A 50-Second Skimmer into Fusion Splicing Process

Here’s a quick snapshot at the process of Fusion splicing. All it will take you is 50-seconds.

Fusion splicing definition
Fusion splicing is done for two ends of the fibre optic cables. It is similar to the welding process. The only difference in fusion splicing is that the materials involved are glass bunches and not metals. Like welding, the splicing is done by using localized heat. It could either be an electric arc or a laser shot.

Types of Fusion splicing
Depending on the splicing environment and the industrial application, fibre optic cable splicer machines are classified as:
-    Field Splicing Kit
-    Factory Fusion Splicer
-    Laboratory Splicer machine

There is another set of classification depending on the medium where splicing is done.
 For example, Marine fusion splicer machines are used for under-sea deployment submarines. Aerial fusion splice tools are used for space ships and aeroplanes.

Principle involved in Fusion splicing of Fibre optic cables
Before moving ahead with the fusion splicing, get familiar with the principals of:
-    Optical Wave Guide Theory
-    Heat Transfer
-    Glass property
-    Material Science
-    Fluid Mechanics
-    Static Dynamics
-    Stress Strain Energy Transformation
-    Mechanical Engineering
-    LASER

Features of Fusion Splicing
Fusion splicing used on fibre optic cables is a permanent alliance. Unlike the use of fibre optic connectors, the fused cables can’t be detached. The features associated with the fusion splicing are:
-    Quick operation that takes less than 30 minutes
-    Easy alignment if fusion splicer machine is used
-    It saves resources and cost-effective
-    Loss through the fusion spliced fibre optic cables is measured at less than 0.2 decibels across a length of   124 miles.
-    The strength of the fused site is impeccable.

Position of the Fusion splicing technique in the industry
In the digital age, it goes without saying that fibre optic cables form the connectivity face of the IT industry. In optical network, the precision of fusion splicing process can make or break business. Poor quality fusion splicing at the fibre optic cable ends could result in significant loss of data and interference during transmission. Loss of data or corruption means loss of revenue.
This is the exact reason why the best in the industry prefer to go with the fusion splicer machines. The fusion splicer machines are preferred over mechanical splicer for two reasons:
1.    Fusion splicer machines involve use of precision cleaving and alignment models
2.    The automatic dusting and removal of dirt and moisture is taken care by the fusion splicer machine

Objective of the Fusion splicing technique
The primary objective of the fibre optic fusion splicer technique is to achieve the same quality of physical and data transmission properties as the original cables. Closer the resemblance, higher will be the efficiency of the spliced cables.

Fusion splicing is done to achieve:
-    Impeccable physical strength without compromising on the quality of signal transmission
-    Elongation of the fibre optic cables without involving any fibre optic connectors
-    Long-term reliability in terms of signal transmission across a variable medium
-    Zero maintenance as far as replacement of fibre optic cables are concerned

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5 Unassailable Pointers of a successful Fibre Optic cable Fusion Splicing

Did you know that the process of fusion splicing is just as old as the television? Why suddenly has it caught the interest of the IT leaders and Cloud technology providers? Well, the answer lies in the mega bandwidth demands and the dwindling copper resources. The age of connectivity and smart resource planning has prompted the companies to adopt fibre optic cables as their new go-to layout. From in-house architecture to outside plan applications, fibre optic cables are ruling the roost. And the fibre optic fusion splicing process is what stamps the seal of authority on the final architecture. How and why? We tell you in 5 quick ways.

- Permanent Fusion: Bend it around
Fusion splicer machines give the fibre optic cables the much needed flexibility that it lacks initially. Once the splicing is done, the two fibre optic cables are fused permanently. It does not break or crack even when passed around a corner. The flexibility of using a fusion splicer site eliminates the use of an additional kit of connectors.
 

With splicing in place, the fibre optic cables can be twisted, bent and even looped around.
 

- Elongate the Layout without Compromising on Bandwidth
Modern-day fibre optic cables carry signals at a bandwidth of more than 2.5 GBPS. This incredible capacity requires additional lengths. In most cases, a connector will suffice. It is economical to use a fibre optical cable bunch from the same family. It serves two purposes:
 

-    Increase the length of the wire to any desired magnitude
-    Strengthen the structural ability of the cable to sustain pressure in out-of-plant applications.

