NTT AT Optical Connector Cleaner
Why is cleaning fiber optic connectors important?
One of the key advantages of fiber optics is its ability to transmit large amounts of data over long distances. However, it is essential to minimize contamination on fiber optic connectors to keep data loss within acceptable limits. Larger contaminants can completely block the 9-micron core diameter of a single-mode fiber. Even smaller particles can increase signal attenuation and return loss, and may potentially cause permanent damage to the connector.
Below are some industry studies on the impact of contamination on fiber optic connectors:
- In FTTH networks, 16% of connector-related performance issues are due to connector contamination (Sheedy, 2014).
- Contaminated fiber connector endfaces are responsible for 85% of fiber link failures (Lang & Carter, 2016).
- Contamination on fiber connector endfaces is the most common cause of degraded connector performance (IPC-8497-1, 2005, p. 7).
- Residual contaminants on fiber connector endfaces tend to migrate toward the core when connectors are mated, obstructing light transmission (IEC/TR 62627-01, 2010, p. 8).
