FibreSales.com.au Blog

Maintenance of Optical Fiber Cable Networks

Telecommunication, broadcasting and data transmission services have greatly been improved with the introduction of optic fiber technology. The speed of communication with minimal data/transmission loss has made this technology as a hot favorite with almost all the players of those business segments.

The maintenance of fibre optic based networks needs efficient tools and tackles with which the field engineers/staff can perform various day-to-day maintenance. Also the preventive, predictive and breakdown maintenance activities can be carried without much problems being faced.

Preparation and termination of the connectors is one of the frequently carried out activities and fiber optics termination kits are one such set of tools that help the technicians to carry out several activities like preparation and termination of fiber optic connectors. These kits can also help the staff in crimping, polishing, and inspection of fiber connectors.

Which is the Best Termination Kit?

Best kit is the one which is versatile in its functioning and has the universal adaptability. This characteristic is highly essential due to the varied categories of fiber systems and connector types. In short, the best fiber optics termination kit is the one which contains everything that a prep & termination job demands for.

Termination Kits from Fibresales

Fibresales.com.au is offering two types of Fibre Optics Termination Kits i.e.

1. ST/SC Fibre Optic Termination Kit with 200X Microscope
2. ST/SC Fibre Optic Termination Kit with 400X Microscope

Following are the common tools that come with both the kits:

• ST/SC Crimp Tool
• Jacket Stripping Tool
• Buffer Stripping Tool
• Rotary Cable Stripper
• High Carbon steel Kevlar Scissors
• Universal ST/SC Continuity Detector
• Dust Blaster Isopropyl Alcohol Kim Wipes
• Glass Polishing Plate 0.3um, 1um and 12um

The only variation in the tool is the types of Microscope i.e. 200X and 400X.

Benefits:

There are many benefits that a user can enjoy with the above kits like their universal adaptability to any type of network or connectors. The kits are very well designed and can offer safety and security to the personnel who would be using them on the field.

The case which carries the tools has been made up with sturdy plastic material which is impact resistant and weather sealed. It is strong and durable. The hygrometer which comes along with the kit helps the users to measure the humidity levels and thus offers extra protection against the weather conditions. The strength of the case helps the companies in transporting, organizing and protecting the tools within the case.

By buying these durable kits, companies can easily leverage on the life and performance of their fiber cable networks.

Since its inception in 2005, Yamasaki Optical Technology has become the leader in manufacturing and distributing equipments of optic fiber technology. The test and measurement equipments from Yamasaki have garnered popularity amongst the users across the globe.

Yamasaki’s success story does not stop here but continues further with the successful launch of many products in the optical networking domain and all of them have quickly became the favorite choices of many leading companies.

Yamasaki Fiber Pulse is the new feather in the cap of Yamasaki Optical Technology which is an Optical Time Domain Reflector that measures the characteristics of singlemode fibre optic cables. This equipment is widely used to certify the fiber installations and also to identify the faults within the singlemode fiber optic networks.

Specifications of Fiber Pulse

Yamasaki’s X01 Fiber Pulse has been integrated with a Visible Fault Finder (VFF) that helps in testing the cable continuity and locates the faults that could occur due to breaks, tight bends or faulty connections in fiber optic communication networks.

Another important feature is the integration of Optical Signal Detection Function which checks the fiber optic network whether it is live or not and sends out the signals accordingly. This is preventive equipment that protects the OTDR from accidental damages that can occur when used on a live network. It also protects the other optical equipments attached along with the OTDR.

The innate keyboard design includes the innovative idea of having shortcut keys and quick positioning and easy analysis of the events.

Fiber Pulse OTDR sits in a hand held shell that is rugged, dust proof and light weight. This hand held shell is tested and approved for its shock proof nature. It runs on a battery which has 8 hours of life which means that he equipment can be put to use for longer durations.

X01 Fiber Pulse internal memory can store 1000 test results and these results can either be viewed on the screen or can be downloaded to a USB drive or on to the hard disk of the PC in the standard.SOR format.