- Single Mode Splicing: Enhanced data centre capacity
If you are serving your clients with LAN service across long-haul OSP, the fusion splicer technique to connect two or more fibre optic cables becomes evident. It is usually done for the single-mode fibres as they have fewer glass-cores in bunch. At data centres, where the emphasis is on resource density and performance, the fibre optic cables are fused together using the fusion splicer machines.
 

- Simple Localized heating: No High-end resource tools
Fusion splicer machines are economical as far as pricing and effectiveness are concerned. Two fibre optic cables are joined using localized heat. The only care that has to be taken is with respect to the removal and re-covering of the outer shell around the glass core.

 

The fusion splicing is said to be 100 per cent effective if there is no hint of scratch, lips or grooves on the glass sheath. Moreover, the tube should be completely free from moisture and dust.
 

From angle of cleavage to alignment degree, the fusion splicer machine ensures that the two ends of the fibre optic cables are properly spliced to prevent any loss of signal at the site.
 

- Excepted loss tolerance: Less than 0.2 Decibels
A fusion splicing process is said to be a success if the resultant loss of data is found to be less than 0.2 decibels. It should be free from any moisture and dust. Two fibre optic cables can be fused at the cost of data loss.

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Smart Guide - Install fibre optic cables into connectors in 12 Steps

Depending on the length and quality of the optic fibre cables, you can opt for a simple attachment method to connect the fibres. The mode of attachment between two optic fibre cables varies according to the type of connectors used. If you ask any expert on optic fibre connector installation, they all suggest a series of procedures that every installation model will have. 

 

Installation Method: A general guider
 

Step 1:
Always start by cutting an optic cable couple of inches longer than desired length. It will save you the hassle of double attachment in the end, in case your original length falls short.
 

Step 2:
 Soak the optic fibre cables in paint thinner solution.
 

Step 3:
Remove the optic glass fibre cables from the liquid medium and dry it off completely. Always use linen cloth for drying purposes.
 

Step 4:
Once dry, remove the outer jacket of the fibre using magnifying glass. Ensure that the fibre glass is not nicked. Use a rubberised stripper for a better grip while removing the outer jacket.
 

Step 5:
While cutting the fibre coating, ensure that you have also removed the strength members. If not, it would create blocks once the connector is ready for installation.
 

Step 6:
Clean the bared optic fibre cable with a linen cloth dipped in spirit solution. For best results, propan-ol or its isomeric alcohol version is used. Ensure that the alcohol does not come in direct contact with the glass of the fibre optic cables.
 

Step 7:
You can now start the connection of the fibre optic cables using the fibre optic connectors. It is done by applying epoxy medium or by making a crimp.
 

Step 8:
Form a beaded structure at the tip of the connector before inserting the fibre optic cables into the connector.
 

Step 9:
After inserting the cable into the fibre optic connector, anchor the strength members for a permanent fixing. Don’t put too much pressure on the cable as it is very delicate at the connector site initially.
 

Step 10:
Hold the connector with care. The anchors of the strength members ensure that the fibre optics remains shielded from the physical stress.
 

Step 11:
Slowly slide the connector bracket into over the cable till it no longer moves beyond the site. Lock the connector to its brace.
 

Step 12:
Once fixed with the connector, clean and polish the fibre optic cables. 

 

Precautions to be taken in the domestic installation :

• Always prepare the ends of the fibre optic cables to be connected with connectors. It requires elaborate smoothening to correct spots, lips and fractures.

• While chipping away the older outer jacket, ensure that you are using light force. Fibre optic cables are susceptible to extensive damage during the removal process.

• Use only industrial quality of epoxy and propan-ol for cleaning and removal purposes. The local varieties are dilute versions and may not be effective in the connection process.

• Take extra care during cleaving if you wish to have a mirror-like finish.

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6 Important components of a Fusion Splicing Machine

Fusion splicing is not carried out by hands. The operators use sophisticated hand-held tools and automatic machines to achieve flawless joint connectivity. The conventional components of the automatic fusion splicing machine used to join cables consist of more than 5000 distinct parts and tools. They are adjusted depending on the fusion process for single mod and multimode fibre optic cables. A brief overview is provided on some of the important components as below.

1    Optical Core or Profile Alignment Systems
Also known as the PAS module, the Optical Core Alignment System helps in aligning the fibre optic cables at a particular gradient. The alignment model is set at 90 degrees once the fibre optic cables are sufficiently illuminated. The PAS uses video camera surveillance to recognize the core of the fibres that could be used for fusion splicing.

