December 16, 2024
In today’s connected network infrastructure, the ability to swiftly and accurately restore damaged cables is of great importance. Users depend on their network to deliver high-speed, uninterrupted connection at all times. However, there are a number of scenarios where cables can become damaged, resulting in outages to critical systems.
Examples of cable damage include:
- Underground cable damage from construction dig-ups
- Aerial cable damage from shooting, animals, and vandalism
- Damage to utility poles from vehicle accidents
- Connectors becoming dirty or not cleaned properly
- Natural disasters, i.e., earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados
To begin to solve these disruptions, testing equipment will need to be used to find the source of the error. In short length cables a visual fault locator (VFL) can find where the cut is or find the bad connector at patch panels. For longer distance cables, the use of an OTDR is required.
Once the fault is located, fusion splicers and splice-on connectors can be used to complete the repair.
A fusion splicer is used to join together two ends of optical fibers. They are accurate, efficient and reliable, resulting in swift restoration with a permanent low-loss connection that maintains optimal signal strength.
The exact fusion splicer used for repair may differ based on the type of cable being fixed. For high volume ribbon fiber repair, a mass fusion splicer – such as the Q102-M12+ - that has the ability to splice 12 fibers at one time may be the best selection. For single fiber repair in an outside plant environment, a compact and portable active clad splicer – like the Q502S with its portable work tray – may be best.
If the damage is located at the point of termination (NID, Aerial, Pedestal, FDH), splice-on connectors provide quick and reliable network restoration to damaged fiber connectors. With SOCs, technicians can quickly repair by splicing and connecting on-site allowing for minimal network downtime. They are also designed to protect against dust, water and other environmental factors, ensuring the restored network is able to perform in challenging environments.
At the point of network disruption, the most important element for any installer is time. The faster the disruption is resolved; the less money is lost in the process. To learn more about how Sumitomo Electric’s products and kits can resolve your next potential cable damaging event, contact us.