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A Beginner's Guide to Terminating Fiber Optic Cables
Fiber optic technology has revolutionized data transmission, offering faster speeds and greater reliability compared to traditional copper cables.
However, if you're new to the world of fiber optics, you might wonder what it means to terminate fiber optic cables and why it's important.
In this guide, we'll break down the process step by step, explaining its significance along the way. Plus, we'll provide you with links to essential products to help you get started.
What Does it Mean to Terminate Fiber Optic Cables?
Terminating fiber optic cables essentially means putting connectors on fiber optic cable so that you can connect the cable to various devices or network components.
Think of it as the equivalent of connecting the dots in a complex puzzle; without proper termination, the whole system can break down.
Why Terminate Fiber Optic Cables?
Terminating fiber optic cables serves several important purposes:
Optimal Signal Transmission:
Properly terminated cables ensure that data signals travel efficiently, minimizing signal loss and interference.
Reliability:
Well-terminated cables are more reliable and less prone to disruptions, making them ideal for critical applications like data centers and telecommunications.
Flexibility:
Terminated cables can be easily connected and disconnected, allowing for greater flexibility in network configurations.
Cost-Efficiency:
Termination reduces the chances of cable damage during installation and maintenance, ultimately saving on repair costs.
Different Options to Terminate Fiber Optic Cables
When it comes to fiber optic cabling, proper termination is crucial to ensure reliable data transmission and minimal signal loss.
Termination involves the process of adding connectors or splicing fibers together, depending on the specific needs of your network.
In this section, we'll explore the different options available for terminating fiber optic cables.
Epoxy Style Connectors:
Epoxy style connectors are a common choice for terminating fiber optic cables. They involve a meticulous process of epoxy adhesive curing to secure the fiber in the connector.
While this method can provide reliable connections when done correctly, it can be time-consuming and requires a high degree of precision.
It's often used for permanent installations.
Pre-Polished Style Connectors (or mechanical splicing):
Pre-polished style connectors come with a factory-polished endface and a matching connector.
While they offer convenience, they are not recommended for critical applications due to the potential for signal loss and poor performance. These connectors are more suitable for temporary setups or quick fixes.
Quick connectors are designed for rapid termination without the need for epoxy curing or polishing. They use innovative mechanical splice points to align and secure the fibers.
This is known as connectorization: Adding connectors to the ends of fiber cables for easy plug-and-play connections.
Quick connectors are user-friendly and ideal for field installations or situations where time is a critical factor. They offer decent performance for many applications.
Fusion Splicing
Fusion splicing is a robust method of permanently joining two fiber optic cables together.
It involves using a fusion splicer machine to melt and fuse the fiber ends together.
Fusion splicing offers the lowest loss and highest reliability but requires specialized equipment and training. It's often used for long-haul, high-bandwidth connections.
Which method should you choose?
MTP 8 fiber connectors
Whether you opt for epoxy style connectors, quick connectors, or fiber optic pigtails, it's essential to follow best practices and use high-quality components to ensure reliable and efficient fiber optic terminations.
Epoxy style lab connectorization offers the most precise and reliable connection with minimal loss and top performance.
No matter which way you decide to terminate your fiber optic assembly, you’ll need a place to hold your cables.
A splice or termination box can be used to organize and protect terminated fibers in rackmount and wall mount installations.
What Products Do I Need to Complete My Assembly?
To terminate fiber optic cables successfully, you'll need the right tools and equipment. We recommend purchasing a pre-made kit from LanShack to ensure you have everything necessary for the job. This kit includes:
Precision Calibrated Strippers: Specifically designed for fiber cable, these strippers are essential for clean and precise cable preparation.
Fiber Cleaver: A tool for making precise and clean cuts on the fiber.
Cleaning Tools: Such as lint-free wipes and alcohol, to remove contaminants from the fiber.
Connectors and Adapters: To attach to the terminated fiber ends.
Termination Boxes: If required for your installation.
Importance of a Clean Environment
Before we dive into the step-by-step process of terminating fiber optics, it's essential to highlight the importance of a clean working environment.
Any dust, dirt, or contaminants can negatively impact the quality of the termination and, subsequently, your network's performance.
These contaminants can lead to issues such as speed and security in your connection. It’s important you have a clean environment and reduce the introduction of these contaminants.
Step-by-Step Demonstration: How to Terminate Fiber Optics
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of terminating fiber optics. Here's a brief overview of the process.
Use the Calibrated Step Strippers to strip off the cable jacket and remove the mid fiber.
Strip the Buffer Off the Fiber. Do so in 1-centimeter segments while holding the strippers at a slight angle to prevent glass breakage.
Strip the Cladding Off the Fiber until you reach the bare glass. This prepares it for termination.
Insert it into the cleaving tool for precision cleaving.
Use the aforementioned cleaning tools with alcohol to remove contaminants.
Attach the LC, SC, or any other connector you are using to the fiber.
Remember: Properly terminating fiber connectors is a precise process that demands attention to detail. Even a small mistake can affect the quality of the cleave.
How to Install a Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic Cable Assembly
After you've successfully terminated your fiber optics or purchased a pre-terminated assembly, here's how to install it.
Fiber optic cables are durable, but it's essential to handle them carefully to prevent damage. Use velcro cable ties instead of vinyl ones to avoid sharp bends.
Heat Shrink Tubing Removal: Carefully remove the heat shrink tubing to avoid damaging the fiber optic assembly.
Connector Installation: Properly remove the protective cap from each connector and plug them into the couplers for a secure connection.
Rackmount Termination: When terminating fiber optic cables into a rackmount termination box, make sure to leave a certain length of cable inside the box for proper installation.
Using pre-terminated fiber optic assemblies can save time and effort, allowing for a complete installation in about an hour.
Conclusion
Terminating fiber optic cables may seem complex, but with the right tools and guidance, even beginners can achieve clean and reliable terminations.
Whether you're connecting data centers or setting up a home network, mastering this skill is essential for maximizing the potential of fiber optic technology.
So, equip yourself with the right tools, follow the steps outlined here, and soon you'll be proficient in terminating fiber optic cables like a pro.
