1: Bienvenido A Esta Lección
1: Bienvenido A Esta Lección
1: Bienvenido A Esta Lección
Bienvenido a Safety, Inspection and Testing - Fiber Testing, donde cubrirá los requisitos de SYSTIMAX para probar
instalaciones de fibra única y multifibra.
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2: Pruebas de fibra - Normas.
Accurate characterization and testing of installed optical fiber cabling is crucial to ensuring overall network integrity
and performance. An optical fiber cabling link may consist of a fiber or concatenated fibers (spliced, cross-connected
or interconnected) with a connector or adapter on each end. The fiber type, link length, the number and quality of
terminations and splices, cable stresses, and wavelength can all affect attenuation measurements. As we have seen
in the inspection section, link attenuation can be negatively influenced by severe cable bends, poorly installed
connectors or even the presence of dirt on the end-face of connectors. Attenuation measurement results should
always be less than the designed attenuation budget (also known as loss budget) that is based on the number of
terminations and cable length. Documenting the test results provides the information that demonstrates the
acceptability of the cabling system or support of specific networking technologies. Fiber system testing with regard to
infrastructure installations is covered predominantly by the IEC 61280-4, TIA-526 and CENELEC EN50346
standards, and these standards are referenced from many other documents such as the ISO/IEC 14763-3. The TIA-
568.3 cabling standard also covers the fiber optic testing in some detail but it defers to TIA-526 part 7 which covers
Optical Power Loss measurements of installed Single-mode Fiber cable plant and TIA-526-14C Optical Power Loss
measurements of installed Multimode Fiber cable plant. TIA-455 covers measurement methods and test procedures
for attenuation. There are several standards bodies globally, and often these standards have country-specific
variants. There are also vendor-specific requirements that may apply regionally or globally. In some cases, end-face
inspection and launch conditions for multi-mode fiber may have different requirements. It is also important to note that
ALL standards are living and evolving documents with standards bodies meeting several times per year. Since this
course is aimed at a global audience, it is impossible to address each specific regional, country, or vendor
requirement. As an example specific to Tier 1 testing, there are regional differences related to reference methods and
the allowable loss per connection. For the most part, the examples in this course will follow the TIA suite of
standards. In all cases, refer to regional or vendor-specific standards and guidelines. Regardless of where you are,
this course will help you ask the right questions in your region or to the vendor of your fiber.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
3: CommScope Field Testing Guidelines.
The latest SYSTIMAX Field Testing Guidelines are dated May 2016 and include the testing requirements of fiber
installations for warranty purposes. It is an easy to read document with graphics showing test equipment set up,
sections on general testing guidelines, loss calculations, testing procedures, TIA and ISO/IEC standards, and much
more. You will find this in the download area of this lesson.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
4: Recommended Fiber Testing.
Fiber test standards include for two forms of field testing. TIA define these for example as Tier 1 testing, defined as
testing installed optical fiber cabling for attenuation with an Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS), and verifying the cabling
length and polarity. Tier 2 testing is optional and includes the Tier 1 tests plus the addition of an Optical Time Domain
Reflectometer (OTDR) trace. An OTDR trace can be used to characterize the installed fiber link, resulting in an
indication of the uniformity of cable attenuation and connector insertion loss. Testing is defined within the
CommScope field test guidelines and its recommendations all correlate with those of the standards and include the
following: The minor attenuation differences due to test direction are on par with the accuracy and repeatability of the
test method. Therefore, testing in only one direction normally suffices. However, test in both directions if the
installation contains fibers of different core sizes. This is to detect inadvertent mixing of fibers with different core
sizes, as the loss in one direction will differ from the loss in the other direction by at least 2 dB if different core sizes
are connected together (e.g. 50 µm connected to 62.5 µm) when measured using 62.5 µm test jumpers. Horizontal
link segments are short enough that attenuation differences caused by wavelength are insignificant. As a result,
single wavelength testing is sufficient. Backbone and composite links may be longer, and attenuation may strongly
depend on wavelength in such links. Therefore, it is necessary to test at both wavelengths.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
5: Check Your Test Set.
Stable reference power levels are critical to the accuracy of subsequent attenuation measurements. Instability may
arise from at least two common causes: battery health and mechanical changes at the connection to the source.
