Fiber optic testing: Need and Types!

Optical fiber is a gift of modern technology and the most proficient medium of transferring data at enormous speed. Due to their feature of “high speed data transfers”, many communication networks today rely on fiber optics.

Fibers are the thread like structures made up of glass or plastic use light signal as a career to transfer data from one location to another. The downside of this high speed guided transmission medium is that they are easily vulnerable to contamination and damage which may gradually decrease their performance. As a result, cable loses its efficiency and may affect the overall performance of the network.

Therefore, routine checking and testing is a simple and effective way to ensure optimum functioning of these cables. There are several types of fiberoptic testing equipment available in current marketplace. The main purpose of these devices is to ensure that cable has been installed properly, to check reflectance of all connections and splices, to locate areas for repair quickly.

Below mentioned are some common types of testing performed on optical cables:

·         End-to-end loss testing: In this method, both units (light source and power meter) are connected with the test jumper. Optical power meter is a “device used to measure power of an optical signal”. Sometimes synonym as a fiber patch cord, a fiber jumper is a cable used for connecting equipment on either end of the link. Optical light source is a testing device used to measure the loss for both single and multimode fiber cables. As a result of this test, is both units have same wavelength reading will be accurate.

·         Cable commissioning: This test is performed to check cable for damage, and attenuation. It also measures the polarization mode dispersion. In this test, fiber cable that is to be tested is connected at both ends to automatic test units (light source and power meter).

·         Splice and connector optimization: This test is performed to measure the loss of joined pair of connectors. Otherwise, the gap in the connection may cause insertion loss and reluctance. OTDRs (optical time-domain reflectometer) are used for verify different events like splice loss on long fiber cables with inline splices or for troubleshooting.

In the current marketplace, there are varieties of fiber optic kits, like cleaning and testing tools are present that are used to complete the required tasks of cleaning and testing of cables andconnectors. To know more about these cleaner and their availability please check http://www.aefos.com.

Things to keep in mind before cleaning and inspection

Fiber optics, as we know the most popular guided transmission media in communication networks. The key feature of glass or plastic made fiber strings is that they rely on light instead of electrical current to pass useful information from one place to another. Because of the property that light travels much faster than current, it become the functioning concept of fiber cables.

As a rule for almost everything, while there are positives of something, there are some downsides too. Same is in the case of fiber cables that are highly susceptible to contaminations from myriad sources like human hand oil, dust particles, powders left after water (or other solvents) evaporate, and others. These contaminations create interruption in the intended functioning of optical fibers, thus need to be cleaned periodically.

Below mentioned are general reminders and warnings before you clean or inspect optical Every time you mate or de-mate a fiber cables they must be cleaned and inspect to ensure their smooth functioning. There are variety of fiber optic testing and cleaning products available in the market, you just5 need to keep few but important things in mind. fiber connections.

Reminders:

·         Always make sure that laser sources are turned off before you proceed with the inspection of optical components, fiber connectors, or bulkheads.

·         Make sure that optical cable is disconnected at both ends.

·         Wear safety glasses and gloves during use of laser.

·         Always check the fiber connectors or adapters before you clean.

·         Be sure that connectors are properly inspected and cleaned before you make a connection.

·         On safe side, keep a protective cap on all connectors that are unplugged.

·         Don’t reuse the used tissues and swabs. Discard them properly.

·         It is a good idea to use connector housing to connect or disconnect a fiber.

Warnings:

·         Never follow wet cleaning or alcoholic methods without ensuring that it will not leave any residue or dust particles on the end face after cleaning. Because it can result in damage to the equipment.

·         Never look into an optical fiber while the laser systems are turned on.

·         Never touch inspection or cleaning products without being grounded properly.

·         Never touch fiber connectors’ end-faces.

·         Never pull or twist forcefully optical cables.

·         Never touch the cleaning side of the sawn, tissue, or cleaning fabric.

·         Never use wet cleaning solutions like alcohol around sparking cables or open flame. Because alcoholic cleaning agents are highly flammable.

Therefore, before you perform fiber optic cleaningor testing, keep the aforementioned thing in mind to avoid the associated risks of damage. Visit www.aefos.com for further details on products, user manuals and estimates..