An Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS) is a specialized instrument used in fiber optic networks to measure the total optical loss across a fiber link.

It combines a calibrated light source and a power meter to determine how much signal is lost as light travels from one end of the fiber to the other.

This measurement, known as insertion loss, is critical for certifying that fiber installations meet performance standards and for troubleshooting issues like poor splices, dirty connectors, or damaged cables.

OLTS devices typically test at multiple wavelengths—such as 850 nm and 1300 nm for multimode fiber, or 1310 nm and 1550 nm for singlemode fiber—and may include features like pass/fail indicators, length estimation, and automated reporting.

Unlike an OTDR, which maps the fiber and locates faults, an OLTS provides a straightforward, end-to-end loss measurement. It’s the primary tool for Tier 1 fiber certification and remains a staple in enterprise, data center, and telecom environments.

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