2    PAS Software
The automatic alignment of the PAS fusion splicing module is installed with updated software that helps in estimation of the splicing loss. The PAS software keeps the loss of material and energy to a minimum.

3    Automatic Fibre Alignment Panel
The fusion splicing process is a dynamic technique. While the splicing is being carried out, the fibre optic cables are continuously on the move. This is particularly true of splicing models that cater to voluminous amount of cables. The Automatic Fibre Alignment system aligns the fibre optic cables exactly at places where the splicing is to be done. 

4    LID system
Local Injection and Detection System is a key component of the Fibre Fusion splicing machine. It detects the edges where the light bends or is reflected back. The LID system works on the principle of micro-bending that helps in establishing the amount of light passing through the spliced junction.

5    Actuators
LID Core alignment uses actuators to measure the light coupled through the fibre optic cables fused using splicing. The actuators ensure that at the fusion splicing technique produces the best transmission channel with optimal alignment. The LID and actuators help in retaining high-quality transmission of data with minimum splice loss.
 

6    Fibre strippers
The basic tool to begin fusion splicing of the fibre optic cables is the Fibre Stripper and cleaver. The set consists of cable preparation apparatus. The Fibre Strippers can handle all types of fibre optic cables. The automated Fusion Splicing Plants are suitable for:
-    Loose tube cables
-    Gel-filled cables
-    Dry water-blocked cables

They are also compatible with various styles of jackets and the armour shields used over the fibre optic cables.
Common types of strippers installed over the Fusion Splicing machine are:
-    Miller Stripper
-    Micro-strip tool
-    No-Nik Stripper
These are all Left Alignment Strippers.
Tips to be followed before and after using the Strippers
Strippers require careful cleaning after subsequent use. The process of fusion splicing may lead to significant wear and tear. Strippers need to be adjusted for the right-sized stripping every time. The automatic machines need to be adjusted correctly so that the stripper don’t knick the internal core.

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5 Performance Boosting Cleaning tips for Fibre Optic cables

Fibre optic cables last a lifetime but still require regular cleaning. This cleaning regime is not as simple as you think. It is more than dusting and rubbing the outer jacket. Cleaning and maintenance of fibre optic cables is also about keeping the cables away from direct sunlight, moisture and rodent attacks. Since they are made of glasses, they are relatively delicate. The outer jacket keeps the external agents from damaging the optic cables but you need extra preparation to handle the life more efficiently. Here’s a list of 5 things you must do to keep the optic fibre cables retain their “desired” operational efficiency.

 

1    Verify the Performance rating of cable before and after Cleaning
Always test the rating of the fibre cable before cleaning. Verify whether the cable is functioning at the level at which it is supposed to work. Moisture and blockage in the internal reflection can create barriers in transmission. Signal loss can be prevented if you calibrate the cable volume before and after every maintenance routine.
 

2    Check for Loops and knots
Due to poor handling of the fibre optic cables, they tend to get tangled. The tangling usually occurs at places where there is movement. Check for the knot over ceilings and in false wall facade. Though the knots may not have any impact on the performance of the cables, they definitely tend to shorten the overall cable layout. When you would think of expanding your cable layout, the tangled optic fibre cable would pose lot of unnecessary issues. You may either cut the tangled part or use fusion splicing to rejoin them.
 

3    Never place a heavy furniture over the cables
Fibre optic cables are not built for rugged handling. Though the manufacturers would promise a rough handling won’t create problem, refrain from making such an attempt. Handle the fibre optic cable just like a high-end electronic gadget. Never place your feet or tap it with your heels. Keep the fibres away from heavy furniture, especially the ones made of metal and wood.
 

4    Use dryer to clean the core
Use a blow dryer at least rpm speed to clear the dust and moistures. Use dry air to ensure highest degree of cleaning. Use gloves to avoid leaving fingerprint marks on the body. Never use the blow dry to clean the inside of the fibre optic cable. If you have recently performed fusion splicing you won’t require the dry blowing option. The automatic fusion splicing machine has special apparatus to clear the moistures and dust. If you are using connectors, be extra careful about using dryers at high rpm. You might disturb the alignment altogether.
 

5    Avoid disturbing the light source panel
Light source adjustment can be done only by expert fibre optic engineers or manufacturers. A disturbed source will lead to poor attenuation and kill the signals beyond a certain frequency. Always rely on the services of a certified technician. A technical cleaning service will cost anywhere between USD 200 to USD 4500 depending on the expanse of the layout and components involved.

