Use these terms to make drawings, proposals and handover records more precise. Ask the contractor to define any abbreviation that is used differently in the project documents.

Cable and connection terms

Fiber: the optical transmission strand. Cable: the protected assembly containing one or more fibers. Strand count: the number of fibers in a cable. Termination: preparation of an endpoint for connection. Splice: a join between fibers. Patch cord: a connectorized cable used to connect equipment or panels.

Equipment and location terms

Optical module: the transmitter and receiver interface installed in compatible equipment. Patch panel: the organized termination and connection point. Demarcation: the agreed boundary between provider and customer responsibility. MDF/IDF: labels commonly used for main and intermediate distribution locations; identify the actual room on the drawing.

Performance terms

Attenuation: reduction in optical power along the path. Loss budget: the allowed or predicted loss for a defined link. dB: a relative ratio used to express gain or loss. dBm: optical power relative to one milliwatt. Polarity: the arrangement that connects the intended transmitter and receiver paths.

Records and testing terms

As-built: a record of what was actually installed. OLTS: optical loss test set. OTDR: optical time-domain reflectometer, used to characterize a fiber path and events along it. Acceptance criteria: the agreed conditions for passing the work. A product name or instrument brand is not, by itself, an acceptance criterion.

For related applied guidance from the publisher, see NERSA’s commercial fiber and security infrastructure reference.