Tuesday, September 22, 2015

When is Fiber Optic Splicing Required?

Instead of using optical fiber connectors, it is possible to simply splice two optical fibers together to form a permanent or relatively permanent link between two fiber optic cables. Fiber splicing results in lower light loss and back reflection compared to the more commonly used method of joining fibers known as termination or connectorization. This makes it the preferred method when cable runs are two long for a single-length cable. Fiber optic cables are manufactured in lengths up to 5 kilometers, which may be insufficient for long cable runs. In addition, to joining cables together to achieve longer connections, splicing may also be needed to restore fiber cables that have been accidentally severed. Fiber optic splices can be performed to create permanent connections or ones that are relatively permanent while there are splices that can be disconnected, spliced cables are not intended for repeated reconnection and disconnection.

There are two methods of fiber optic splicing, namely fusion and mechanical splicing. It is important to look at your long-term goals when considering which technique best fits your performance and economic objectives. Mechanical splicing is typically used as an alignment device. The technique is designed to hold two fiber ends in an aligned position. Precision is key to prevent greater loss as light passes from one fiber to the other. On the other hand, fusion splicing, requires a special splicing machine which precisely aligns the two fiber ends. The glass ends are then fused or welded together by means of an electric or heat arc. This results in a continuous fiber connection that enables very low light transmission loss.

If you wish for more precise alignment, it might be worth it to pay for a professional fiber optic contractor so to ensure hassle-free network accessibility.

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