The advantages and disadvantages of fiber fiber measuring and optical fiber mechanical stitching

Fiber optic measurements and mechanical splicing are two different techniques used in the installation and maintenance of fiber optic networks. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in detail below.

Fiber Optic Measurements:

Fiber optic measurements involve testing the optical power of the signal transmitted through the fiber optic cable. This is done to ensure that the signal strength is within acceptable limits and that there are no issues with the fiber optic cable. There are several advantages of using fiber optic measurements, including:

Advantages:

Accurate: Fiber optic measurements provide accurate readings of the optical power levels in the fiber optic cable. This allows technicians to determine if the signal strength is within acceptable limits and if there are any issues with the cable.

Quick: Fiber optic measurements are relatively quick to perform and can be done with handheld tools. This makes it easy for technicians to perform measurements on-site without having to bring in specialized equipment.

Non-intrusive: Fiber optic measurements are non-intrusive, meaning that they do not require any physical contact with the fiber optic cable. This makes it easy to perform measurements without disrupting the network.

Disadvantages:

Limited information: Fiber optic measurements only provide information about the optical power levels in the fiber optic cable. They do not provide any information about the physical condition of the cable or any issues with the connectors or splices.

Requires expertise: Performing accurate fiber optic measurements requires specialized knowledge and expertise. This can make it difficult for technicians without this expertise to perform accurate measurements.

Mechanical Splicing:

Mechanical splicing involves joining two fiber optic cables together using a mechanical splice. The mechanical splice typically consists of a connector or adapter that holds the two cables in place and aligns the fibers so that they are in contact with each other. There are several advantages of using mechanical splicing, including:

Advantages:

Low cost: Mechanical splicing is a relatively low-cost technique compared to other splicing methods such as fusion splicing.

Quick: Mechanical splicing is a quick technique that can be performed on-site. This makes it ideal for situations where time is critical.

No special equipment required: Mechanical splicing does not require any specialized equipment, which makes it easy to perform in the field.

Disadvantages:

Higher insertion loss: Mechanical splicing typically results in a higher insertion loss than other splicing techniques such as fusion splicing. This can limit the distance that the signal can be transmitted.

Higher reflectance: Mechanical splicing can result in higher reflectance than other splicing techniques, which can lead to signal loss and interference.

Lower reliability: Mechanical splicing is generally considered to be less reliable than fusion splicing, which can lead to more frequent maintenance and repair.

In conclusion, both fiber optic measurements and mechanical splicing have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is up to the technician to determine which technique is best suited for a particular situation based on factors such as cost, time, and required level of accuracy.