Ensure the battery is in good operating condition and fully charged in both the source and power meter. Avoid
disturbing in any way the connection from the source to the launch cord after the reference measurement.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
6: OTLS Testing Preparation.
OLTS equipment is usually available to operate in multiple wavelengths, and both single-mode and multimode, but
this will depend upon the unit. Set the source and meter to the correct and same wavelength. Note 1: Horizontal link
segments are short enough that attenuation differences caused by wavelength are insignificant. As a result, single
wavelength testing is sufficient. Backbone and composite links may be longer, and attenuation may strongly depend
on wavelength in such links. Therefore, it is necessary to test at both wavelengths. Note 2: The minor attenuation
differences due to test direction are on par with the accuracy and repeatability of the test method. Therefore, testing
in only one direction normally suffices. However, test in both directions if the installation contains fibers of different
core sizes. This is to detect inadvertent mixing of fibers with different core sizes, as the loss in one direction will differ
from the loss in the other direction by at least 2 dB if different core sizes are connected together (e.g. 50 µm
connected to 62.5 µm) when measured using 62.5 µm test cords. Note 3: Standards only ask for uni-directional
Light Source and Power Meter (LSPM) testing, however many customers request bi-directional results. While bi-
directional LSPM testing may provide more data, there is a trade-off with the extra time required and the additional
opportunity for dirt and dust to be introduced during the testing process. Bi-directional test results are optional; if
used, the direction with the higher loss measurement would be used to determine pass/fail for the link.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
7: Test Reference Cords with EF Controllers.
OLTS test equipment is supplied with test reference patch cords that have reference grade connectors which the
standards define as being less than 0.1dB for multimode and less than 0.2dB for single-mode. This is because many
fiber manufacturers are producing low loss fiber optic components and the loss budgets are becoming increasingly
smaller. As a result the amount of light from the power source needs to be controlled very accurately to ensure that
the results are both accurate and repeatable. To achieve this, an Encircled Flux controller is integrated into the
reference cord that connects to the light source. Prior to these being available, mandrels were used to help reduce
the modes, but depending on how they were wrapped, there could be differences in launch conditions between one
set of cords and another. The issue for accuracy and consistency of loss results is that launch conditions from an
'overfilled' source will produce more modes than the fiber can carry - the higher order modes will be absorbed by the
cladding along the way and measurements using overfilled sources tend to overstate the actual loss. Meanwhile,
'underfilled' sources carry very few modes, and measurements using underfilled sources tend to understate loss. EF
controllers work by restricting the number of mode groups launched from the test cord to within EF specifications,
ensuring that the resulting measurements are precise and repeatable according to the EF test standards. Note:
Cleaning of test reference cords requires the entire end-face to be clean otherwise dirt or debris from around the
core, could be moved onto the core itself. It is recommended that these connectors be wet-cleaned with fiber prep
fluid then dry-cleaned using a stick cleaner or lint free wipe.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
8: Testing With OLTS.
Setting up the tester with the correct parameters is very important. For warranty purposes the correct CommScope
fiber parameters must be set as they will be needed to ensure that the loss calculations estimated in the design
phase are not exceeded. If standards parameters are set, because the losses acceptable are much higher, all the
fibers may pass, but actually will fail when submitted for the CommScope warranty. It may be prudent to advise the
customer, prior to testing, that the CommScope test parameters are more rigorous than the standards require and
that these tests also support applications assurance. So, even though their system is running at 1Gb today, the fiber
is designed to ultimately run at 10Gb with the correct transmission equipment, and will do so!
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
9: Steps for Field Loss Measurements.
Moving on to the actual process of testing, there are 5 steps that are required to perform an OLTS test. 1. Verify the
test cord performance. 2. Choose a test method (1, 2 or 3 reference cords). Note that the 2 reference cord method is
not generally recommended or included in the ISO/IEC 14763-3 standard. 3. Obtain a reference power level. 4.
Measure the link power throughput. 5. And finally record the link attenuation.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
10: Verify Test Cord Performance.
