 meters into the launch cable — well before the first connector of the actual link. This allows the OTDR to accurately measure the near-end connector loss, first splice loss, and any faults near the launch end of the fiber that would otherwise be hidden in the dead zone. A 2000m launch cable is the recommended choice for OTDRs using long pulse widths (>1µs) where the ADZ can extend to several hundred meters.
Key Features
- 2,000m G652D Singlemode Fiber: ITU-T G652.D compliant singlemode fiber — the standard fiber type for FTTH, telecom OSP, and long-haul applications. Low attenuation (<0.5dB total at 1310nm) ensures the launch cable itself does not significantly reduce OTDR dynamic range
- Compact Fiber Ring Spool Design: Fiber is wound on a compact ring spool inside the case — the fiber ring format minimizes the case footprint while accommodating 2000m of fiber, making it more portable than traditional drum-wound launch cables
- IP54 Ruggedized Hard-Shell Case: SR Polypropylene case with compound latch and locking feature — IP54 rated for water and dust resistance. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use across a wide temperature range (-40°C to +85°C)
- Robust Carabiner Clip: Allows the launch box to be clipped to a belt, ladder, or equipment rack during testing — keeping both hands free in the field
- Built-In Cable Management: Fiber is neatly wound inside the case — no tangling or kinking during deployment and retrieval
- Auto-Purge Valve: Prevents pressure buildup inside the sealed case during temperature changes — maintains case integrity in outdoor environments
- SC / FC / LC / ST Connectors, UPC & APC: Available in the most common singlemode connector types and polish types
- 2-Meter Lead Cables: 3mm buffer lead cables on both ends provide strain relief and easy connection
Fiber & Connector Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fiber Type | G652D (ITU-T G652.D singlemode) |
| Fiber Length | 2,000m |
| Lead Length | 2 meters, 3mm buffer |
| Typical Loss | <0.5dB @ 1310nm (2000m total) |
| Connector Types | SC, FC, LC, ST |
| Polish Types | UPC, APC, PC |
| Return Loss (UPC) | ≥50dB |
| Return Loss (APC) | ≥60dB |
| Return Loss (PC) | ≥35dB |
| Repeatability | ≤0.2dB (1,000 mating cycles) |
| Exchangeability | ≤0.2dB |
Mechanical & Environmental Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Dimensions | 238mm × 141mm × 67mm |
| Case Material | SR Polypropylene |
| Case Color | Yellow |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Weight (without fiber) | 0.75kg |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Humidity | 0 to 95%, non-condensing |
Compliance Standards
- ITU-T G652.D (singlemode fiber)
- ITU-T G656.A
- ITU-T G651.1 OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4
- IEC 60793-2-10 Type A1a.1/A1b (OM1/OM2), Type A1a.2 (OM3), Type A1a.3 (OM4)
- RoHS Compliant — Directive 2011/65/EU
500m vs. 1000m vs. 2000m Launch Cable: Which Length Do You Need?
| Launch Cable Length | Recommended Use Case | Dead Zone Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 500m | FTTH drop fiber testing, short-range testing, OTDRs with short pulse widths (<100ns) | Covers EDZ and ADZ for most modern OTDRs at short pulse widths |
| 1000m | Standard FTTH feeder and distribution fiber testing, medium pulse widths (100ns–500ns) | Covers ADZ for most OTDRs at medium pulse widths |
| 2000m (this listing) | Long-haul testing, OTDRs with long pulse widths (>1µs), maximum dead zone coverage for all OTDR models | Covers ADZ for all OTDRs including those with long pulse widths |
We also stock 500m and 1000m OTDR launch cable boxes in the same connector configurations — see our related listings.
Ideal Applications
- Long-haul singlemode fiber testing — OTDR characterization of trunk fiber, feeder cables, and backbone fiber where long pulse widths create extended dead zones requiring a 2000m launch cable
- FTTH feeder fiber testing — accurate measurement of near-end connector loss at the OLT or splitter input on FTTH feeder cables
- Telecom OSP fiber acceptance testing — IEC/ITU-compliant OTDR testing of newly installed outside plant fiber cables per IEC 61280-4-1 and TIA-568
- Fiber fault location — locating breaks, high-loss splices, and connector faults near the launch end of a fiber link hidden in the OTDR dead zone
- Bidirectional OTDR testing — used as both a launch cable (near end) and a receive cable (far end) for bidirectional OTDR measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an OTDR fiber ring launch cable box?
A: An OTDR fiber ring launch cable box is a fiber optic launch cable assembly where the fiber is wound on a compact ring spool inside a protective case. It connects between the OTDR and the fiber link under test to push the OTDR’s dead zone away from the beginning of the link, allowing accurate measurement of the near-end connector and events close to the launch end of the fiber.
Q: Why do I need a 2000m launch cable?
A: A 2000m launch cable provides the maximum dead zone coverage, ensuring the OTDR’s attenuation dead zone is fully contained within the launch cable for all OTDR models and pulse width settings — including OTDRs using long pulse widths (>1µs) for long-haul testing where the ADZ can extend to several hundred meters.
Q: What connector type and polish should I choose?
A: Choose the connector type (SC, FC, LC, or ST) that matches your OTDR’s optical port and the fiber link under test. Choose APC (green, 8° angled) for FTTH and PON networks. Choose UPC (blue) for standard telecom and enterprise fiber. APC and UPC connectors are not interchangeable.
Q: Can I use this as a receive cable?
A: Yes. The launch cable box can be used as both a launch cable (near end) and a receive cable (far end) for bidirectional OTDR testing required by IEC 61280-4-1 and TIA-568.
Q: What fiber type is used?
A: ITU-T G652.D singlemode fiber — compatible with all standard singlemode OTDRs operating at 1310nm and 1550nm.
Q: Is the case waterproof?
A: The case is IP54 rated for water and dust resistance, suitable for indoor and outdoor use from -40°C to +85°C, with an auto-purge valve for pressure equalization.
Q: For support or bulk orders?
A: Contact us at info@splicermarket.com for B2B pricing, volume orders, or technical support.
Package Contents
- 2000m OTDR Fiber Ring Launch Cable Box (G652D fiber, selected connector type and polish) ×1