We offer a wide range of products from industry-leading manufacturers so you can always find the network & fibre installation equipment you need. Coupled with independent expert advice and a range of smart solutions for fast, flexible access we will find you the perfect solution.

Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR) 

Used for testing fibre optic networks and detecting faults, breaks, and loss in cables, OTDRs connect to a fibre and emit pulses of light down it, then measure the signals reflected back from different points along the cable. The signals reflected back to the OTDR can be used to measure the distance to faults or breaks in the cable.  

Fibre Characterisation, PMD and CMD Equipment 

fibre characterisation equipment measures the characteristics of a cable, testing how much data can be transmitted using it in order to optimise the performance of fibre optic networks. This equipment evaluates polarisation mode dispersion (PMD) and chromatic dispersion (CMD), two types of signal distortion that can impact the speed and quality of data transmission over long distances.  

Fibre Optic Light Sources 

These instruments emit stable light signals in order to test the integrity of cables, splices, and connectors. Often used in conjunction with other test equipment such as OTDRs and power metres, fibre optic light sources are used to test and calibrate networks and can also measure cables' loss and attenuation.  

Fibre Optic Power meters 

Used to test networks, these devices identify signal loss and degradation in fibre optic cables. To use these devices, technicians connect the power meter to various points along the length of a cable to take readings of the power level, and then evaluate the readings to detect power loss and attenuation of the cable.  

Optical Spectrum analysers 

Optical spectrum analysers measure the strength and noise characteristics of light signals at different wavelengths that are transmitted through a cable. These are used in designing, installing, and testing optical communication systems and are useful for detecting issues such as distortion, noise, and wavelength drift. 

Fusion Splicers 

Used in the fibre network installation process or for repairs, these instruments are used for accurate fusion splicing cables together to avoid scattering and reflection of the signal. Fusion splicers connect fibre optic cables together with strong and reliable bonds for minimal signal loss.  

Fibre Optic Attenuators 

fibre optic attenuators are devices used to prevent signal overload and distortion by reducing the signal strength transmitted through fibre optic cabling. They work by creating a fixed amount of signal loss in the cable, adjusting the signal level for the receiving device or preventing signal distortion in the network.  

Return & Loss Test Sets 

Developed for the measurement of return loss and insertion loss in fibre optic fables, return and loss test sets verify the quality of cables and connectors in the network. They work by sending light signals through the cable and measuring how much of the signal is lost or reflected. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who is network and fibre installation equipment for? 

Network and fibre installation equipment is used by professionals such as engineers and technicians for installing, commissioning, repairing, and maintaining fibre optic networks. Technicians use these tools to measure and test cables and networks, detect faults, and fix problems. Tools such as OTDRs, cable fusion splicers, fibre optic power metres, and more are used extensively in the telecommunications and data communications fields. In addition to these uses, researchers developing and testing fibre optic technology often use tools like optical spectrum analysers and other equipment in the lab.  

Is it better to rent or buy fibre and network installation equipment? 

When deciding whether to buy or rent fibre and network installation equipment, there are a few key factors to consider: 

• Length of project: For shorter-term projects, renting equipment to install and test networks is usually more cost-effective, while for long-term or ongoing projects long-term rental, leasing or buying the equipment are all good options, depending on your circumstances.  
• Your budget: Buying equipment can mean high upfront costs, whereas renting can be cheaper in the short term. Your organisation's CapEx budget may determine which option is best for you.  
• Maintenance and other ownership costs: Purchasing equipment makes you responsible for maintenance and calibration, which can be costly but also can optimise the equipment's lifespan for savings in the long run. On the other hand, renting means that your vendor is responsible for maintenance costs, making it cheaper and easier for you.  

Don't forget that buying certified pre-owned equipment can save you a large proportion of the cost of buying new. This means that buying can be more affordable and accessible on a range of budgets.  

What are the best manufacturers of fibre and network installation equipment? 

At Electro Rent, we take care to select only the best devices from reputable, industry-leading brands. This means that any equipment sold or rented through our website has the seal of approval from our team of independent experts. While we stock network and fibre optic installation equipment from a wide variety of high-quality brands, some of the most well-known manufacturers include VIAVI, EXFO, Fluke Networks, Keysight Technologies, and Quantifi Photonics.