The performance of the test cords must be verified as follows: 1. Prepare the required launch cord with the necessary
launch conditioner to meet the Encircled Flux launch conditions for multimode measurements or mode suppression
loop for single-mode measurements. 2. Clean all test cords connectors and the test adapter per the manufacturer's
instructions. 3. Follow the test equipment manufacturer's initial adjustment instructions. 4. Connect the launch cord
between the light source and the power meter. 5. Record the Reference Power Measurement. 6. Disconnect the
launch cord from the power meter. 7. Select the relative power measurement mode. 8. Connect the receive cord
between the power meter and launch cord using the test adapter. 9. Record the Power Measurement. This
measurement provides the attenuation of the receive cord cable (very minimal) plus the connection between the
launch and receive cords. The measured attenuation must be less than or equal to the corresponding value given in
the Table. Unacceptable attenuation measurements may be attributable to either of the test cords. Examine each
cord with a portable video scope, and clean, polish, or replace if necessary. 10. Flip the ends of the receive cord so
that the end originally connected to the power meter is now connected to the adapter, and the end originally
connected to the adapter is now connected to the power meter. 11. Record the new Power Measurement. The
attenuation must be less than or equal to the corresponding value found in the Table. 12. If both measurements are
found to be less than or equal to the values found in the Table, the receive cord is acceptable for testing purposes.
13. Repeat this test procedure from the beginning, reversing the launch and receive cords in order to verify the
performance of the launch cord. Remember to remove the existing launch conditioner or loop from the former launch
cord and apply the same to new launch cord (formerly the receive cord).
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
11: Choose a Test Method.
Once the test cords are verified, you may test the fiber link. This is completed in two steps. As discussed earlier, there
are three options for setting an optical reference between a source and power meter. These options may use 1, 2 or
3 jumpers, or Test Reference Cords. The method used is determined by your regional or vendor-specific
requirements. A couple of things should be noted. Optical Loss Test Sets (OLTS) typically have a source and meter at
EACH end so they measure two fibers at one time. For simplicity and clarity, the graphics here are only showing a
simplex setup - one light source to one power meter (except in testing setup with 2 reference cords, that shows both
links). When the term "test reference cord" is shown this means a cord with "reference grade connectors". These are
connectors that provide much lower loss than standard connectors. Test reference jumpers are more expensive than
regular patch cords. A couple of final notes on referencing: Regardless of vendor or model, all optical sources should
be allowed to warm up for about 5 minutes prior to performing a reference. On most optical loss test sets designed
for Tier 1 certification, there will be a setting for "reference method". The physical configuration used to perform the
reference MUST match the setting on the test device or your test margins are invalid. So if you set your test setup to
do a three fiber reference but what you actually physically do is a one fiber reference, you have a completely invalid
test result, especially your test margins are going to be completely invalid. NEVER disconnect the test jumper from
the transmitter after a reference is performed; this will destroy the reference, you will need to do it again. Always
check your reference by connecting the source test jumper to the power meter test jumper and perform a
measurement. There is some variation in what you would expect to see when checking your reference, based on the
quality of your test jumpers and the reference method used, certainly below 0.3 dB. One thing you want to watch for
when checking your reference is "gainers" - where your test set shows a loss with a positive value, plus 0.2 dB for
example. That is also an indication that you've got a bad reference and you'll need to redo your reference. It is a good
practice to save your reference check to have proof that a good reference was established prior to testing. If during
the course of testing you question your results, simply check your reference again and re-reference if needed, save
the result and carry on testing.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
12: When to Use Each Test Method.
The choice of which of the three reference methods to be used is determined by local standards, by vendor and if you
are testing channels versus links. The difference between the methods is the number of connections that are
referenced out of the actual loss measurement. In other words, after you perform a reference, and actually want to
test, how many of the connections between your test jumpers and the fiber system under test are included in your
loss measurement? The diagram here tries to illustrate this: If a one fiber jumper reference was performed, both test
connections to the system under test will be included in the loss measurement. If a two fiber jumper reference was
performed, only one test connection to the system under test will be included in the loss measurement. If a three fiber
jumper reference was performed, none of the test connections to the system under test will be included in the loss
measurement. Also, depending on the end terminations of the system under test, a test reference is recommended. If
the system has adaptors on both ends, then use the one reference cord method. If the system has two different end
terminations, a plug on one end and an adapter on the other, then the two reference cords method is preferable.
Lastly, for the case with plugs on both ends, use the three reference cords method.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
13: When to Use Each Test Method.
The 1 cord reference method assumes the test equipment to have the same connector type as in the link under test.
