The optical power meter (OPM) can measure both the absolute power level and the relative power level of light in the fiber. Absolute and referenced power measurements ensure fast and accurate loss budget and insertion loss measurements. Absolute power measurements are used to ensure that the system is operating within a specified power range, while referenced, or relative, power measurements are used to detect changes in the power level caused by various factors such as attenuation, dispersion, and reflection.

When placing tones on the fiber using a Tempo Communications source, the optical power meter will definitively identify fiber optic cables.