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5 Trendy Upgrades in the Fibre Optic Cable Splicing Machines

Fusion splicing of the fibre optic cables requires sophisticated technology with reliable tools. There are automatic splicing machines available in the market but they require skilled operators with years of technical expertise behind them. Contemporary technologies for fusion splicing have proven to be a reliable mechanism in producing long length connections. Most upgrades are made in the design and accuracy of the Profile Alignment System or PAS. Let’s study the various superior technologies that have been introduced recently in the fusion splicing of the fibre optic cables.
 

PAS with Dual Axis Camera Monitoring:
 

Fibre optic cable connections are very hard to deal with especially when you have long lengths to handle. Whenever there is slight interference in the connection due to bending or breakage of the fibre optic cables, it requires immediate fusion splicing. The recent introduction of the Fusion Splicer with an advanced PAS monitoring system allows the operator to make nicks with accuracy.
 

Advantages:
 

 o    The operator can handle multiple ribbon splicing. The fusion splicing machine with Dual Axis camera monitoring comes with a high resolution that accommodates up to 24-fibre ribbons.
o    The fusion splicer with camera vision allow the operator to clean and dust away the moisture and other impurities before splicing the fibre optic cables. It ensures highest accuracy of fusion.
o    The cost of installation is recovered in short period of time owing to higher quality of finished connections over the cables.
o    It ensures minimum loss of splices and prevents wastage. 

  

Automatic Arc Calibration:
 

Most operators find it hard to control the splicing over the arc of the fibre optic cable. The Automatic Arc Calibration technology prevents the slip of the fusion arc in smaller fibres. They can not only detect the ruggedness of the surface but also check if there is any groove. The splicing finish is judged using the Automatic Arc Measurement screen. It is often the final fusioning process and acknowledged as the industrial standard of finest smoothness achievable.
 

Auto-Start Spicing with Tube Heating:
 

The feed is controlled using the automatic start and stop command. The length of the fibre optic cable required to be spliced is fed in to the monitor. The software makes the adjustment in the clamp and splicer tips to accommodate the desired spicing length. The tube heating keeps the moisture away. The fusion splicing efficiency is measured in terms of amount of moisture present inside the glass surface and on the outer jacket or sleeve. 

Positioning in Zero-degree:

Some operations require the positioning of the fibre optic cables at zero degrees. This is particularly true of cases with the fibre optic connectors are used. In order to prevent the slipping of the connector and the funnel over the fibre cable core, the Zero-Degree Fibre Positioning kit is used. The PAS system is linked to the Zero Degree holder for more accurate operation. 

  

Software Updates:
 

The latest upgrades in the software are made using Internet firmware. These updates are offered by the fusion splicing machine manufacturers based on the membership.

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Top Industrial Fusion Splicer Models

Fibre Optic cables are prone to breakage just like any other wiring hardware but the act of joining them back together is relatively easy too. The process of joining two ends of different fibre optic cables using heat is called as Fusion splicing. The apparatus used to do the splicing is known as a fusion splicer. The fusion splicer connects two fibre optic cables end-to-end in such a manner that the light passing through the connection is not scattered or reflected back at the location where splicing is done. Fusion splicer is an important tool in the fibre optic cable manufacturing industry. The primary purpose of using the fusion splicer is to ensure that the broken cable or the spliced unit is just as strong as the original fibre.


Industrial Models

There are many types of fusion splicer tools available in the market but the most common of them are the mass fusion splicer and the dual-heater fusion splicer machines. The components of fusion splicer are:
-    Splice protection unit
-    Heat shrink sleeve
-    Jacket remover

The fusion splicer innovations are moving rapidly towards non-electric arc set-ups used as a heating apparatus. Laser-backed heating arcs could be the new technology driving the innovations backed by the new-age fusion splicer tools and designs. The Quantum fusion splicer is the latest innovation to hit the market. The fusion splicer used for industrial purposes are all ROHS compliant and built to deliver high-grade precision and unswerving performance. The reliability of the fusion splicer machines come with warranty and extended replacement programs.

Best models available in the commercial Fusion splicer segment

•    Q 101 Core Alignment Fusion Splicer
The core alignment model of the Fusion splicer uses the advanced Quantum core technology. It is the very fast in its performance. It reduces the heater shrink time from 28 seconds to 14 seconds. The performance of the Quantum core fusion splicer used in the industry is further strengthened by the use if dual independent ovens. These ovens are patented by the respective manufacturing companies.

