Fiber Optic Measurement Units: "dB" and "dBm" Whenever tests are performed on fiber optic networks, the results are displayed on a power meter, OLTS or OTDR readout in units of “dB. ” Optical loss is measured in “dB” which is a relative measurement, while absolute optical power is measured in “dBm,”. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of these essential units, helping you optimize your testing processes and ensure your fiber optic network runs smoothly. What Are dB and dBm? Before we dig into their differences, it's helpful to understand what dB and dBm actually measure. Optical fibers transmit optical power from the transmitter to the receiver. A. In optical communications, dB (decibel) is a logarithmic unit used to quantify signal strength, power gain, or loss. When the power emitted by a light source is transmitted through a fiber optic line and the power at the. Most communication systems (human speech, sonar, microwave, radio, co-ax, fiber optics, twisted pair etc) are simply described in terms of: It is therefore quite natural that communications engineers should use a system of units and measurements that enables these three elements to be easily. Optical power measurements use the unit dBm, with the "m" denoting the reference power, set at 1mW.