This loss is primarily quantified as insertion loss, which measures the reduction in signal power due to the splitter's presence in the optical path. Factors influencing splitter loss include splitter type, splitter numbers, and component quality. If you use a 1×8 splitter with ~10. Your total link budget must also account for fiber attenuation (0. 35 dB/km at 1310 nm), connector loss (0. 1. To be able to judge whether a fiber optic cable plant is good, one does a insertion loss test with a light source and power meter and compares that to an estimate of what is a reasonable loss for that cable plant. Direct tap branches are useful for monitor points and short lab checks.