Most testers have the facility to change port connector types if required. If this is not the case a 2 cord or 3 cord
method will have to be used. This is where an adapter lead (on one end) or adapter leads (on both ends) are used so
that the link under test plugs into the correct connector type adapter. Note that the cord on the source side is not
removed and therefore the source port does not need to be adjustable. A cord with different connector types on each
end may be needed here to connect to the source port and the field connector.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
14: 1 Jumper Method.
A one fiber reference uses one fiber - or test jumper - between the light source and the power meter. Note there are
no couplers, bulkheads or other connections between the source and meter when the reference is performed. So
ONLY the loss at the source-to-test jumper connection AND the test jumper loss are referenced out. Once the
reference is performed, the test fiber is disconnected at the POWER METER. After you have done a reference, never
disconnect your test jumper at the light source at your transmitter, it will ruin the reference and will need to be re-
referenced. A test jumper is then connected to the power meter. Now test jumpers are on the source and meter that
need to connect to the system under test. If testing a channel you will need to use couplers at the end of the test
jumpers. If testing a link, simply connect the test jumpers to the system under test at the bulkheads. This is the fiber
reference method required for link testing for TIA standards. TIA-526-14A (for multimode fibers), and 526-7 (for
single-mode fibers), CENELEC and ISO use the 1-jumper method. Use verified jumpers, as we have just covered.
Clean and select jumper 1, and install a mandrel/EF adapter for multimode or a loop for single-mode. Set-up the
OLTS, per the manufacturer's instructions, as in the graphic above. Note the value or zero the meter, if the equipment
has this ability. NOTE: To improve the stability of the reference reading, and for easier handling, it may be helpful to
secure the mandrel/EF adapter to the light source by some means such as a cable tie or tape. Care should be taken
to ensure that the fiber jacket is not deformed or damaged when using a cable tie or tape. Take care of the test leads
between measurements. Step 2 requires you to remove test jumper 1 from the meter and connect it to one end of the
link. Connect a second verified test jumper between the other end of the link and the meter, as shown here. The
optical power reading is taken. The attenuation of the link is the difference in the power readings from step one and
two. The 1 jumper reference for fiber is utilized for testing systems that end in a patch panel (any connector pair) on
each end. This includes, by far, the majority of the premises systems. When cable runs do not end in patch panels
and are directly plugged into transceiver equipment, it may be acceptable to utilize a 2 or 3 jumper reference. The 1
jumper reference method assumes the test equipment to have the same connector type as in the link under test.
Some test equipment may not meet this requirement. For example, the test equipment may have ST connectors,
when the link has SC or LC connectors. Or, more commonly, the equipment may have SC connectors, when the link
to be tested has LC connectors. In this case, an adaptation is required.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
15: 2 Jumper Method.
A two fiber reference uses two fibers - or test jumpers - between the light source and the power meter. Note a coupler
is needed to connect the two test jumpers together. So the loss of the transmitter's connection to the source, the two
test jumpers AND the loss of the connection between the test jumpers is referenced out. Once the reference is
performed, the test jumpers are disconnected at the COUPLER. Now you have test jumpers on the source and meter
that need to connect to the system under test. If testing a channel you will need to add a coupler at the end of one of
the test jumpers. If testing a link, simply remove the coupler used for the reference and connect the test jumpers to
the system under test at the bulkheads. Two fiber reference is one of the least common references globally. It is the
reference model that is most often done improperly.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
16: 3 Jumper Method.
A three fiber reference uses three cords - or test jumpers - between the light source and the power meter. Like a two
jumper reference, one test jumper is connected to the transmitter and one is connected to the receiver. In a three
fiber reference, the third test jumper is placed in between, using two couplers to connect the transmit and receive test
jumpers together. So the loss of the transmitter's connection to the source, the two test jumpers AND the loss of two
connectors are referenced out. The loss of the third test jumper is also referenced out but since fiber loss is very low
this becomes insignificant. Once the reference is performed, the third test jumper is removed. If testing a channel,
leave the couplers in place. If testing a link, remove the couplers and connect to the link under test. Three fiber
reference is probably the second most common method used. It is quite commonly called upon when you are doing
channel testing.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
17: Multi-Fiber Inspection.
