Fiber-Optic Sensing in Modern Networks : Evaluating Distributed Acoustic Sensing for FUNET
Kytövaara, Eveliina (2026)
2026
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604055648
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604055648
Tiivistelmä
This study explores fiber-optic sensing technologies, with a focus on Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), and evaluates their potential applicability within the Finnish University and Research Network (FUNET) operated by CSC – IT Center for Science. Unlike conventional optical fiber used solely for data transmission, fiber-optic sensing enables continuous detection of environmental changes such as temperature variations, strain and vibrations along the fiber.
The research combines theoretical analysis, current state analysis, expert consultation, and practical testing using a distributed sensing device connected to FUNET infrastructure. The theoretical section reviews fiber-optic fundamentals, attenuation, and scattering-based sensing mechanisms, while the current monitoring practices based on optical time-domain reflectometry technology are analyzed for comparison. Practical measurements demonstrated that DAS can detect and localize vibration events such as trains, vehicles and human activity along fiber routes.
The results indicate that distributed acoustic sensing can complement existing monitoring systems by transforming existing fiber infrastructure into a continuous sensing network. Although challenges related to data processing and operational integration remain, distributed acoustic sensing shows strong potential to enhance infrastructure monitoring and resilience, particularly in the context of increasing subsea cable disruptions in the Baltic Sea region.
The research combines theoretical analysis, current state analysis, expert consultation, and practical testing using a distributed sensing device connected to FUNET infrastructure. The theoretical section reviews fiber-optic fundamentals, attenuation, and scattering-based sensing mechanisms, while the current monitoring practices based on optical time-domain reflectometry technology are analyzed for comparison. Practical measurements demonstrated that DAS can detect and localize vibration events such as trains, vehicles and human activity along fiber routes.
The results indicate that distributed acoustic sensing can complement existing monitoring systems by transforming existing fiber infrastructure into a continuous sensing network. Although challenges related to data processing and operational integration remain, distributed acoustic sensing shows strong potential to enhance infrastructure monitoring and resilience, particularly in the context of increasing subsea cable disruptions in the Baltic Sea region.