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Common Fiber Optic Cables Problems


As Clint Eastwood quoted, “Aging can be fun if you lay back and enjoy it.” However this quote does not apply to the fiber optic cables or any cable in general.


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Some fiber optic networks have now been in use for more than 20 years, a tribute to the inherent capabilities of optical fiber. In that same time, copper cabling for premises networks has been through two generations of coax and at least four generations of unshielded twisted pair cabling.

Why do the Old Fiber Optic Cables still Works so Well?


·         One reason is the extreme care that went into its design. Telephone cable engineers already knew how to make cable that would survive for long times buried underground or suspended from poles. Adapting that technology to glass fibers, while adding plastics to protect the fiber from the environment by hermetically sealing the glass, and using the then new technology of aramid fibers to prevent stress on the glass itself, led to the creation of fiber optic cables that have lifetimes well over the 20 years of current use.

·         Another factor in the lifetime of fiber is that it needs no maintenance. Connectors are effectively sealed from dirt in patch panels, and splices are sealed in enclosures that prevent moisture from entering. There is no need to disconnect terminations to clean, inspect or test them.

If we focus on the problems encountered by fiber optic cable as listed below. This information will help you be better equipped to prevent and even rectify any problems should they arise.

External Damage

A thorough visual inspection of the fiber optic cable will be sufficient to highlight any prominent defects that have affected the casing or the conductors. It doesn’t take a significant amount of damage to affect the ability of the cable to work properly. It is prudent to replace the cable if any issues become apparent from the inspection, such as splits or scratches.   

Too Long

A fiber optic cable that has excess length after a connection has been made will at risk of bending, twisting or winding around itself. These actions can result in permanent damage to the fibers and components within the cable. Cables are available in a range of different lengths and you should ensure that you get the correct one with the use of a measuring tape. Position all the equipment that you intend to connect with the cable measure the distance between them to get an idea of the approximate length. There are some varieties that contain a rod to prevent it being bent and these can be used to prevent a recurrence of the same problem.   

Stretching

The components within a fiber optic cable are delicate and can be damaged if stretched across a distance that it cannot comfortably accommodate. Avoid the risk of the fibers within the cable becoming damaged by moving the items closer together or obtaining a cable of a more appropriate length. Stretching can also occur from pulling at the jacket of the cable rather than using the grips at the connectors designed to be used to fit and remove them. Always use the grips to remove the connector from the socket that holds it.

Connectors

Performance problems can occur in the event that the connectors of the fiber optic cable are not fitted properly. Check each of the connectors to determine whether this is the case and rectify it by inserting them properly. If the problem continues to occur, replace the cable with a version that makes use of spring loaded connectors that fit securely without slipping out of place.

Fibers

Where the fibers within the cable are broken or damaged in some way, this will not be immediately evident when simply considering it with the naked eye. In order to check this, a fiber optic tracer can be utilized to highlight any faults within the cable. This implement resembles a miniature flashlight that uses an LED and can be fitted to the cable connector for the purpose of checking continuity. If the fibers are all intact and working correctly, the light that is shone at one of the cable should be visible at the other end of the cable.
This information will help you be prepared for the unexpected situation. LAPP, cable manufacturers in India, provides quality tested cables, which reduces the problems which you may encounter.


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