•    Hand held Fusion Splicer

The Fusion splicer from the handheld category uses the standard FTTx technology. The splicer has one of the smallest footprint designs in the industry. The splicing time is 11 seconds. The fusion splicer is laced with advanced tech specifications like full HD navigational Touch screen for a reliable interfacing with the operator. The fusion splicer also has an in-built training video demonstration model with automatic software updates. The USB port is also present that makes it easy to connect with other high-end software gadgets. The Fibre holder system and the top-end Lithium-ion battery casing make the fusion splicer light and sturdy.

•    Groove Fusion Splicer

The industrial Groove fusion splicer has a fully navigational LCD touch screen. The optimized splicing model also boasts of internet interface and automatic software update. The SD Port and USB port adds up to its enticing fusion splicer specification making it one of the most economical industrial apparatuses to be used in the fusion splicing segment for Fibre optic cables.

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Optical Transmitters drives the Technology behind the Fibre Optic Cable communications

Modern day communication relies a lot on the fibre optic cable connections. The system includes a series of cables made of fibre optic channels connected to optical transmitter. Amplifier system may also be used to magnify the weak signals in case multi-modal fibre optic cables. For domestic applications, the multiple fibre optic cables are routed through the underground conduits and tubes to ensure minimum interaction with environmental factors and human contacts.

 

Optical Transmitters: The Heart of Technology
The optical transmitters used in the fibre optic cable system are made of semiconductors. The Light-emitting Diodes or LEDs and Laser diodes are the most common optical transmitters used in the modern communication models.  The optical transmitters that have LED source produce an incoherent light beam, while the ones installed with Laser Diodes produce a beam of coherent light source.

What are the properties of a good Optical Transmitter?
For the sake of compatibility with the modern day Fibre optic cable system, the Optical transmitters must be:
-    Compact in design to accommodate large bundles of fibre optic cables
-    Efficient in terms of power consumption
-    Minimum interference with the external signal sources
-    No loss of signal due to heat dissipation
-    Reliable accuracy owing to good quality insulation
The Laser diodes used in the Fibre optic cables are more affordable and reliable in terms of their operational benefits over a wide range of wavelengths and high frequencies. In case of optic channels using the LEDs, the efficiency is ambiguous and hard to predict. LED optical transmitters should be used to reduce cost and not for high-performance applications.

The reduced dependence on the Amplifiers
In a traditional fibre optic cable layout, there could be multiple nodes where amplifiers can be linked. A sequential cable router can have as many as a 10 to 15 amplifiers. The information passed through the fibre optic cable layout is typically encrypted digitally that can be generated using the same set of hardware used in computer, telephone systems and telecom models.
Another advantage of using Laser-based transmitters is the minimized dependence on the optical receivers and amplifiers. The primary photo-dectors for telecommunications are made of conventional photo-diodes with Metal-semiconductor-Metal configuration.

What is the modern LED optical transmitter trend?
LED Optical transmitters are made of Gallium arsenide or Indium Gallium arsenide phosphate. Fibre optic cables used with the LED based optical transmitters can carry a longer wavelength of signals. Despite their high fibre dispersion rate, these transmitters can be used with quantum wells to emit signals over a broader spectrum.

All local area Wavelength- Division Multiplexing networks use fibre optic cables installed with LED-based optical transmitters.

The LEDs are quickly getting replaced by the Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting (VCSEL) Lasers. Speed is the key to transmit signals through the fibre optic cables. VCSEL devices are compatible with all single-mode as well as Multi-mode optic cables.
From stability to high-grade circuit integration, optical transmitters are major components of the optic fibre telecommunication channels.

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Fibre Optic cables: 6 Reasons why it is the Key to Power and Data Transmission

Copper wires have ruled for more than two centuries. Now it is time to phase them out with a more efficient and power saving option. The recent technological demands summed up as data requirements have thrown up a novel item. The fibre optic wires used in the transmission of electrical signals and data are doubling up the digital inventions made every year.

The 6 things about the fibre optic cables and connectors that make them unique are as follows:

1    Abundant Raw Material
Optic fibre cables are made using sand. The silica is the basic raw material used to manufacture the high grade optic cables. Cheaper versions do use the plastic materials but for transmitting power and data over a long distance, silica is the best material. The silica is processed from sands from the river banks and sea shores.
Other compounds being explored as a potential raw materials are:
-    Fluoroaluminate
-    Chalcogenide
-    Fluorozirconate

2    Simple classification
The fibre optic cables are classified as Single mode cable and multimode cables. The wires with diameters less than 10 microns are placed in the segment of Single mode fibre optic cables.
The multi mode cables have a diameter between 100 and 50 microns.
A special set of plastic fibre optics are also included in the family of optic wires. They are referred to as POFs.

