A very cost-effective method for optical link maintenance is to clean the end face, but many teams stop at this step: plug the port back in without performing end inspection, and the dust just transfers from the jumper end face to the inner hole of the adapter. The standardization process should be a four-step closed loop.
The cleaning sequence determines the re-inspection pass rate
Dry wipe the end face of the jumper first, and then deal with the inner hole of the adapter: dip a special cleaning needle or dust-free swab into the inner hole with a small amount of absolute ethanol, and then insert the jumper back after it has completely evaporated. Plugging and unplugging count as one action. Repeated plugging and unplugging will wear the end face. Usually, the same port should be cleaned no more than three times in a row. If it still fails the third time, just replace the jumper. Jumpers are common spare parts. It is recommended to pressLC-LC single mode dual core jumperThis kind of regular specifications is always available, which saves time and worry than repeatedly rescuing an old wire.
End inspection focuses on three types of defects
- Scratches and chipping: If there are visible longitudinal scratches or edge chips on the end face, it will be replaced directly and cleaning will not save it.
- Dust adhesion: The impact is greatest when particles are concentrated in the center area of the end face, and the adapter must be wiped and cleaned again.
- Oily fingerprints: If the fingerprint remains foggy after wiping, it is mostly due to silicone oil contamination. Dry wiping is ineffective and requires wet cleaning before dry wiping.
- When you cannot see clearly, increase the magnification to more than 200 times, and do not use your naked eyes to judge whether it is qualified.
The retest should return to the caliber before cleaning.
The cleaning effect is ultimately determined by the data: re-measure the received light power at the same measurement point and compare it with the reading before cleaning and the baseline record. Usually when cleaning is effective, the reading will rise by a few tenths of dB to more than 1 dB; if the reading remains almost unchanged, it means that the source of the fault is not at the end face. You should go to the routing bend, module level or equipment port for troubleshooting, and do not continue to wipe. The record must contain the values before and after cleaning, whether the jumper is replaced, and the executor. EB-LINK technical support relies on these three items to determine the next step when providing remote assistance. This line of data is also the basis for the next judgment of a similar fault.