The FiberPulse OTDR Trace Management Software that comes along with the equipment can be used for further analysis of the events.

How Yamasaki X01 Fiber Pulse OTDR works

Yamasaki’s X01 Fiber Pulse OTDR sends out pulses from one end of the cable down through the length of fiber optic network and traces for the defects in the network. It displays the results and generates reports of all detected events like breaks, splices, macro bends and connections etc.

The intelligent reporting system is so robust that it gives out the complete report with the specific details about the location, name and reflectance of detected events that were checked along the length of the fiber optic network.

Fiber optic networks are stretched over long distances and they run through different terrains, geographical locations and are exposed to various environmental effects. These networks not only include rugged and heavy equipments but also delicate and sensitive instruments which can go haywire when exposed to rude shocks or harsh weather conditions. As these instruments can greatly impact the performance of the fibre optic network, they must be protected at all costs.

Protective equipment for Fiber cable Networks

The value of the optical fiber network lies both in its physical asset valuation and its efficiency in carrying the data. These equipments are expected to deliver high performance at all times and under all circumstances. But the extreme weather conditions like heat, cold, rain, snow etc. can impair the system with their adverse effects.

Apart from the above challenges from the nature, certain human errors like accidental drop, fall, excessive weight and unusual impact etc. can damage the equipments beyond repair. Hence there is a dire need of safety equipment gear that can safeguard the sensitive tools, tackles and equipments.

There are many safety equipment cases are available in the market and some of the best safety cases are on sale with Fibersales. These safety cases come with different parameters like internal and external dimensions, humidity monitoring system etc.

For example, the Safety Equipment Case with Hygrometer 33x21x12cm is made up with specially manufactured plastic material which is impact resistant, has the durability and strength to withstand the rugged conditions and thus protects the sensitive equipment. These safety cases are incredibly strong against drop, unexpected fall or shock. Safety equipment cases are not only shockproof but also airtight, water-tight and dustproof too.

The construction of the safety case is made in such a way that it has got the effective shockproof and impact resistant features. This case contains pre-perforated cutout of sponge which gives the flexibility to the user to accommodate equipment with any size and shape to sit perfectly inside the case.

The moving parts like the hinges are made up of stainless steel and thus ensure the protection against dampness, wet conditions etc. As no corrosion can takes place with stainless steel, the whole case is quite helpful in all weather conditions.

Humidity is the harmful environmental factor that can inflict heavy damages to the touchy optical fiber communication equipments. Hence this safety box is fitted with a built-in hygrometer which monitors the humidity levels and hints the user about the safety levels of the equipments.

Fiber optic technology has revolutionized the way the communication can be handled in an efficient and faster manner. As fiber cable network is built by drawing the long lines of physical cables, it is highly impossible to lay a continuous cable end-to-end. Hence the technology of ‘connectors’ has been put in place.

These connectors are the equipments that are placed at regular intervals of space to join the fiber optic cables. They are of two types i.e. (1) Pigtails and (2) Breakout kits.

How fiber optic cables are Connected by Pigtails

Fiber pigtails are generally un-buffered, short and single piece of equipment with a connector attached at one end of the cable and the other end is just exposed. This end of the pigtail will be stripper and then sliced using fusion slicer and attached to a particular fiber of a multi fiber trunk.

Pigtails do have male and female connectors in which male connectors will be used for direct plugging of an optical transceiver while the female connectors are mounted on a patch panel.

Types of Pigtails

There are two types of fibre cable pigtails:

(1) Singlemode pigtails and

(2) Multimode pigtails

They come in two packing i.e. 4 Pack and 12 Pack.

Singlemode pigtails

The Anderson Fibre Optic pigtails code named as FC OS1 Singlemode 9/125 have 12 cores of cables which can be spliced directly in to the fiber optic cables. Each optic cable of this pigtail is color coded as per the international standards. Each pigtail measures 900 microns and 1.5 meters in length.

