FiberView is a monitoring system that has especially been developed to monitor the status of fiber optic paths. It consists of a software/hardware combination which is integrated in all active network components and which permanently monitors the path's budget per port. Three LEDs or - in case of switches - an additional user interface, reachable via web interface, show in terms of a "traffic light" if the fiber has got a good signal level (green LED), if the signal is close to the allowed limit  (yellow LED) or insufficient (red LED). if the yellow LEDs lights up the budget is barely within the defined system reserve of 3dB. Since this warning level is additionally signalled via a potential free relay contact, it can be evaluated centrally in SCADA-systems as well.

In contrast to other status signals that have to be interpreted first, the FiberView "traffic-light" system is clear and generally understandable. Furthermore, the yellow phase allows a foresighted action, i.e. acting instead of reacting. Since the attenuation is not that high at this stage, the fiber optic connection is still working. Maintenance and repair work should, however, be initiated  to prevent any breakdowns. Thus equipments' downtimes are avoided. All in all, a monitoring system like FiberView helps increasing productivity and reducing costs.