FIGURE 10: Inspect all fibers in a multi-fiber connector
and both sides of every connection. Dirty fiber end faces
are the #1 cause of problems in fiber systems.
Revolutionize your business with the best PSA in the
Information and Communications Technology industry.
Put your business on the right track with Tigerpaw.
January/February 2019 I47
It is essential to inspect both sides of the connection.
Figure 10 depicts an entire array of fibers on an MPO
connector being inspected inside of a microscope that
allows the technician to go through all fibers. Inspect
them all to make sure that they are in pristine condition.
When inspecting MPO connectors behind a bulkhead,
use a probe that can inspect all 8, 12, or 24 fibers
independently. Make sure both sides are clean; otherwise,
one already cleaned could potentially be plugged into a
connector that is dirty, causing cross contamination.
When testing, make sure to document results. Dirty
fiber end faces are the leading cause of problems within
fiber systems, so being able to show that the network was
installed correctly can help with system warranties and
to show customers that work was correctly performed.
POLARITY TESTING
If connecting MPO connectors into active equipment
(i.e., that is the QSFP to QSFP type connections), endto
end polarity must be B polarity so the transmitters
hit receivers, rather than transmitters. For existing
installations, the end-to-end polarity is often not known.
Having the ability to do a fiber map, much like doing a
wire map in copper, is a very useful tool because it will
determine what needs to be done to get the right end-toend
polarity, whether it is duplex or MPO. It is also useful
when setting up an MPO tester to do pass/fail analysis,
since the technician has to tell it what polarity to expect
Easily create automated
quotes and customized
proposals
Get started by visiting
tigerpaw.com/righttrack
Manage projects and
track and control
materials
Generate, manage
and deliver invoices
using service tickets
/righttrack