3    It works much like your Camera Lens
The fibre optic cables works on the principle of Total Internal Reflection and the signals are transmitted based on Optical properties. The higher the quality of glass material used in the fibre optic cables, higher will be the efficiency in data transmission. The light pulses bounce multiple times from the internal walls without losing the energy. It follows the Law of Conservation of Energy and Charge.

4    It does not get Hot
Industrial sectors can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The fibre optic cables come as welcome solution to fight global warming and heat dissipation issues. The carbon rating from the fibre optic cables is least and it hardly gets hot. It means that the fibre optics can be used to transmit charge infinitely without losing its efficiency over a period of time due to conduction or radiation.

5    Safe to Touch even when it is transmitting
Electrical shocks remain the biggest fear in the minds of the user while handling electrical appliances. The fibre optic cables minimize the risk to a certain degree. The insulation and the internal optical properties of the fibre optic cables make the wires easy to handle and install even when they are connected to the source.

6    No change in efficiency even when it’s bent or twisted
Physical properties are not affected due to twisting or bending of the wire. It continues to carry signals as per its original rating. With no issue of broken fibres or blocked channels, the user can continue to experience highest performance from the appliances even in restricted space.

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Optic Fibre: The Drive behind the Digital Revolution

The space could be expanding, but the technologies on Earth are shrinking every second. The contracting medium with invisible potential to meet daily needs is driven by the fibre optic cables and the semiconductors. The optic fibre cables have been successful introduced in commercial as well as in high-end domestic units with ease. While the industries transform into seamless platforms, it’s the common consumers at home who can benefit much more from using the appliances compatible with the sleek fibre optic cables. The cables can emphatically replace the existing metal wires and hence qualify as the tools of evolution in electronics and electrical segment.

Here’s a list of things you must know about the optic cable fibres that make them compatible with existing wiring systems.

Looking for High Bandwidth: Fibre Optics is the Solution
 

The fibre optic cables have been projected as the simplified tools of network layout. The cables can be used to transfer data across a reasonably larger distance at high bandwidth capacity. It automatically translates into better speed and higher quality of data transfer. The glass fibres ensure minimal interference with the localized magnetic and electric fields. Systems using fibre optic cables experience fewer cross-signal interference and minimum data corruption.


Everything will work at the Speed of Light

Since ages, scientists have been trying to build electrical systems that can match the efficiency of photons and light pulses. When an object travels with a speed close to that of light, it experiences minimum resistance from the medium. Unlike the metal wire cables, the working of the fibre optic cables is independent of the properties of material or quality. If glass is used, the fibre optic cables qualify as a standard light pulses carrier. It means the industry saves material cost and quality testing time to verify the efficiency of the external coating of insulation used in copper wires. Customers can enjoy every appliance working at speed close to light pulses.


It’s time to say goodbyes to electrical failures

The electrical systems using the standard fibre optic cables have shown tremendous efficiency in sustaining fluctuating power loads. The resistance to electrical failures make these wire cables a suitable option for use as Power Transmission and Management element. Imagine the millions of dollars that can be saved by using few kilometres of optic cables that neither breaks or surge under environmental pressure?

 

Building a Hybrid system with Existing wires

Certain operations require the use of copper wires even today. Like fuse wire or grounding circuits. Even the submerged transformers and motors operate with copper wires. The fibre optic cable can be used harmoniously with the wired systems. The cost of expansion or evolution can be saved by simply integrating the new wires with the older hardware and peripheral accessories.


Easy Troubleshooting

The fallouts in system using the fibre optic cable can be easily detected and resolved using spectrometers. The troubleshooting of failure in conventional metal wire layouts take longer time as far as detection and replacement is concerned. With fibre optic cables, the troubleshooting time is reduced by over 400 percent. The cost of replacement is exponentially downsized too!

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Fibre Optic Connectors and Fusion Splicing Technology: Moving Hand-in-Hand

Fusion splicing is a regular unification process used to fuse tow fibre optic cables. Much like welding of the metallic wires, fusion splicing too requires compatibility of the fusing bodies. Depending on the degree of accuracy and precision stripping, industrial fibre optic cables offer close to 95 percent efficiency after completing of the unification process.

