850/1300nm vs 1310/1550nm Fibre Test Wavelengths Malaysia

Choosing the correct test wavelength is essential when purchasing a fibre optic stable light source. The two most common wavelength combinations—850/1300nm and 1310/1550nm—are intended for different types of optical fibre.

Using the wrong light source can produce unsuitable test conditions and may prevent the contractor from completing the required fibre-loss measurement.

The NOVKER NK281 and NOVKER NK301 are available in different wavelength configurations. Before ordering, buyers should first determine whether they need to test multimode fibre, single-mode fibre or both.

What Is a Fibre Test Wavelength?

An optical wavelength describes the light transmitted through the fibre and is stated in nanometres.

Different fibre types are designed and characterised for operation at particular wavelength regions.

During an insertion-loss test:

A stable light source transmits a known optical signal.
The signal travels through the fibre link.
An optical power meter measures the received power.
The technician compares the result with a reference value.
The total link loss is recorded in dB.

The stable light source and optical power meter must be set to the same wavelength.

What Is 850/1300nm Used For?

The 850nm and 1300nm wavelengths are commonly associated with multimode fibre testing.

Multimode fibre is frequently installed in:

Data centres
Server rooms
Commercial buildings
Factory networks
Campus systems
Internal equipment-room links
Legacy fibre infrastructure

Common multimode fibre categories include:

A contractor working on these networks may require an NK301 or another compatible light source configured for 850/1300nm.

What Is 1310/1550nm Used For?

The 1310nm and 1550nm wavelengths are commonly used for single-mode fibre testing.

Single-mode fibre is widely used in:

FTTH networks
Telecom infrastructure
Long-distance fibre links
Building-to-building backbones
Factory fibre networks
CCTV fibre transmission
Campus backbones
External network connections

For many Malaysian FTTH and general fibre contractors, a 1310/1550nm configuration offers the most relevant everyday coverage.

Main Difference Between the Two Combinations

Test wavelength	Typical fibre type	Common applications
850nm	Multimode	Short internal links and data centres
1300nm	Multimode	Multimode link testing
1310nm	Single-mode	FTTH, telecom and building backbones
1550nm	Single-mode	Long-distance and bend-sensitive testing

These combinations are not interchangeable.

A 1310/1550nm single-mode light source does not provide the standard 850/1300nm wavelengths normally required for multimode loss testing.

Why Test Multimode Fibre at Two Wavelengths?

Testing multimode fibre at both 850nm and 1300nm provides a more complete view of the link’s performance.

The results may be affected by:

Fibre category
Cable length
Connector quality
Launch conditions
Splices
Patch panels
Reference cords
Test method

Many multimode applications transmit at 850nm, but project requirements may call for measurements at both wavelengths.

Always follow the applicable project or cabling specification.

Why Test Single-Mode Fibre at Two Wavelengths?

Single-mode fibre is commonly tested at 1310nm and 1550nm.

The 1550nm wavelength is generally more sensitive to bending-related loss.

For example:

1310nm result: 1.5dB
1550nm result: 3.4dB

The larger-than-expected difference may indicate:

Tight cable bending
Cable compression
Patch cord trapped behind equipment
Overtightened cable ties
Poor routing inside a distribution box

Testing at both wavelengths can therefore reveal conditions that may not be obvious from one reading alone.

Can One Light Source Test Both Fibre Types?

Yes, if the instrument is configured with all the required wavelengths.

A four-wavelength stable light source may provide:

850nm
1300nm
1310nm
1550nm

This configuration is useful for contractors working with both single-mode and multimode installations.

However, the test equipment must also include:

Compatible optical power meter
Single-mode reference cords
Multimode reference cords
Correct optical adaptors
Suitable reference procedure

Having four wavelengths does not remove the need to use the correct test cords and testing method.

When Is a Four-Wavelength NK301 Worth Buying?

