End-face cleaning review of repeated bit errors on 100G links_Experience in cutover and demarcation

The cause of 100G link errors cannot be found repeatedly: Cleaning lessons from a cutover review

Published: 2026-09-10 EB-LINK Views: 1048 Error troubleshooting, end face cleaning, LC jumpers, link demarcation

There was a roundabout experience in the 100G upgrade review of a large data center in East China: several links repeatedly reported error codes, ports were disconnected, and changing modules did not bring any improvement. Finally, the link that was easily overlooked was located - end face cleaning. Similar situations are not uncommon in computer room renovations. Here we review the delimitation process for our peers. For the background of the case, see100G optical fiber interconnection upgrade between buildings in a large data center in East China.

Delimitation: first distinguish between modules, links and interfaces

When errors occur, it is customary to suspect the module first. The project was defined by the loopback method: the loopback on the server side was normal, but it started to disconnect after connecting to the ODF segment, and the problem converged to the physical connection; a microscope inspection revealed that there were indeed many residual dust and coupling offsets on the LC end surface. On the night when several modules were replaced without any results, the team first stopped and rearranged the delimitation order before returning their attention to the interface itself.

Cleaning is not just about wiping

First check, then clean, and then retest. Only after completing these three steps can it be considered processed;
One-Click dry cleaning pen is preferred, and the tape residue should be dipped in special alcohol on dust-free paper;
The cleaning pen can be passed through in one go, without repeated horizontal wiping and sharing of multiple cores;
The dust cap is removed and the terminal is completed. Leaving the terminal surface waiting for the jumper is a major source of rework.

Write the end face inspection into the acceptance fixed item

After re-inspecting all links and adding end-face inspection to the cutover and acceptance actions, there were basically no errors of unknown origin in subsequent windows. 100G has very little fault tolerance for the physical layer. Testing more end faces may cause link duplication.

EB-LINK has incorporated end face inspection requirementsData center high-speed interconnection solutionDelivery instructions included with the product. If you want to check the cleaning process before the cutover, please call 0755-83179002.