Insertion Loss vs Return loss

Insertion loss and return loss are an indication of  important values to evaluate the quality of  fiber optic patch cords, pigtails or connectors termination.

What is Insertion Loss ?

In telecommunications, insertion loss is the loss of signal power resulting from the insertion of a device in a transmission line  or in other words Insertion loss refers to the fiber optic light loss caused when a fiber optic component insert into one another  to form the fiber optic link. 
Absorption, misalignment or air gap between the fiber optic components are the main cause contribution to Insertion Loss.

What is Return Loss ?

In telecommunications, return loss is the loss of power in the signal reflected by a discontinuity in fiber optics (connectors) or in other words  Return loss is the fiber optic light gets reflected back at the connection point. 

What Does High Return Loss Indicate?

• Dirty Connector
  
• Broken Optical Fiber
  
• Poorly Mated Connector
  
• Creates Multipath Interference and Degrades Signal