To travel a long distance lights travel in optical fibers need a continuous, non-disruptive path without too big signal loss. But in hundreds of kilometers of the fiber link, the light signals need to be added or dropped, amplified, cross-connected, and much other processing. In these connections, as a standard practice, two fibers are connected. With connectors and a fusion splicer, this connection can be done.
Without the use of connectors, splicing is the practice of joining two
fibers together. Fusion splicing and mechanical splicing are two fiber splices
types. During installation or repair, splicing may be made.
While connectors making system configuration much more flexible,
Compared to connectors splices generally have better mechanical integrity and
low loss. So typically, in outdoor applications splices are used to connect
fiber cables and inside buildings, connectors terminate fiber cables and fiber
tool kit.
Fusion Splicing
The tips of two fibers are heated and butted together so that they melt
together. With a fusion splicer, this is normally done, which mechanically
aligns the two fiber ends, then the fiber tips to fuse them apply a spark
across.
Mechanical Splicing
To join two fibers together end to end (again, fiber cores are aligned
precisely) mechanical splicing uses mechanical fixtures. Either by clamping
them within a structure or by gluing them together mechanical splicing joins
two fiber ends.
In splicing, compared to multimode fibers single-mode fiber requires
much tighter tolerances. So for single-mode mechanical splices, special
equipment is often required. Compared to multimode fiber mechanical splicing
this makes single-mode fiber mechanical splicing much more expensive.
Benefits of mechanical splicing
To work mechanical splicing doesn't need costly capital equipment, but
it does require higher consumable costs. So for organizations not making a lot
of splicing, mechanical splicing is the best selection. For emergency repairs,
it suits well. You can buy fiber cleaner online.
Special tools and techniques are required by correctly splicing and
terminating fiber optic cable.
