S-02

Single-mode and multimode fibre — fusion splicing and testing

Fibre becomes necessary where copper stops working: beyond a hundred metres, between buildings, or in environments with heavy electromagnetic noise. The difference between a good and a bad fibre installation shows up as a number — path loss in decibels.

OS2 · OM4
FUSION
OTDR
ODF

Power budget, before installation

Before the first metre of fibre is pulled we calculate the power budget for the path: the fibre attenuation over its length, the loss at each splice, the loss at each connector, and a margin for the future. If the final figure does not work with the transceivers you have chosen, the design changes there and then — not after installation.

Single-mode or multimode

For backbones between buildings and for any path that may get longer or faster later, OS2 single-mode is the safer choice: the fibre itself is cheaper and distance is effectively not a constraint. OM4 multimode makes sense over short runs inside a data centre, where the cheaper transceiver wins.

Installation and termination

Fusion splicing on a core-alignment splicer, factory pigtails, ODF assembly and cassette management with the fibre bend radius respected. Every strand is tested after installation with a power meter and an OTDR, and the events along the path are recorded.

Frequently asked questions about fibre optics

What is the difference between fusion and mechanical splicing?

In a fusion splice the two fibre ends are melted into one by an electric arc; loss is typically under 0.1 dB and the joint is permanent and stable. A mechanical splice is faster and cheaper but has higher loss and is less stable over time. For a backbone we always recommend fusion.

What does an OTDR show that a power meter does not?

A power meter only tells you the total loss of the path. An OTDR gives you a map of it: every splice, every connector, every excess bend, and the exact position of each event in metres. If the path ever breaks, that original trace locates the fault quickly.

Get an initial estimate

The site survey is free and the first estimate usually goes out the same day.