Network Security and POPI Law
Modern communication is filled with video and audio on broadband networks. It becomes necessary that the connector ends of fibre optic cables are clean. Debris collecting in unprotected ends is the reason for high transmission losses. The repercussion of such losses jeopardises the efficiency of the network and results in severe loss of revenue. Dirt also affects other equipment which can damage the system. Using an optical inspection scope is necessary for checking for damage and taking action if there are any. Once the debris is cleared, it is important that an OTDR fibre tester checks the system for performance testing. The OTDR (optical time domain reflectometer) identifies the distance to faults and also checks the attenuation property. It can also measure the distance to splice losses and fibre damage. The OTDR measures the total length of the system as well as the distance to fibre breaks. Damages to the fibre can occur due to kinks, sharp bends or tight bends. Other causes could occur from tightening cable ties excessively around agroup of fibres.
The principle of the OTDR fibre tester is simple. It sends a light down the fibre and measures the reflection due to the backscatter. This device is playing a significant role in detecting human made breaks made for tapping into networks for stealing data. System administrators are becoming extra cautious about protecting customer data due to POPI compliance laws in South Africa. Other countries also have such laws which ensure that Protection of Personal Information is a responsibility of users and service providers. Network admins insist on accurate documentation of measurement of optical power and fibre attenuation. The Government is strict about POPI implementation, and the only way for businesses to prove that they have complied with the protection of customer personal information is through documentation.