Advanced Real-Time Sensing for Fiber Optic Cables and Critical Infrastructure

Viavi Solutions has introduced a cutting-edge real-time fibre optic sensing system designed specifically for networks in critical infrastructure. The NITRO Fibre Sensing system from Viavi represents a significant advancement in asset monitoring and analytics solutions for a wide range of critical infrastructure applications.

This innovative system is tailored for industries such as oil, gas, and water pipelines, electrical power transmission, border/perimeter security, and data center interconnects. By leveraging the latest in technology, Viavi has integrated the OTDR test system with the NITRO 5G wireless test system to create a comprehensive solution for real-time monitoring.

One of the key features of the NITRO Fibre Sensing system is its ability to combine various sensing technologies, including Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS), Simultaneous Temperature and Strain Sensing (DTSS), and Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). This combination provides critical intelligence that enables swift identification and precise localization of potential threats.

The importance of early threat detection cannot be overstated, as the costs associated with damage to critical assets can far exceed the initial investment. By swiftly identifying and mitigating external threats, organizations can minimize damage and outages, ultimately leading to a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Deployed strategically, the NITRO Fiber Sensing system utilizes remote Fibre Test Heads (FTH) to monitor fibre optic cables and fibre-enabled infrastructure in real time. These Fibre Test Heads can measure temperature and strain along a fibre, as well as detect acoustic vibrations near a fibre, providing valuable data for infrastructure health monitoring.

Alerts generated by the system notify operators of potential threats, such as human interference, vehicle movement, digging operations, or other activities that could jeopardize critical assets. The alerts include precise location information, enabling maintenance, response, or repair teams to take swift and targeted action to address the threat.

Kevin Oliver, Vice President and General Manager of Fiber and Access Solutions at VIAVI, emphasized the significance of the NITRO Fiber Sensing solution, stating, “We take fibre monitoring to the next level with the NITRO Fiber Sensing solution. As the demand for fibre optic cables continues to grow across various industries, our broad portfolio is well-equipped to meet the unique needs of each customer while ensuring compliance with security regulations.”

For more information about Viavi Solutions and the NITRO Fiber Sensing system, visit www.viavisolutions.com.