The common fibre optic cables that can be joined using fusion splicing are as follows:
-    Distribution cables
-    Indoor/ Outdoor Tight Buffer cables
-    Indoor/ Outdoor Breaker cables
-    Corning Cable Systems
-    Indoor/Outdoor Dry Loose Tube Cable
-    Self-Supporting Aerial Cables
-    Hybrid and Composite Fibre optic cables
-    Armoured cables
-    Low Smoke Zero Halogen

Can splicing be done after terminating the fibre optic cables?
Depending on the application of termination agents, the fusion splicing may not bear desired results. The termination of fibre optic cables is done to save cost of hardware modification and customize the circuit layout. Use of fibre optic connectors makes the terminating effective even if fusion splicing is considered at later stages.
Use of Epoxy and Polish style connectors are preferred over others owing to their ease of use and variety. The terminating style fibre optic cables belong to the Epoxy and Polish variety represents the largest and the cheapest range of connectors. They are available as ST, SC, FC, LC, D4, SMA, MU, and MTRJ.

 What are the benefits of using fibre optic connectors?
There are numerous advantages of using the connectors for splice techniques like:

-    Reliable technology
Using connectors is a time-tested application. They can withstand a variety of environmental and mechanical pressures. Unlike other existing connector designs, the Epoxy and Polish style fibre optic cables offer higher degree of robustness even in idle conditions.

-    Compatible with Every other fibre optic cable
These connectors fit into possibly every single existing cable variety. They can be used with a wide assortment of cable jacket diameters that also includes the 900um buffered fibre and the 3.0mm jacketed fibre.

-    Reduced installation time
Splicing can take more than 45 minutes if the connectors are not compatible. Termination of fibre optic cables take 25 minutes s it requires epoxy curing over oven. Faster curing methods are available for connectors that may not be suitable for all types. Usually, anaerobic epoxies are preferred for fibre optic cables likely to be spliced using fusion splicing tools.

-    Zero supervision while using No-Epoxy & No-Polish
No epoxy and no paint versions can be used even by a layman. It is used to restore the fast field requirements across a larger area of operation. With instant set up, this set of fibre optic connectors can be installed in less than a minute with absolutely no operational training to support the method.
In short, this connector module is cheap, easy to install and highly preferred over other connectors.

Various Fusion splicing tools and accessories
Fusion splicing is done using a dual heater fusion tool. The apparatus comes with a splice protection heat shrink sleeve to protect the internal structure of the fibre optic cables.

The common industrial Fusion splicing tools used to join the fibre optic cables are:
-    Quantum core alignment fusion splicing tool
-    Hand held Fusion splicer with 11 second splicing time with navigational touch screen pad
-    Mass batch Fusion splicer
-    Kit fusion splicer
Fusion splicing technology facilitates high degree of ruggedness, precision transmission, consistency and reliability with zero issues of crash down.

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Fibre Optic Cable: An Essential Requirement in a Datacentre’s Infrastructure

To cope up with modern day data centre’s needs and stringent requirements on its performance, safety, security and modularity, latest technologies and high performance equipment are a must. In the Next-Generation Data centre Forum held recently at Manila, Country Solutions Manager at Dimension Data Philippines highlighted the need to step-up today’s data centre to the next level because of recent emerging technologies in the field of IT including buzzwords like big data, software defined networks, security compliance, hybrid cloud, consumption model and virtualization.Thus data centres are now required to be more agile and must support existing as well as advanced technologies.

Not only the need of IT enhancement was mentioned, rather data centre’s infrastructure was emphasized to be built according to contemporary designs.Today’s data centres must be reliable to provide service 24x7 without any hindrance. It is a mission critical component in a business which is responsible for storing, managing and protecting network’s core operational data. To increase data centre’s flexibility, its infrastructure i.e. cooling, power, cabling etc., should be built in a modular fashion. Damian Hamilton, Data centre Lead at Dimension Data Asia-Pacific, enlightened this fact with his experience in building data centres all over the world.

