A Quick Guide to Troubleshooting Fiber Optic Cables Issues

The fiber optic cables that are installed today for broadband purposes are highly durable. Although the fiber used here is almost as thin as a hair strand, it is not at all fragile. They can outlast even copper if maintained properly. These are made up of glass, which is then covered by tough cladding and high-end exterior jackets. The inbuilt property of these cables allows for transmitting a massive amount of data quickly. However, even though the cables are durable, they are prone to certain issues. So here’s a quick guide on how to troubleshoot fiber optic cable problems.

The right way to maintain fiber optic cable

As mentioned earlier, if these cable connections are taken care of properly, they will be less prone to damage. Here’s how to maintain them:

Do not over-bend

These cables are fairly flexible, so they can be installed almost everywhere- underground, between poles, or even through ducts within a building. However, even though they are flexible, there should be a limit to how much they can be bent. The general theory is that these cables should not be bent any less than 10 times their diameter. The maximum limit to which the cable can be bent depends on different providers and manufacturers, and this should be checked before installation.

Tighten the slack or cut the length

It should be noted that the glasses used are sensitive to pressure. Going too long with the cables or overstretching them, can shorten the durability of the cables. Skilled cable installers install it in such a way that the pressure is kept in check and the cables do not twist. Also, it is recommended not to tear out the outer jacket, as it acts as a protector for the fibers inside.

Use safety tags and labels

When installing optical cables for broadband, every wire and cable could have its separate purpose and require a proper connection for the system to work effectively. So, it could be beneficial to use cable label tags so as to highlight and mark the wires with colors and barcodes. Proper labeling not only reduces the inconvenience but it can also be a deterrent against wiring hazards. Moreover, cable tags can be used for commercial and industrial workspaces, in server rooms, offices, warehouses, electrical units, and more.

Cleaning the end faces frequently

Fiber optic cable problems occur frequently if the cables are not cleaned regularly. Although the fiber optic cables are covered with thick jackets that protect the fibers from dirt and dust, some fractional parts that connect to the panel are always vulnerable to accumulating dirt and debris. 8 out of 10 times, it has been seen that the performance of the connections is interrupted due to dirt accumulation in those tiny spaces. To ensure that the network is not interrupted, one should always keep the end-faces clean. One can use a dry wiping cloth or a brush to remove the daily debris accumulation. One can also use an isopropyl alcohol-soaked wet cotton cloth to wipe off oil residue from them (if any). Also, if the cables are extremely susceptible to dust, one might need to check the room’s HVAC system as well.

Conclusion

With the development of the broadband network industry and businesses’ increasing appetite for faster data transmission, the need for these fiber optic cables will increase as well. Therefore, if there is any interruption with the broadband connection, it will hamper the entire productivity of the business. This is the very reason businesses should hire a solution provider to combat these common fiber optic cable problems.