Multimode pigtails

The Anderson OM3 Multimode pigtails (SC OM1 Multimode 62.5/125 Simplex 900 micron Pigtails) are provided with 12 cores of cables which can be spliced directly in to a multi-cable trunk through fusion splicing.

These cables are color coded as per the international standards and come with key feature like SC connectors. Each pigtail measures 62.5 microns with OM1 multimode and comes in 1.5 meter length.

SC OM3 Multimode 50/125 fibre optic pigtail is another multimode fiber cable pigtail from Anderson Corp with is again comes in 12 pack with international color code. Each pigtail measures 50 microns with OM3 multimode and comes with 1.5 meters of length.

Anderson Corp is offering lifetime warranty on their singlemode and multimode pigtails.

Usefulness of Pigtails

Pigtails offer low insertion loss, low back-reflection and are designed to for the applications that involve high fiber count splicing.

When it comes to fiber optic resources, Yamasaki provides the minimum expensive fiber optic items. From combination splicers to fiber optic light resources, fiber optic power meters, fiber optic discuss places, optical fiber identifiers and noticeable mistake identifiers. Yamasaki provides analyze and statistic equipment and resources you many require during your projects.

The Y85 fusion splicer:

The new Y85 fusion splicer is the newest in fiber optic splicing technological innovation from Yamasaki. Its new small and more portable design makes it perfect for use in FTTH products as well as helping the suitability of function for daily use. The Y85 has been developed to actual requirements and is full of innovative functions making it simpler to use while still generating the finest quality join. It’s easy to use interface is dis performed on a large and flexible 5 inches color LCD display.

The Y80 fusion splicer:

The Y80 uses primary alignment for high-speed and low power loss. Developed to actual requirements to enhance the convenience and performance of splicing, the Y80 has an easy to use interface and sensible controls on a large, flexible color show. This operates instantly adapts the factors to coordinate you will of the fiber being spliced. These factors can be stored into the splicer storage for later use. With 200 applications, the Y80 can work with a variety of different fiber types. The convenient style of the Y80 allows customers to feel comfortable using the splicer in the area or in the manufacturer, as its strong style allows it be transferred and set up within moments.

Media Converters:

Yamasaki series of media transmission solutions provide a variety of transmitting media solutions, including: copper to fiber, fiber to fiber and GBIC to copper. Data transmitting rates can variety from 10 to 1000Mbps, allowing for smooth incorporation into mixed bandwidth and fiber Ethernet techniques, or when you are mixing state of the art technological innovation with customs techniques. Cabling requirements allow for the set up and operation of techniques in a pre-specified way. If the network administrator wants to modify or upgrade existing wire set ups, this causes a certain degree of problems associated with cable types, equipment, wire set up and labor costs.

The TP01 Power Meter:

The TP01 fiber optic energy meter is the newest self-developed multi-functional fiber optic power meter developed for the installation, development and servicing of fiber optic systems. The TP01 fiber optic energy meter features a strong external real estate, optionally available back light, auto closed off operate, wide statistic range, precise test, self-calibration and worldwide connector. The stability and stability are significantly improved due to the execution of the large rectangle Inga as sensor.

Yamasaki Quick Cleaner:

The quick cleaner provides a powerful convenient system for cleaning fiber optic ferrules. This cleaner’s alternatives allow clients to easily change the non-recyclable washing history which will offer over 400 Baby wipes this makes the cleaner is afresh cost-effective system appropriate for the category and field.  The quick cleaner is a fresh featureof dry cleaner without the need for alcohols, which can be dangerous and flammable.

Above all those product are very good and If you are looking for great working, low attenuation and high performance system, then Yamasaki may confirm you that what you are far-sighted for.

Have you ever observed about patch cable? This is a phrase that represents any brief cable operated to connect or to patch two different electronic elements together. Usually, you can find this certain type of wire used in computer networking system in order to connect patch to the network switches.

