What is a primary characteristic of optical fiber identifiers?

The primary characteristic of optical fiber identifiers is their ability to detect live traffic signals or modulated test signals on an individual optical fiber. This means that these devices can recognize the activity or data being transmitted through the fiber without needing to disconnect or disrupt the connection. They operate by sending a pulse of light into the fiber, allowing them to identify the presence of traffic on a specific fiber, which makes troubleshooting and maintenance much more efficient.

While it may be tempting to think about other functions, such as measuring length or splicing, those are not the main features of optical fiber identifiers. Moreover, the detection capabilities are not limited by high wavelengths; instead, these identifiers are designed to work across a range of wavelengths, making them versatile tools in the management of fiber optic networks.