The Best Methods For 5G Fibre Optic Testing and Maintenance
Innovations like autonomous vehicles, robotics surgery, and VR have brought a huge change and 5G serves as a key factor to stimulate them. This latest generation of the network has proved to be the fastest mean of data transmission that opens new doors of endless possibilities to the internet of things. The opportunities that were standing still due to lower bandwidth and high network latency now seems to be possible since 5G has stepped into the industry.
5G has been activated in several countries and its consumer pool is growing rapidly day by day. Meanwhile, the remaining countries have also opted for it to provide exceptional services to end users. On the other hand, the demand for fibre optic cable has also boosted as it serves as the best choice for its wiring installation where a team of experienced technicians is required.
Now that a lot of work has been done on networking infrastructure there is a lot to consider about the cable system for its performance. The majority has advanced to 5G for a better experience and it is up to the telecom installers to sustain its performance optimally by taking the required precautionary measure.
Fibre optic cable is tough but it can be easily damaged. Thus, it is important to keep a periodic maintenance check on them to avoid loss of light and signal attenuation. Whether it’s splicing or cut, we will provide you with several methods for fibre optic testing and maintenance. So, let’s see how you can ensure reliability and make the cable immune from damage:
Cleaning Connectors
Connectors regardless of being a tiny part of the 5G Fibre Optic infrastructure can end up causing severe problems. But the solution is easy too. All you have to do is simply clean the dirt or oil on the connector before the termination process. Not doing so, can result in the device’s failure and severely affect the flow of data. So, it is better to clean them.
Several techniques are preferred by experienced technicians for connector cleaning. But the combination cleaning process is widely used as it can be easily executed and only consumes a few minutes. If you also want to learn about this process then follow the below instructions:
- Grab a wipe and put a droplet of alcohol.
- Wipe the connector thoroughly.
- Repeat again but from the other side of the wipe as dirt can cause scratches in the mating pairs.
- Repeat again but from the dry wipe.
- That’s how you can clean the connector.
You should make a habit of using a protective cap or a dirt cap that can also secure the connector from dirt and oil.
Looking After the Splices
When the 5G optic fibre cable is damaged, then it is fused or joined together to restore the cable and that process is known as Splicing. However, it may be a fast and reliable way to cope with a broken cable but it can be extremely sensitive during rain and storm. It is preferred to clean and dry them during summer and that should be done on a continuous basis.
You should also use fibre optic splice closure. This device is wrapped around the wiring joint which protects it from dust and water. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor wiring. So, always use this enclosure and you won’t have to clean the splices.
Avoid Bending Cables
Bending the fibre cable can result in light attenuation. The cable is made from different components and damage on any one of them can seriously affect the experience of 5G users. Most of the damage is caused by bending. Over bending and excessive twisting should be always avoided while installing cables. There is a simple method to determine the bending radius. Firstly, you should be familiar with the diameter of the cable then it should be multiplied by 10.
However, this method is not reliable as the bending radius differs considering the product material. But you can also contact the cable manufacturers for guidance as they can provide authentic information.
Making Use of Innerducts
One of the best ways to keep good care of the entire cable system is to use inner ducts. It is like a sub-duct that is made up of plastic. Using them have many benefits as it reduces pulling tensions and secures the wire from bending. These inner ducts save the cable from underground dust and water. Thus, the majority of technicians are making use of inner ducts to provide maximum security to the 5G cable system.
Testing Data Continuity
Testing for data flow is also an essential part of the 5G fibre cabling and only requires a single device named Visual Fault Locator. It is attached to one end of the cable and it will deliver a powerful laser light that verifies the transmission. If there are any issues, then the damaged point will be highlighted by the laser. Always wear eye safety gear while using VFL as its laser can be quite hazardous to the naked eyes.
OTDR Testing
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer is also a handy device to check and troubleshoot 5G cable problems. Upon connecting it can detect signal loss, breaks, crushes, fibre’s quality, and cable bends. It can also create a picture of the entire cable route that can be used for comparisons. So, it is better to keep testing the cable’s infrastructure with OTDR as it can give a brief view of the whole cable system.
Conclusively, as the 5G anticipates, it is important to regularly test fibre cables so that users can enjoy the promised performance without any issues. It can also minimize the chances of a low network, high latency, and additional damage that can be caused by recklessness. So, it will be beneficial if you adhere to the aforementioned methods of testing and maintenance that we have gathered from the professional telecom installers.