There are several kinds of patch cable that you can have in the marketplace. Some techniques of sound programs usually implement 1/4-inch device cable along with XLR mike cable. Meanwhile, network cables usually implement coaxial cables. However, Ethernet RJ-45 wires are more generally in use.

The typical implementation of these patches is done when it is needed to make connecting between two fiber optic cables, and when it comes to linking with fiber optic devices. When purchasing a patch cable, one ought to make sure that the cableis suitable with a preferred set of applications. Being suitable with 62.5/125 applications is one of the more typical specifications. Also, if the connecting system has an aperture that is different from the traditional extensive ones, make sure that you get a smaller aperture that is appropriate for the device.

Advantage:

High-speed of network: The rate of the optical fiber network systems is the quickest available on earth today. These systems are as light as the data transfer medium method. As a result, the data that gets moved happens at a higher than normal speed. The patch cables are well-tuned to work with faster networking systems.

Multichannel support: These patches support multiple data transfer sessions in parallel. In fact, these patches are wider as opposed to single-patch ones to provide this support.

High bandwidth and data transfer rate: The bandwidth of these patches is terrific, as great as the optical network backbone. The high-speed of transfer and the capability of transferring multiple data streams at the same time lead to this great bandwidth. As a result, the rate of data transfer increases drastically compared to single-mode patches.

External noise tolerance: The databases are well-insulated against exterior elector-magnetic signals. Thus the use of additional irrelevant signals does not slow down the quality of data transmitted. The information service provider, the light indication, is completely protected by the cup or plastic fiber from the other exterior signals.

Multiplication support: The Multimode fiber patch cables are able to back up multiple kinds of applications. This includes assisting a variety of application sessions. The devices may have different apertures and application specifications. Today there are a variety of patches available to back up all these different aperture and application specifications.

Security: These are protected and it is very difficult to crack them or change the details taken by the cable using exterior elector-magnetic signals

In conclusion, these cables can make a significant difference to you if you proper worry about the high quality of signal and data transfer. If you know your specifications and are looking for great data transfer, low attenuation and high-speed data transfer in a multichannel system, then a Multi-mode patch cable may confirm you that what you are far-sighted for.

Fiber optic communication systems are a method of transferring details from one place to another by delivering impulses of mild through an optical fiber. Today this system supplying their improved demand provided at high rates of speed by electrical transmitting, visual materials have mostly changed copper wire communications systems in the world.

How does it work?

The optical signal is developed connected to the use of a transmitter, sending the transmitting signals along the fiber, providing that the signal doesn't become too distorted or poor, receiving and transforming this signal into an electric signal.

The main benefits to use it are as given below,

Cost effective:

Fiber optic cables are more cost-effective than copper wire cable. By changing copper with optical, the companies and also the clients save several money from waste. The higher carrying capacity of optical wire over copper wire is another advantage.

Flexible, less weighty and bulky:

Being less weighty and less bulky, they can easily fit in populated and small locations; it is easy to transport them to different locations of set up. Overall flexibility is their main benefits; this individuality makes them move through every side quite easily.

Lesser deterioration of signals:

Fiber optic wires can maintain the signal intensity over a long range in evaluation over conventional wires. The light alerts are passed on through these wires do not interfere with each other and thus you get alerts that are simpler and much better to understand.

Use less power:

The signal wind generators used in fiber optic communication use more compact energy and thus retain quite a bit of money on energy. Since the signals are electronic in characteristics, the computer network systems easily pick them.

Safe: Since,it uses light for transmission signals as an alternative of power, occurrences of fire risks and electric excitement are ruled out. This makes them more safeguarded than conventional wires.

Applications:

It can be used to locate distinct turns, breaks, and burning in fiber. The other function is to perform fiber is researching and identification.

Such being the amazing abilities of this wire, the new opportunities in the field optical fiber communication are always increasing day by day in the entire world.

