This article is about fiber cable termination types, how to terminate fiber optic cable through fiber cable termination kit.
How to Terminate Fiber Optic Cable
What is Fibre Optic Cable?
Fiber optic cable is a type of cable that consists of one or more glass or plastic fibers enclosed in a protective covering. These fibers are designed to carry light signals over long distances and at high speeds, making them ideal for telecommunications, internet, and cable television networks.
The core of a fiber optic cable is made up of one or more glass or plastic fibers that are incredibly thin, typically around the size of a human hair. The fibers are surrounded by a cladding material that reflects the light back into the core, allowing it to travel through the cable without being absorbed or scattered.
Fiber optic cables are used for long-distance data transmission because they can carry signals over much greater distances and at higher speeds than traditional copper cables. They are also immune to electromagnetic interference and signal degradation caused by other cables or equipment, making them ideal for use in areas with high levels of electrical interference.
Fiber optic cable is available in many different types and configurations, including single-mode and multi-mode fibers, loose-tube and tight-buffered cables, and indoor and outdoor cables. The choice of cable depends on the specific application and the distance that the signals need to be transmitted.
Fiber Cable Termination
Optical fiber termination is the process of connecting the fiber optic cable to a device or another cable. There are several methods for terminating optical fiber cables, including:
- Mechanical Splice: This method involves aligning and joining the two fiber ends with a precision mechanical splice unit. The process does not require any special tools, and it is relatively easy to perform. However, it can result in high insertion loss and poor return loss.
- Fusion Splice: This method involves using an electric arc or laser to melt and join the two fiber ends together. The process results in low insertion loss and high return loss. However, it requires expensive equipment and highly skilled technicians.
- Connectors: This method involves attaching a connector to the fiber end to make it easy to plug into other devices or cables. There are several types of connectors available, including SC, ST, FC, and LC. This method is easy to perform and allows for easy changes to the network configuration. However, it can result in high insertion loss and poor return loss.
When terminating or splicing optical fiber cables, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific type of cable being used. It is also important to remember that there is a difference in tolerance between single-mode fibers and multimode fibers mechanical connectors, as using the wrong type of connector can result in poor performance and potential damage to the equipment.
Termination Methodology
Understanding the various methodologies for optical fiber termination is crucial for ensuring reliable and efficient network connectivity. There are multiple varieties of optical fiber cable for premises applications with different construction types, which require proper preparation of cable ends for fiber access. In this article, we’ll explore different fiber cable termination methodologies with their advantages and disadvantages and specific connector styles.
Pigtail Splicing
One of the most commonly used methods for optical fiber termination is pigtail splicing. This method involves splicing a factory-made assembly onto the cable end. The assembly comprises a short piece of cable pre-terminated on one end with the connector of choice. The non-terminated end is spliced, usually fusion, to the cable. Pigtail splicing offers the advantage of pre-installed connectors, which saves time and effort.
No-Polish Connectors
The no-polish connector method is quite similar to pigtail splicing but without the short piece of cable. A mechanical splice is used instead of fusion, and the connector contains a mechanical splice designed to mate with the fiber of the installed cable. The benefit of this method is that the connector end face doesn’t require field polishing.
Heat-Cured Termination
Heat-cured termination is a method that employs a heat-cured epoxy to secure the connector to the cable end. The installed fiber terminates at the connector end face and requires field polishing. Heat-cured termination is relatively easy to perform and produces excellent results.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light-Cured Termination
UV light-cured termination is a method that utilizes UV-cured epoxy to secure the connector to the cable end. The installed fiber terminates at the connector end face and also requires field polishing. This method is faster than heat-cured termination as the epoxy cures faster under UV light.
Crimp Termination
Crimp termination is a method that employs mechanical crimp or compression to secure the connector to the cable end. The installed fiber terminates at the connector end face and also requires field polishing. Crimp termination is commonly used in data centers, telecom networks, and other high-density fiber applications.
Anaerobic Termination
Anaerobic termination is a fast-cure adhesive method used to secure the connector to the cable end. The installed fiber terminates at the connector end face and requires field polishing. This method offers quick termination times, making it ideal for high-volume applications.
In conclusion, optical fiber termination requires careful consideration of the specific connector style, methodology, and fiber type. While each termination method has its advantages and disadvantages, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure proper installation and optimum performance.