How to identify fiber link problems?

Methods for Identifying Fiber Link Problems

There are two methods to detect fiber link problems, namely, applying a time domain reflectometer and a fiber visual fault locator. Of these, the optical fiber industry experts often use a visual fault locator. Let’s discuss what a visual fault locator is and how it can be used for fiber link fault detection.

Fiber Optic Visual Fault Locator Overview

The Visual Fault Locator is a laser-driven pen-style device designed to locate errors in fiber optic links. It can be used to analyze locations in fiber optic networks such as splice points, connector connections, and throughout the length of the fiber optic cable. Depending on the type of analysis being performed, it can be used in either continuous laser inspection mode or flash mode.

Take the following steps when using the Visual Fault Locator to identify fiber link problems.

• Visual fault detectors can only be used for field fiber solutions. Therefore, the first step is to test the trade point by pointing the laser pointer at the connection location. The trade point is where the connector is spliced ​​to the cable. If there is an external optical power source, verify that it is present. If there is no external influence, test the spliced ​​connection. Check if the cable is spliced ​​incorrectly, if not, check the next location.
• Slide the visual fault locator through the length of the fiber optic cable. However, experienced fiber optic network testers can use a logical approach to locate potential fault areas. Otherwise, the cable must be tested thoroughly. Throughout the entire length, it must be checked for fiber cuts, loss of signal strength, etc.
• If a loss of signal strength is found at one location, an additional 20 to 30 miles of fiber must be tested. If the fault locator does not indicate a signal interruption, time domain reflectometry may be required in extreme cases.

NOTE: The fiber network may have one or more faults diagnosed and the fiber solution must be tailored to those faults.

Tips for troubleshooting fiber link problems

Fiber optic links often experience problems such as fiber cuts, reduced signal strength, and attenuation at splice locations. To resolve such errors, the following tips may help.

• Use appropriate high-quality fiber optic connectors, media converters, fiber optic switches, etc.
• Choose high-quality fiber splicing services to reduce attenuation losses.
• In the event of a fiber cut, the cable may need to be re-sheathed or replaced.
• Only purchase high quality fiber optic transmitters and receivers to maintain signal strength for a longer period of time. Transmitters must be tested against the quality of laser or LED signal transmitters.