To properly be a part of two cables wires together needs the use of a fusion splicer. It is a long lasting, low loss, high strength combined in contrast to other short-term combined such as a mechanical splice. It is available in two types: one is Portable and other is non-portable. Portable format is recommended because it can be taken anywhere; where there is need to be a part of OFCs.

Different Splicing Types:

Fusion splicer surroundings and applications can be approximately separated into three types:

1. Fieldsplicer: - examples: aboard fiber implementation ships

2. Manufacturer splicer: - examples: WDM

3. Lab splicer: - examples: scientist’s combination splicing the latest developed materials.

Fiber splicer includes ideas from many topics such as optical waveguide theory, material science, heat transfer, mechanical engineering, fluid mechanics and similar like more.

The Perfect Fusion Splicing Process

To begin splicing your wire, you can begin to get ready the fiber first. Remove all the coatings, pipes, as well as overcoats of your wire and create sure that you have only simple fiber remaining. All of the processing gel from the fiber by using gel better. Ensure that you have washed it well since clean natural environment will be excellent back up better connection. Second, you can cleave the fiber. You need to provide an excellent cleaver to get an outstanding splice. You can arrange the materials either instantly or personally when you combine the materials together. It will be depended on the kind of your device. An electric arc usually will melt the fibers together and it will make long lasting welding for the two ends of the fibers. Third, you can take warm shrink tube to risk-free the fiber. It will be ideal to keep the optical fiber of your wire resilient to any components that might make damage. Now your wire has been spliced efficiently.

Features of Fusion Splicers:

Carefully designed fiber clamps allow the accurate solving of the fiber finishes. At least one secure is accurately flexible with micrometer screws. For splicing polarization-maintaining fibers, it is also necessary to move one of the materials around its axis. A microscopic lens allows examination of top quality and positioning of the fiber finishes. Often, there is a handle for changing between two orthogonal guidelines of perspective. The fiber cores can also usually be seen. Some splicers do the placing instantly depending on a photographic camera picture and/or on track the optical power throughput. For the latter, there must be a mild connected to one fiber end, and a photo detect for the other one.

The Advantages of Fusion splicer:

1. Very compact.

2. Smallest placement loss.

3. Smallest back expression.

4. Highest technical strength.

5. Long lasting.

6. Can hold up against excessive temperature changes.

7. Stops dust and other pollutants from coming into the optical path.

Application:

Fusion splice needs to be very precise and precise. If there is any mistake in splicing, mild will spread or indicate and data loss occurs. Two OFCs are attached end to end and fused to be a part of. Fusion slicer uses a source of warmth such as tungsten filament; light boosting by simulated exhaust of rays (LASER) ray, gas fire or an electric arc. It is used significantly in the telecommunications system along with the computer networking system.

What is SFP?

Telecommunication and/or data communications applications involve vast infrastructure to provide seamless services. There are certain vital parts or equipments that play critical roles in making the networks efficient and robust. SFP (Small form factor pluggable) is one such device which used in both types of communications. It is a compact, hot pluggable transceiver that interfaces a network device mother board to a fiber optic network cable.

SFP is the most popular equipment in telecommunication and data communications industries and it is being jointly produced, developed and supported by almost all major manufacturers across the globe. Their affordability in terms or pricing and multiple advantages have made SFPs to become hot favorites with end-users. Their versatility to support various networks like Gigabit Ethernet, Fiber channel, SONET etc. also made them as a globally accepted product.

SFP Types

There are many types of SFP available in the market. Each type supports the users to provide optical reach on optical fiber type which is available. Both Multimode and Singlemode fiber optics networks can be connected through these SFPs.

SFPs are categorized based on the distance that they can cover, speed at which they work, wavelength that they support. Broadly speaking, following are the categories that we can generally in the market;

SX – Used to cover distance up to 500 meters, 850nm of wavelength and speed at 1.25Gbits/s for Gigabit Ethernet. Whereas for fiber channel network, SX is designed with parameters like 150 meters distance coverage and speed at 4.25 Gbits/s.

