Fiber optic networks are becoming more popular and accessible for telecommunication services, but they also come with some common misconceptions that can affect their performance and reliability. In this article, you will learn how to avoid some of the most frequent mistakes and myths that can cause problems with your fiber optic network, such as:
One of the main advantages of fiber optic cables is their flexibility and resistance to interference, but that does not mean they can be bent or twisted without consequences. Excessive bending or twisting can damage the fiber core, cause signal loss, or create micro-cracks that can lead to failures. To prevent this, you should follow the manufacturer's specifications for the minimum bend radius and avoid sharp turns or kinks. You should also use proper cable management tools and techniques to secure and organize your cables.
We need to Promote awareness about the technology and its capabilities through educational materials, workshops, and information sessions. Ensure that users, decision-makers, and the general public have access to accurate and up-to-date information. Share real-world examples of successful fiber optic network implementations. Highlight case studies and success stories to demonstrate the positive impact of fiber optics in various industries and communities.
Another common misconception is that fiber optic cables do not need cleaning or inspection, because they are immune to dust and dirt. However, this is not true, as even the smallest particles or contaminants can affect the quality and strength of the light signal that travels through the fiber. Therefore, you should always clean and inspect your fiber optic connectors and ports before connecting or disconnecting them, using the appropriate tools and methods. You should also avoid touching the end faces of the connectors or ports, as your fingers can leave oils or residues that can degrade the signal.
It is often seen , after getting an interface DOWN alarm, field team removing patch cord from zero dB adapters and later reconnecting again after bit of connector face cleaning. This results in Alarm clearance and interface UP. Implying connector face dusty even without using Connector inspection microscope. This hides input and crc errors and also SFP malfunctioning which can be the actual reason of the alarm. Misconception of different nature .
A third misconception is that testing and troubleshooting fiber optic networks is complicated and requires expensive equipment and expertise. However, this is not the case, as there are many simple and affordable tools and techniques that can help you diagnose and fix common issues with your fiber optic network, such as power meters, light sources, visual fault locators, or optical time domain reflectometers. You should also familiarize yourself with the basic principles and standards of fiber optic communication, such as attenuation, dispersion, wavelength, or polarity, to understand how they affect your network performance and reliability.
A fourth misconception is that splicing and termination of fiber optic cables are difficult and time-consuming processes that require special skills and tools. However, this is not true, as there are different types of splicing and termination methods that can suit different needs and situations, such as fusion splicing, mechanical splicing, pre-terminated cables, or field-terminated connectors. You should also know the advantages and disadvantages of each method, such as cost, speed, quality, or durability, to choose the best option for your fiber optic network.
A fifth misconception is that fiber optic networks are not compatible or scalable with other types of networks or technologies, such as copper, wireless, or Ethernet. However, this is not true, as there are many ways to integrate and expand your fiber optic network with other solutions, such as media converters, transceivers, switches, or routers. You should also be aware of the different types and categories of fiber optic cables, such as single-mode or multimode, and their respective bandwidth and distance capabilities, to select the right ones for your network requirements and goals.
By avoiding these common misconceptions about fiber optic networks, you can improve your telecommunication services and enjoy the benefits of fast, reliable, and secure data transmission. You can also save time, money, and resources by preventing and solving potential problems with your fiber optic network.