Having looked at single fiber connectors, multi fiber connectors are similar except there are many fibers in a single
plug. Basically there are two sorts of MPO connector styles to be found, male and female. Of course they come in
different densities from 8 up to 72 fibers but all in a single connector, and the fiber cleaning and inspection
procedures are the same for each. The female connector as can be seen here has two holes on either side of the
fibers for alignment but is basically a flat topped connector. A tap on the end with a finger could cause contamination
and will need cleaning. The male has two pins for alignment so the end-face is partially protected, but at a first glance
may be more difficult to clean and inspect.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
18: Multi-Fiber Inspection.
There has been a rapid growth of MPO connectors in the data center field, and with that, different channel topologies.
Let's look at three common scenarios here. This channel uses direct connections between two MPO style cassettes,
breaking out into LC or SC connectors. Testing would normally be done through the connectors in the cassettes. This
next channel design uses a coupler panel to a cassette, so there become two elements that require testing. One is
the MPO backbone and the other is the cassette. The final channel design uses an MPO backbone through two
coupler panels. Testing of these channels will be required for warranty and recording purposes but conventional fiber
testing, connector to connector is not going to possible.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
19: Multi-Fiber Inspection.
The requirement to have equipment that can test MPO backbones is essential. There are new MPO testers
appearing on the market all the time. Let's look at some of the most popular ones. This is the MultiFiber Pro Optical
Power Meter that comes from Fluke with three models available dependent on the wavelengths to be tested. It can
automatically scan and test all fibers in an MPO trunk cable. Having set your known maximum loss limit for the trunk
under test, these testers will test and record all the fiber cores in your link in 6 seconds. The simple user interface
allows you to easily determine if the cable passes the loss criteria you set. Any fiber that has excessive loss will be
easy to spot in the simple bar graph. The results can be uploaded onto the Fluke Linkware software. Similar style test
equipment from Viavi is the MPOLx - MPO tester. Wavelengths are selectable with this unit though and it also has full
control and visibility at both ends, light source and power meter. Again a fast test time, 6 seconds, with pass/fail
analysis and easy generation of certification reports using the Viavi FiberChekPro software.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
20: Multi-Fiber Inspection.
EXFO take a different approach to testing here using your own mobile or tablet as the viewing device, together with a
wireless inspection tool, fitted here with an MPO probe. Users can quickly and easily inspect all multiple- and single-
row MPO connectors, without missing any fibers or dealing with the hassle of manipulating one or multiple scanning
knobs, and while doing it right the first time. The FIPT-400-MF uses a trigger to scan all fibers automatically. These
features make it possible to inspect densely populated panels without having to disturb adjacent fibers that may be
carrying information and all with one hand. Thanks to its onboard advanced software algorithm, ConnectorMax2
ensures that no fibers are skipped and performs automated pass/fail analysis within seconds. No need to follow fibers
and count them manually; the interface will number each fiber automatically and assess the pass/fail status of the
entire connector as well as each individual fiber. The results are saved and can be downloaded as required.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
21: Multi-Fiber Inspection.
The third tester available is the Viavi (formerly JDSU) FiberChek Sidewinder. This is a completely automated solution
to inspect and analyse every fiber of an MPO connector with speed and reliability. It has a touch-screen built in, but
the fully automated part of the this unit, means that the screen will only really be used to really analyse a failed
connector or for setup. Testing is simple, having set up the type of connector, MPO-12, single-mode or multimode,
allows continuous testing through a panel. A pass is indicted by a high pitched alert while a fail with a low pitched
one. The engineer only has to save the result if it's a pass, and does not need to inspect the results, which is ideal for
most engineers tasked with carrying out multiple testing in a data center. The results can then be downloaded by Wi-
Fi or USB to a PC or any mobile device using the Viavi FiberChek software.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
22: Testers Verify Polarity in MPO.
Given the variety of polarity methods in pre-terminated channels, if testing an unknown system, that knowledge could
be critical. Some testers from manufacturers like Fluke and Viavi can also verify the polarity, which will indicate to the
technicians, the right type of cord to be used at each end, and also will provide guidelines for migration to parallel
optics. Test equipment varies, so selecting the right equipment for the range of tasks you need to do is paramount.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
23: Top-view Cross Section 12 Fiber MPO - Clean.
This is a cross-section animation of an MPO's coupling together and shows how the multiple fiber connector signal
transmission works. The connectors physically mate together and in a clean, non-contaminated connection, light can
transmit easily in both directions as required.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
24: MPO Testing.
