Fluke OptiFiber Pro OTDR vs CertiFiber Pro OLTS: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to fibre testing, two tools are often discussed together: the OptiFiber Pro OTDR and the CertiFiber Pro OLTS from Fluke Networks. Both are powerful, both are used in network projects, but they serve different purposes. Using the wrong one can waste time and lead to incomplete test results.
This blog explains what each tool does, when to use which one, and the feature differences.

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What Is an OTDR?(Optical Time Domain Reflectometer)

An OTDR sends pulses of light down a fibre and measures the reflections.
It’s mainly used for troubleshooting and analysing fibre quality.

OTDR is used to:

• Locate faults and breaks
• Measure fibre length
• Detect splices and connectors
• Identify damaged sections
• Verify the quality of installation
• Analyse events over distance
• Troubleshoot without disconnecting everything

Simply put: OTDR is your tool to find what’s wrong and where it’s wrong.

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What Is an OLTS? (Optical Loss Test Set)

An OLTS measures insertion loss, optical power, and polarity.
It’s the tool you need when you must certify a fibre link according to industry standards.

OLTS is used to:

• Provide pass/fail certification
• Measure total link loss
• Measure optical power
• Check polarity
• Perform dual-fiber testing
• Certify MPO/MTP links

In short: OLTS is for proving the fibre link meets required standards.

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What’s the Difference Between OTDR and OLTS?

Here’s the simple breakdown:

OTDR (OptiFiber Pro):

• Used for diagnostics
• Finds physical issues
• Shows events along the fibre
• Measures fibre length
• Excellent for fault-finding
• Helps verify installation quality

OLTS (CertiFiber Pro):

• Used for certification
• Measures insertion loss
• Measures optical power
• Checks polarity
• Provides official pass/fail results
• Required for final handover reports

OTDR = Troubleshooting
OLTS = Certification

Most professionals need both tools because they complement each other.

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When Should You Use OptiFiber Pro OTDR?

Use the OTDR when you need to:

• Find faults, breaks, or high-loss events
• Verify the fibre path
• Measure total fibre length
• Analyse splices and connectors
• Troubleshoot long fibre runs
• Perform pre-testing before certification
• Identify poor workmanship
• Diagnose issues without stopping service

If you need to see the health of the fibre, OTDR is the tool.

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When Should You Use CertiFiber Pro OLTS?

Use the OLTS when you need to:

• Certify fibre links for a project
• Measure insertion loss accurately
• Validate polarity
• Test optical power
• Provide official pass/fail results
• Meet customer or industry requirements
• Certify MPO/MTP cables
• Complete final handover documentation

If the project requires official certification, OLTS is mandatory.

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Feature Comparison Table: OptiFiber Pro OTDR vs CertiFiber Pro OLTS

(Based on your image)

Feature	OptiFiber Pro OTDR	CertiFiber Pro OLTS
One-button operation	✓	✓
Locate faults	✓	—
Fibre length measurement	✓	(pairs)
Check connectivity	✓	—
Check polarity	—	✓
Optical power measurement	—	✓
Encircled flux compliant	—	✓
Dual-fiber loss testing	✓	✓
MPO fibre testing	✓	✓
Pass/fail results	✓	✓

Interpretation:

• OTDR gives you the fibre’s physical health and path data.
• OLTS gives you certification, loss, and polarity compliance.

Both are important, but for different reasons.

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Which Tool Should You Choose?

If your task is to find faults, inspect the fibre, or analyze events, choose the OptiFiber Pro OTDR.

If your task is to certify, prove performance, or deliver a standards-compliant test report, choose the CertiFiber Pro OLTS.

Most technicians use both, because:

• OTDR shows the physical condition of the fibre
• OLTS provides the pass/fail certification

Together, they cover 100% of fibre testing needs.