A four-wavelength NOVKER NK301 is worth considering when the contractor regularly works with:

Data centre multimode fibre
Building single-mode backbones
FTTH projects
Legacy OM1 or OM2 networks
Modern OM3 or OM4 installations
Factory fibre systems
Different customer specifications

The broader wavelength coverage helps the contractor attend different sites without carrying separate light sources.

If almost all projects involve single-mode FTTH, a simpler 1310/1550nm model may provide better value.

When Is the NK281 More Suitable?

The NOVKER NK281 is attractive to contractors who mainly test single-mode fibre and also work with RJ45 network cables.

Its combined functions support:

Stable optical output
Fibre-loss testing with a power meter
RJ45 wire-sequence checking
Basic network-cable fault checks
Cable-length measurement

It is especially suitable for:

FTTH installers
CCTV contractors
Network-cabling teams
Factory IT maintenance
Building technicians

The exact wavelength configuration must still be confirmed before ordering.

Does Connector Type Affect Wavelength Selection?

Connector type and wavelength are separate considerations, but both must be correct.

Common connector types include:

Common polishing types include:

A light source may provide the correct wavelength but still require an adaptor or hybrid patch cord to connect to the installed fibre.

Do not directly mate UPC and APC connectors. Their different polished end faces can create high loss and reflection.

Does the Optical Power Meter Need All Four Wavelengths?

The power meter must provide accurate measurement at every wavelength used by the light source.

For a four-wavelength test system, confirm support for:

850nm
1300nm
1310nm
1550nm

If the power meter does not list 1300nm but lists only 1310nm, do not automatically assume they are equivalent settings. Confirm the equipment specification and required test accuracy.

The wavelength selected on the power meter determines the calibration correction applied to the reading.

Can These Wavelengths Test a Live PON Network?

A standard stable light source is mainly used for controlled insertion-loss testing.

A live PON network can carry several wavelengths simultaneously. Measuring those live signals may require a dedicated PON optical power meter.

The correct equipment depends on the test:

Stable light source and power meter: Controlled link-loss measurement
PON power meter: Live upstream and downstream power measurement
OTDR: Fault and event location
VFL: Short-range visible continuity checks

Do not inject a test signal into an active network without confirming the approved procedure.

Common Wavelength-Selection Mistakes

Buying 1310/1550nm for multimode-only work

This configuration is primarily intended for single-mode fibre.

Buying 850/1300nm for FTTH

Malaysian FTTH installations generally use single-mode fibre, so the contractor will usually require single-mode testing wavelengths.

Assuming all models include four wavelengths

The model series may have several configurations. Confirm the specific unit being quoted.

Selecting the wrong wavelength on the power meter

The transmitted and measured wavelength settings must match.

Forgetting different reference cords

Single-mode and multimode testing require suitable reference patch cords and procedures.

Quick Selection Guide

Choose 850/1300nm when:

The network uses multimode fibre.
You work mainly inside data centres or buildings.
The project specifies multimode testing.
OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 or OM5 links are involved.

Choose 1310/1550nm when:

The network uses single-mode fibre.
You work with FTTH.
You test telecom or longer-distance links.
You maintain building-to-building fibre.
You need to check for bend-sensitive loss.

Choose a four-wavelength configuration when:

You regularly test both fibre types.
Your customers have mixed infrastructure.
You need wider project coverage.
Carrying separate light sources is inconvenient.

Information to Provide for a Quotation

Tell MTM Precision:

Single-mode, multimode or both
Required wavelengths
Fibre connector type
UPC or APC polish
Light source only or complete test kit
Required optical power meter
Reference-cord requirements
Main testing application
Whether formal certification is required
Quantity needed

This information allows the correct NOVKER configuration to be quoted.

Contact MTM Precision

Contact us for the NOVKER NK281, NK301, 850/1300nm and 1310/1550nm stable light sources and optical power meters in Malaysia.

MTM Precision Sdn Bhd
No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18,
Pusat Bandar Puchong,
47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.

Website: www.mtmpre.com.my
WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346
Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com