LX – Distance up to 10 KM with wavelength of 1310nm

BX – Distance up to 10 KM, with variable wavelengths i.e. 1310nm, 1490nm and 1550nm.

Apart from the above, there are four more varieties like XD (40 KM), ZX (80 KM), EX or EZX (120 KM). All these SFPs come with varied wavelengths and with compatibility with Singlemode and Multimode networks.

SFP Color Codes & Their Meaning

Bare modules SFPs are bit confusing and hence manufacturers follow color codes for easy identification. Following are the details:

• Black pull ring is for Multimode with wavelength of 850nm;
• Blue module is for 1310nm
• Purple color module is for 1490nm.
• Yellow module is meant for 1550nm wavelength; and so on.

SFP+ - The Enhanced Version

The extensive R&D in the field of SFPs have led to the introduction of SFP+ which is the enhance version of the standard device currently available in the market. These are distinguished from the rest with their unique capacity of leaving more circuitry for implementation on the host board instead of within the module. SFP+ can be designed with sfp compatibility by making it to accept a standard SFP module.

Advantages of SFP

SFPs are of low cost and versatile. When compared to their previous version called GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter), sfp port density is much greater which means more number of transceivers can be connected over the edge of a mother board. Thus, SFPs provide excellent and economical solutions for network connectivity.

What Is Fiber Optic

Fiber optics technology is a revolutionary invention in the field of communications. Scientists have identified that a light in a glass medium can transmit more information over long distances through a wireless medium than electrical signals carried over a copper or coaxial medium.

The advantages of optic fiber technology are aplenty. Depending on the purity of glass used, the optic fiber light can carry several digitized signals for hundreds of kilometers without amplification. Transmission losses, as compared to the conventional systems, are very low. It’s low inference and higher bandwidth make optical fiber a unique transmission system.

History Of Optic Fiber

Researchers across the globe have strived to find faster systems that can transmit communications effectively over long distances and with minimal losses. These efforts started showing signs of progress during 1960s and the first breakthrough came in 1970s when three scientists from Coring Inc. were able to create a fiber whose attenuation was less than 20 dB per kilometer. This discovery propelled the further researches and finally resulted in creation of more advanced and robust technology called fiber optic technology.

Following the success of the discoveries and research, commercialization of the technology gained the momentum. Now, after 40 years of committed and continual improvements made in the field research, the performance, consistency, quality and versatility of fiber optics have gone beyond one’s imagination. Gaining the cross functional support from advanced electronics and other digital systems, fiber optics’ capacity has gone beyond mere kilometers to thousands of kilometers. From 20 dB per km attenuation, today’s manufacturers are able to produce fiber optic cables with less than 0.35 dB per km attenuation.

How It Works

Fiber optics functionality is based on the principle of reflection of a light. Light either reflects or refracts while trying to pass through a different medium. This reflection or refraction is based on the angle at which the light hit the surface of the medium.

By controlling the angle of light waves, it is possible to control the efficiency of light waves to reach a destination. In optical fibers, light waves are lead through the core of the fiber to the other end by being reflected within the core. The cladding of the glass relative to the core of the glass determines the ability of the fiber to reflect the light. This is caused by higher refractive index.

Types Of Optic Fibers

Generally there are two categories of optical fibers: single-mode and multi-mode.

Multimode fibers are the first one to get commercialized. The core of a multimode fiber is larger than that of singlemode and allows hundreds of light modes to disseminate through it simultaneously.

Singlemode fiber has a smaller core and allows only one mode of light at a time to proliferate through it. But when it comes to the question of capacity, singlemode cables seems to be more effective than multimode. Its low intrinsic loss coupled with higher information carrying capacity made singlemode fiber cables the best choice for long distance transmissions.

On the other hand, multimode cables are being extensively used in shorter distances (i.e. around 2 kilometers) such a LAN or private data networks etc.

Conclusion

Fiber optics technology has propelled the evolution of information technology and made it a reality too. Today no one can imagine how the life would have been looking without internet, digitized streaming of video etc.