--- title: What Does Your Optical Fiber Test & Demonstration Setup Say About You? description: Discusses the importance of utilizing a professional optical fiber setup for fiber optic system testing and demonstration applications. image: https://www.m2optics.com/hubfs/images/Optical_Fibers_in_Rack_Chassis.jpg --- - **Phone** [919-342-5619](tel:919-342-5619) - **Toll Free** [866-269-2902](tel:866-269-2902) - **Email** [sales@m2optics.com](mailto:sales@m2optics.com) [![footer-logo](https://www.m2optics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/M2_Optics_2021/footer-logo.png?width=166&height=58&name=footer-logo.png "footer-logo")](https://www.m2optics.com/) [![Request a Call](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/39436/fc7235a3-fa4d-4c7f-bc75-7336bfb927cc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/39436/fc7235a3-fa4d-4c7f-bc75-7336bfb927cc) # What Does Your Optical Fiber Test & Demonstration Setup Say About You? Posted by [Kevin Miller](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/author/kevin-miller) on Thu, May 12, 2016 @ 09:05 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ***Often not considered, it is important to remember that looks really do matter!*** For network equipment manufacturers, two necessary steps are a) testing their devices in the lab to ensure performance specifications and b) demonstrating the devices to potential customers when attempting to close a sale.  While each may or may not happen at a different point in the process, both are extremely important and the outcome can ultimately determine a win or a loss against a competitor.  What they share in common is that both involve utilizing spools of optical fiber to connect various devices in order to exactly simulate the intended field network. While much effort and money is focused on the devices in these setups and rightfully so, often times the [optical fiber](https://www.m2optics.com/optical-fibers) that is being used to connect all the devices and simulate the physical network is overlooked.  While engineers and lab managers know the fiber is an absolute necessity, not all take it a step further to think about how the look and organization of the fiber can have an impact on potential customers, company executives, and other related operational initiatives. While performance of the setup will always be most important, it’s vital for equipment vendors today to understand that the look and organization of the fiber testbed does make an important impression on others, which can be positive or negative. **A Real-Life Scenario: Customer Visit for a Demonstration** As an example, let’s take a look at a scene that happens on a daily basis around the world.  A large enterprise customer is considering purchasing an expensive network device from one of two possible vendors.  Both vendors have invited the customer to visit their facilities in order to demonstrate their respective devices.  Upon arrival, the customer immediately notices the test fiber is setup in two vastly different ways:   | ![Optical_Fibers_in_Rack_Chassis.jpg](https://www.m2optics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Optical_Fibers_in_Rack_Chassis.jpg?width=244&height=235&name=Optical_Fibers_in_Rack_Chassis.jpg "Optical_Fibers_in_Rack_Chassis.jpg") |       | **Vendor A** - Fiber spools organized in rack chassis | | --- | --- | --- | |   |   |   | | ![Unsecured_Optical_Fiber_Spools.jpg](https://www.m2optics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Unsecured_Optical_Fiber_Spools.jpg?width=244&height=235&name=Unsecured_Optical_Fiber_Spools.jpg "Unsecured_Optical_Fiber_Spools.jpg") |   | **Vendor B** - Fiber spools unsecured on rails in ceiling |   So, what are some of the thoughts and questions that will almost certinaly come to the mind of the customer, simply from the looks of these two setups? - Vendor A has invested more money and effort than Vendor B. - Vendor A is more likely to achieve consistent, reliable performance results due to having a professional, organized setup. - How can Vendor B identify the specific fiber types and lengths they are connecting to, when the spools aren’t easily accessible or identified? - How does vendor B know that there aren’t issues with the fiber itself, given that the spools and leads are not secured? - Why didn’t Vendor B put as much effort into building a quality test setup as Vendor A? If vendor B is cutting corners on the important fiber testbed, where else might they be cutting corners? Any one of these thoughts going through the customer’s mind creates a negative perception about Vendor B, while likely instilling even more confidence in Vendor A as a result of the investment they have made in their fiber setup.     While the fiber testbed may not always be THE deciding factor in who they award their business to, the last thing a vendor wants in a highly competitive market is to invoke a negative perception about any phase of their business, or be viewed as a company that is not entirely up to par with the efforts of their primary competitors.   **Additional Considerations** While it will require a slightly larger monetary investment up-front to build out a [professional and organized fiber testbed](https://www.m2optics.com/fiber-test-boxes), there are other benefits beyond customer visits and keeping up with the competition that engineers should always keep in mind: - Protecting optical fiber appropriately saves money in the long-run, as it prevents damage that commonly occurs during handling. - Organizing fiber in the most efficient manner not only saves valuable space, but it is virtually a necessity for those pursuing any level of test and connectivity automation. - Organizing fiber also saves time when connecting fiber lengths, as well as eliminating having to search for specific fiber types or lengths in the available inventory. - Engineers and lab managers take great pride in their work and department – maintaining a professional fiber testbed shows company executives that your team is doing everything possible to position your company for success. - A great optical fiber setup makes life easier in general, for both engineers and technicians working with the equipment As a company that has been focused on this particular area of expertise for over 15 years, this specific subject has become a more and more prevalent topic in recent years, especially as demands for advanced fiber-based equipment and the resulting competition between vendors continues to increase.  