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LoadCairn / Fiber planning

Fiber link loss budget calculator.

Add up fiber, connector and splice loss for a link and check whether it fits the loss limit of the application you're running over it.

Section 1

Link inputs

Start with a fiber and application preset, then replace the planning values with manufacturer data when you have it.

m
dB/km
dB

0.75 dB is the TIA maximum. Low-loss connectors are often rated 0.2–0.5 dB; use your manufacturer's value.

dB
dB
m

Planning estimate

Link loss result

Compare the calculated insertion loss with the selected application's channel limit.

Fiber loss
0.45 dB
Connector loss
1.50 dB
Splice loss
0.00 dB
Total link loss
1.95 dB
Margin
+0.95 dB
Channel limit
2.90 dB

Within the loss budget

Calculation details

Formula and calculation trace

  1. Fiber loss = (150.00 m ÷ 1,000) × 3.00 dB/km = 0.45 dB
  2. Connector loss = 2 pairs × 0.75 dB = 1.50 dB
  3. Splice loss = 0 splices × 0.30 dB = 0.00 dB
  4. Total link loss = 0.45 dB + 1.50 dB + 0.00 dB = 1.95 dB
  5. Margin = 2.90 dB limit − 1.95 dB = +0.95 dB

Assumptions

  • Component values are TIA-568.3-E maximums unless you enter your manufacturer's values.
  • MPO trunks with cassettes count each mated pair, including inside cassettes.
  • Doesn't model reflectance, bandwidth, dispersion or transceiver power directly.

Planning estimate only. Certify installed links with an OLTS (tier 1) test against the application limit.

Sources

  • ANSI/TIA-568.3-E, Optical Fiber Cabling and Components Standard
  • IEEE 802.3 (10GBASE-SR/LR, 40GBASE-SR4, 100GBASE-SR4 channel insertion loss limits)