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High-sensitivity, long-reach localization and mapping of fiber optic networks using cost-efficient distributed vibration sensing

  • Michel Leclerc
  • , Christine Tremblay
  • , Hongxin Chen
  • , Gwennael Amice
  • , Olivier Plomteux
  • , Michel Leblanc
  • , Constant Chardon
  • , Alessandro Lameiras Koerich
  • EXFO
  • École de technologie supérieure

Research output: Contribution to Book/Report typesContribution to conference proceedingspeer-review

Abstract

We present a novel high-sensitivity technique and algorithm for fiber localization and mapping over extended fiber optic networks. This is achieved using a cost-efficient distributed vibration sensing (DVS) system built upon commercially available off-the-shelf optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) optoelectronics. Our system accurately detects localized fiber vibrations and determines optical distances in operational networks over spans of up to 100 km, achieving a distance precision of less than 10 m under diverse environmental conditions. This capability represents a significant advancement for cost-effective infrastructure monitoring and mapping, addressing the limitations of existing DVS systems in long-reach applications. By integrating localized fiber vibration signatures with optical fiber lengths, our DVS-OTDR system enables highly accurate optical-to-physical correlation and mapping of the physical fiber cable infrastructure. This, combined with geographic information system (GIS) data and network topology information, offers an invaluable cost-effective solution for sensitive, accurate and rapid testing, monitoring and troubleshooting of extensive fiber optic cable networks.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNext-Generation Optical Communication
Subtitle of host publicationComponents, Sub-Systems, and Systems XV
EditorsGuifang Li, Atul K. Srivastava, Ryuichi Sugizaki
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510697270
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Mar 2026
Event15th Next-Generation Optical Communication: Components, Sub-Systems, and Systems - San Francisco, United States
Duration: 19 Jan 202620 Jan 2026

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13905
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

Conference15th Next-Generation Optical Communication: Components, Sub-Systems, and Systems
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period19/01/2620/01/26

!!!Keywords

  • Distributed vibration sensing (DVS)
  • fiber optic networks
  • optical cable infrastructure
  • optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR)
  • troubleshooting
  • vibration measurements

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