In fact, we have had several instances where businesses have put just as much emphasis on the look of their setup as they have the performance to address many of the points mentioned. The next time you require optical fiber and someone makes a statement along the lines of “let’s just buy some spools to save money,” it might be a good idea to share some of these best-practice considerations - the resulting numerous benefits have proven to always outweigh any short-term monetary differences. ----------------- **Contact M2 Optics for a Free Consultation ** Since 2001, M2 Optics has specialized in helping businesses to get the most out of their optical fiber for network simulation, latency, and demonstration efforts.  Whether you require new fiber, have existing fiber that you wish to organize in a more professional manner, or simply want to learn more about this topic, we are here to support you. [![Contact M2 Optics](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/39436/f350ced8-f18d-4af0-9dd8-665394b7b314.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/39436/f350ced8-f18d-4af0-9dd8-665394b7b314)   | [![best_practices_-_simulating_a_fiber_optic_network.jpg](https://www.m2optics.com/hs-fs/file-13977295-jpg/images/best_practices_-_simulating_a_fiber_optic_network.jpg?width=150&height=194&name=best_practices_-_simulating_a_fiber_optic_network.jpg "best_practices_-_simulating_a_fiber_optic_network.jpg")](https://www.m2optics.com/best-practices-for-simulating-a-physical-fiber-optic-network-whitepaper) |      **Free Whitepaper:**      [Best Practices for Simulating a Physical Fiber Network](https://www.m2optics.com/best-practices-for-simulating-a-physical-fiber-optic-network-whitepaper) | | --- | --- |   Topics: [optical fiber](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/optical-fiber), [network simulation](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/network-simulation), [latency](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/latency) --- ![M2 Optics, Inc.](https://www.m2optics.com/hubfs/M2%20Optics%2c%20Inc.-%20Transparent.png "M2 Optics, Inc.") ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [optical fiber (57)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/optical-fiber) - [network simulation (28)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/network-simulation) - [fiber optic testing (19)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fiber-optic-testing) - [latency (19)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/latency) - [fiber monitoring (14)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fiber-monitoring) - [optical time delays (14)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/optical-time-delays) - [otdr (11)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/otdr) - [fiber optic training (9)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fiber-optic-training) - [multimode fiber (8)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/multimode-fiber) - [PON (7)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/pon) - [fiber optics (7)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fiber-optics) - [fiber optic cable (5)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fiber-optic-cable) - [fiber optic networks (5)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fiber-optic-networks) - [optical taps (5)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/optical-taps) - [single mode fiber (5)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/single-mode-fiber) - [RFoF (4)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/rfof) - [WDM (4)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/wdm) - [dispersion compensating fiber (4)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/dispersion-compensating-fiber) - [fiber lab (4)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fiber-lab) - [omi (4)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/omi) - [Optical fiber market (3)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/optical-fiber-market) - [optical switching (3)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/optical-switching) - [3D design (2)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/3d-design) - [fiber characterization (2)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fiber-characterization) - [hollow-core optical fiber (2)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/hollow-core-optical-fiber) - [multicore optical fiber (2)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/multicore-optical-fiber) - [1.6Tb/s optical transceivers (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/1-6tb-s-optical-transceivers) - [2024 Paris Olympics (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/2024-paris-olympics) - [3D Printing (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/3d-printing) - [3D design and printing servives (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/3d-design-and-printing-servives) - [3D printing and design for Telecom (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/3d-printing-and-design-for-telecom) - [3d printing and design services for Fiber Optics (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/3d-printing-and-design-services-for-fiber-optics) - [3d rapid prototyping (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/3d-rapid-prototyping) - [5g (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/5g) - [AI (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/ai) - [IOR (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/ior) - [Lightium (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/lightium) - [OM5 (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/om5) - [OM5 wideband multimode optical fiber (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/om5-wideband-multimode-optical-fiber) - [RF-over-Fiber (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/rf-over-fiber) - [Silicon Photonics (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/silicon-photonics) - [TFLN (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/tfln) - [bare optical fiber (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/bare-optical-fiber) - [best practices (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/best-practices) - [blockchain (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/blockchain) - [broadband service (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/broadband-service) - [calculate latency (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/calculate-latency) - [chromatic dispersion (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/chromatic-dispersion) - [cybersecurity (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/cybersecurity) - [data centers (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/data-centers) - [dc fiber (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/dc-fiber) - [dcf (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/dcf) - [drone fiber spool canisters (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/drone-fiber-spool-canisters) - [egaming (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/egaming) - [electric utilities (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/electric-utilities) - [fiber network simulators (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fiber-network-simulators) - [fiber optic drone (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fiber-optic-drone) - [fiber tether (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fiber-tether) - [fusion splice (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/fusion-splice) - [gas and electric (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/gas-and-electric) - [high-index optical fiber (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/high-index-optical-fiber) - [index of refraction (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/index-of-refraction) - [innovation (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/innovation) - [mechanical splice (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/mechanical-splice) - [online gaming (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/online-gaming) - [optical fiber attenuation (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/optical-fiber-attenuation) - [optical fiber reference guide (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/optical-fiber-reference-guide) - [optical fiber tension (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/optical-fiber-tension) - [otdr testing service (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/otdr-testing-service) - [otdr trace (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/otdr-trace) - [otdr training (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/otdr-training) - [pm fiber (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/pm-fiber) - [polarization-maintaining optical fiber (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/polarization-maintaining-optical-fiber) - [quantum computing (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/quantum-computing) - [refractive index (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/refractive-index) - [space division multiplexing (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/space-division-multiplexing) - [submarine fiber cable (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/submarine-fiber-cable) - [thin film lithium niobate (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/thin-film-lithium-niobate) - [transportation network (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/transportation-network) - [types of otdr events (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/types-of-otdr-events) - [universities and research (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/universities-and-research) - [university campus (1)](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/topic/university-campus) [see all](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/what-does-your-optical-fiber-test-demonstration-setup-say-about-you#) ### ![pin-icon](https://www.m2optics.com/hubfs/M2_Optics_2021/Home/search-pin.png) **Headquarters** 5621 Departure Dr, Ste 117 Raleigh, NC 27616, USA ### ![phone-icon](https://www.m2optics.com/hubfs/M2_Optics_2021/Home/call.png) **Call Us** Phone: [1-919-342-5619](tel:1-919-342-5619) Toll Free: [866-269-2902](tel:866-269-2902) ### ![email-icon](https://www.m2optics.com/hubfs/M2_Optics_2021/Home/email.png) **Email Us** [sales@m2optics.com](mailto:sales@m2optics.com) [![M2 Optics](https://www.m2optics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/M2_Optics_2021/footer-logo.png?width=166&height=58&name=footer-logo.png "M2 Optics")](https://www.m2optics.com/) Offering customized solutions for fiber network simulation, optical time delay, and network testing applications that allow each user to specify exactly what they need. [**](https://www.facebook.com/m2optics/) [**](https://twitter.com/M2Optics) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/2288956) ### Subscribe Sign up to get the latest news, current blog posts, and most up-to-date information on fiber optic technology. Copyright © 2021 M2Optics, Inc. All rights reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.m2optics.com/privacy-policy)