Why and How to inspect your Fibre Optic Patch Cables?

 


Fibre optic patch cables have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to transmit data over long distances at high speeds.

As the demand for high-speed data transfer continues to rise, the need for reliable fibre optic networks is becoming increasingly important. In fact, a recent study by Cisco found that global IP traffic is expected to triple between 2021 and 2026, with the majority of this traffic being generated by video content, cloud applications, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

With such high demand for reliable and high-performance networks, it's essential to ensure that your fibre optic patch cables are inspected regularly.

Why Inspect Your Fibre Optic Patch Cables?

  1. Prevent Signal Loss: Over time, dirt, dust, and other contaminants can accumulate on the ends of fibre optic patch cables, causing signal loss and reducing network performance. Regular inspection and cleaning can prevent this issue.
  2. Avoid Connection Problems: Misaligned or damaged fibre optic connectors can cause connection problems that result in network downtime. Inspecting your patch cables can help you identify and resolve these issues before they become a problem.
  3. Protect Your Equipment: A damaged or broken patch cable can cause damage to your equipment, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. Regular inspection can help you identify issues before they cause damage.

How to Inspect Your Fibre Optic Patch Cables?

  1. Check the connectors: Look for any damage, cracks, or dirt on the connectors. If you find any issues, clean the connectors using an alcohol wipe or a fibre optic cleaning pen.
  2. Check the cable: Inspect the cable for any cuts, kinks, or bends that may damage the fibre. If you find any issues, replace the cable.
  3. Inspect the end-face: Use a fibre optic microscope to inspect the end-face of the connector for any contaminants or scratches. If you find any issues, clean the connector using an alcohol wipe or a fibre optic cleaning pen.
  4. Test the cable: Use a fibre optic power meter and light source to test the cable for any issues such as signal loss or attenuation.

In conclusion, regular inspection of your fibre optic patch cables is essential for maintaining a reliable and high-performance network. We hope these tips have been helpful, and if you have any questions or concerns about your fibre optic network, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Power Over Ethernet in Data Centres: What You Need to Know Before You Deploy

Exploring the Benefits, Usage, and Applications of QSFP28: Revolutionizing High-Speed Data Transmission

How CFP2 100GBASE-SR10 Is Revolutionising Multi-Mode Fibre Systems?