When it comes to make a future-proofed data centre infrastructure, fibre optics is the first choice of all businesses.Copper cabling has been steadily replaced by fibre optic cables because they provide several advantages over traditional copper communication lines, for example,

•    No other media than fibre optic cables can provide more bandwidth for high-performance networks, which means they can carry more data
•    Fibre optic cables provides immunity towards EMI/RFI, alien cross-talk issues and are less susceptible than metal cables to interference
•    Optical cable and hardware can offer dramatic space savings, because they are much thinner and lighter than metal wires. It is important when data centre real estate is at a premium
•    Fibre optic cables can transmit data digitally (natural form for computer data) instead of analogically

As a result, fibre optics is a growing industry,where manufacturers are trying to bring high end products and that too at a reasonable price.The perfect choice for businesses, both big and small, can be the one that not only provides a solution but also exceptional customer service and 100% product availability.Apollo Technology is a worth mentioning choice particularly when it comes to modern datacentre infrastructure.

Data centres commonly have horizontal networks in their infrastructure, made secured using fibre optics that prevent access to the data. Since fibre optic cables does not emit electronic signals that can be monitored remotely, data transmitted over fibre is highly secured. Also, fibre cannot be tapped into without being detected. Furthermore, data security is accelerating Fibre to the Desktop (FTTD) as a common horizontal network example which can be achieved using fibre optic cables supplied by Apollo Technology.

In the development of data centres, one thing is for sure:data centres will keep growing with the advancement in technology, with more and more demanding requirements in terms of performance, reliability, security and modularity. It will be up to fibre optic providers like Apollo Technology to continue to bring to market high end fibre optics products to meet these requirements and play a vital role in the evolution of modern data centres.

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Growing Adoption of Pre-terminated Fibre Optic Cables in Current Cabling Trends

The aim of modern IT-centric world is to target on having a firm grasp of prevailing cabling trends for flourishing technologies. In recent years, cabling advancements have been a cause of satisfaction for IT and datacentre managers when it comes to installation, usage and maintenance. Moreover, the upgradation and outfitting of datacentres or any other system has now become easier, with savings on both time and cost.

A research on future cabling market done in 2013 by BSRIA - a global market intelligence company, can be summarized as:

• The global market of structured cabling will reach about $8.3 billion by 2020. Of this total, cabling in datacentres is expected to account for $1.6 billion, while LAN cabling alone will contribute $6.7 billion.

• Companies are expected to spend more on LAN structured cabling for wiring IP camera, access points and access controls, building management systems and other equipment.

• Datacentre’s structured cabling will continue to move on utilizing fibre, whereas the smaller datacentres using copper wiring are likely to decrease with the increase in outsourcing and cloud services.

Many IT companies are determined to maximize project ROI in order to improve their commercial sector. They needed to make more sustainable and environmentally sound choices for cables having lower installation costs and requiring less installation time. Here is where pre-terminated fibre optic cable comes into picture. It has proved better results for mission-critical technology networks because it provides high performance and maximum system uptime over long term, without incurring high costs for system upgrades and network maintenance.

Traditionally, once a cabling installation plan is formulated and network topology is approved, installers need to haul large volumes of cables to be installed and terminate at the user’s site. This installation may take days, weeks or even months depending on the size of the project. If the system needs to be upgraded, the installers have to design their schedule in such a way that the network’s performance should not be affected. Furthermore, at the end of the installation process, the installers are left with discarded packaging, unused cabling and even other waste and scrap.

On the other hand, pre-terminated fibre optic cable needs more detailed analysis and planning process, requiring more time upfront to determine the current and future requirements of cabling and termination routes within the cabinets and along the cable trays. Once the plan is formulated, the required cable lengths for various areas are then manufactured by cable providers like Apollo Technology Pty Ltd, and tested to ensure they meet all applicable network standards.

The resulting cabling system is a rapidly deployable ‘plug and play’ system, as there is no need of on-site field termination, because these cables are bundled and pre-terminated at factory. They are ready to install upon arriving on site, without the need of special tools and field termination, leading to lower installation and ownership costs. Furthermore, these cables don’t leave any cable or connector scrap after the installation process is complete. Apollo technology makes pre-terminated cables to your exact specification with improved end-to-end attenuation and throughput. These cables have no termination errors because they have already been inspected for insertion loss and visual defects.

Because of the improved link loss budget, pre-terminated cables have various applications, for example LAN premise and campus applications that utilise pre-terminated cables for their inter-building and intra-building backbones. Also, datacentres deploy these cables in their main, horizontal and equipment distribution area trunk cables for Storage Area Network (SAN) applications requiring high density in limited space.

To conclude, pre-terminated fibre optic cables provide a greener approach and life cycle sustainability to datacentres and enterprise networks because they are economically feasible for a long-term investment. Although implementation of pre-terminated cables require more detailed pre-planning at the early stages, the overall cost/ benefit analysis favors their use.

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