Testing for cleanliness of MPO connectors is essential. We referred to these connectors as 'plug and pray' in an
earlier lesson as they are easy to contaminate, so it is in the interest of the customers and the installers that they are
tested and proven before leaving site. Also mentioned earlier was the fact that quite often these connectors can be
dirty although brand new out of the packet, as they can attract dust through static electricity especially if they are
wrapped in plastic or cling-film type packaging.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
25: Why Inspection is Essential for MPO.
Let's look more closely why inspection before connection is paramount. This is a the same cross-section we saw
earlier and there is one small piece of contamination on one of the fiber cores. A patch cord is plugged into the MPO
coupler which causes that single piece of dust to explode, creating contamination on to six other fibers and creating
an air gap on the mating faces. This in turn creates back reflection and insertion loss, resulting in several channels
down.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
26: One Contaminated MPO Connector = Exponential Problems.
The 'pray' factor now comes in, as there are two connectors to be cleaned, inspected and cleaned again if required,
with potentially the added pressure of an upset customer, and a task that should have taken two minutes now taking
at least ten! If that cassette is in a fiber shelf, that time delay could be compounded even more if access to the MPO
port is not easily accessible without removing it from the shelf.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
27: MPO Inspection.
We have just looked at some examples of the automatic MPO test equipment on the market. There are manual
options available too such as this one that has the ability to scan across the end-face of the connector, which is only
about 10mm (3/8 inch) wide, and focus on each of the fibers in turn. The dual adjustable tip on the end of the probe
allows the user to scan across the X axis or the Y axis of the connector and visually inspect each of the fibers. This is
a close up of just two of the fibers, looking like fried eggs against a very lumpy background. In order for the connector
to be good, all of these fiber ends must be clean.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
28: MPO Inspection.
For cleaning MPO's, the best piece of equipment on the market is the pump stick cleaner as seen here. The cleaning
tool is keyed to ensure the tip only fits one way onto the connectors and is able to clean both male and female ends
by either using or removing the adapter on the end. This cleaner has a woven lint free tape roll that cleans the
connector end-face when the tool is pumped. The gender of MPO connectors vary between manufacturers and
components so this universal tool will cope with both. In a close up of the back of this module it can be seen that the
connector is keyed and also the male pins are just visible inside. Because the cleaning probe is keyed it ensures that
when cleaning male connectors, the tape cleans between the male pins without leaving any contamination on them.
An alternative cleaner is the Optipop Cassette cleaner which has a reel of cleaning cloth inside that is only exposed
when a trigger is activated. There are two styles here. One allows the cleaning of all flat topped connectors, SC, LC
or MPO female, while the second style accepts male MPO connectors with pins.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
29: Wet Cleaning.
Dry cleaning MPO fiber connectors works in most cases but wet cleaning may need to be completed when the
connectors are really dirty and dry cleaning won't solve the problem. Wet cleaning will involve fiber prep fluid and also
stick cleaners, like firm cotton buds but smaller in diameter. The market is changing in relation to cleaning solvents,
and fiber prep fluid which has been on the market for some years, is preferred over conventional Isopropyl Alcohol.
The advantages are that it is non-flammable, leaves no residue or stains after cleaning and can be carried safely on
planes if required. The wet cleaning process involves wetting the appropriate sized tip in cleaning fluid and wiping the
end of it ACROSS the array, NOT in line with it otherwise dirt will be transferred from one fiber to the next. If trying to
clean connectors inside a cassette where there are two rows of fiber arrays such as an MPO-24, this becomes more
difficult because you cannot help but touch an adjacent fiber core. Hopefully the wet cleaning process will have
loosened or removed the contamination, but to complete the cleaning process, the end-face should be dried using a
stick cleaner or similar which should now leave a totally clean end-face.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
30: Inspecting Multi-Fiber Installations.
Careful cleaning of connectors and adapters is a top priority. It maximizes channel performance and can resolve
many issues seen during system validation. Please review the videos in the download section of this lesson, that
cover the cleaning of simplex and multi-fiber connectors.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
31: That Completes This Lesson.
Please go to the assessment area and take the lesson assessment before continuing on with the next lesson. Thank
you.
Copyright © 2018 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.