Insertion Loss (IL) – The loss of signal power resulting from inserting a device in an optical fiber. This can be referred to as attenuation and is usually expressed as a ratio, in dB, relative to the input power. Return Loss (also called Back Reflection) – The reflection of signal power, usually. In the test report for a fiber cable, you may often see some data related to fiber insertion loss (IL) and return loss (RL), but do you know what insertion loss and return loss actually mean? How do the values of IL and RL impact the quality of the fiber cable? Are higher values better, or lower. Insertion loss (often abbreviated as IL) mainly measures light lost between two fixed points in an optical fiber. The unit of insertion loss is dB. The lower the IL. Insertion Loss (IL) is the amount of optical power lost as the signal travels from one point to another in a fiber optic link, usually across connectors or splices. 4 dB, with reflectance meetin 55 dB for UPC connectors and 65 dB for AP ers and maintains a better physical contact.
[PDF Version]