Fiber Optic Installation – Fusion Splicing Services – OTDR Testing – Fiber Optic Repair

Fiber Optic Demarc Extensions

  • Fiber Optic Installation (Single-Mode & Multimode)
  • Fusion Splicing Service (Core Alignment Splicer)
  • Fiber Optic Testing (Tier 1 & Tier 2)
  • Fiber Optic Certification & Documentation
  • Fiber Optic Troubleshooting
  • Fiber Optic Cable Repair & Restoration
  • Fluke Certified Cable Test Technician
  • E.T.A. Certified Fiber Optic Installer
  • Qualified Aerial Lift Operator

A fiber optic cable installation is generally considered the clear winner over a copper network when bandwidth and distance are the driving factors

Professionally Installed Fiber Optic Cabling

Our goal is to design and build the most resilient fiber optic infrastructure possible
What you can expect from a typical fiber installation

  • All work performed in a professional and workmanlike manner
  • Our technicians will have the appropriate P.P.E. and Fall Protection
  • Fiber Splicing – All connections will be fusion spliced with a core alignment splicer unless otherwise noted
  • Tier-1 testing – using an optical power meter and light source, (Certifiber Pro Quad) with reference-grade test cords using a one-jumper reference
  • Tier 2 testing – Known as extended testing, using an OTDR (Optifiber Pro Quad OTDR) with reference-grade launch and tail fibers for bi-directional OTDR testing (Optional)
  • Endface inspection & grading; documenting the condition of your fiber optic connectors, as we left them
  • Rack and stack UPS, switches, and routers (if available)
  • Inspect, clean, and test the power output of SFPs (if available)
  • Comprehensive documentation – LinkWare Cable Test Management Software supplied with every installation
  • Fiber optic connector Inspection and cleaning training
  • Inspection, cleaning, and troubleshooting equipment also available

SingleMode vs. Multi-mode in the Enterprise Network: Which Fiber Best  Fits Your Future?

In enterprise environments like factories and warehouses, selecting the right fiber and understanding the capabilities of your switches is critical for optimizing performance and reducing long-term costs. Most enterprise-grade switches utilize the SFP form factor, including SFP (1Gbps), SFP+ (10Gbps), and SFP28 (25Gbps). These switches offer flexibility, scalability, and long-term relevance, making them a reliable choice for growing networks

With Fiber Optics, Balancing Speed and Distance is Key to Optimizing Your Network’s Performance

Speed and Distance: The Faster You Go, The Shorter The Reach

To fully understand how speed and distance affect your fiber optic network, check out the chart below. It clearly illustrates how these factors are inversely proportional, helping you make informed decisions for your specific needs

As you can see, the distance for 25 Gbps drops dramatically with multi mode fiber. If you have intentions of upgrading to 25 Gbps or beyond, such as moving to QSFP switches, single-mode may be a better option for longer distances and future scalability.”

Recent data shows that 25GbE adoption is accelerating, with shipments increasing by 60% year-over-year, It has outpaced 10GbE in less than half the time it took 10GbE to reach the same milestone, reflecting rapid growth and demand. Source: Crehan Research

Our Proven Method for Fiber Installations

Cost-Effective and Ready for Any Installation Challenge

Aluminum Interlocking Armor (AIA) eliminates the need for traditional conduit, drastically speeding up installations and cutting labor costs, particularly in retrofits. It provides exceptional crush resistance and also meets all building code requirements for indoor use. While grounding is required, the ease and speed of installation more than compensate, making this a durable, flexible, and cost-effective solution for most fiber installations

The Sweet Spot: Why 12-Strand Fiber is Our Preferred Choice

12-strand fiber strikes the perfect balance between connectivity and future-proofing. While 6-strand fiber lacks room for growth and 24 strands are often excessive, 12 strands offer just the right amount of capacity. It supports current network needs, allows for expansion, and provides spare fibers for repairs without unnecessary cost or complexity—making it our go-to choice for most installations

Building Strong Connections: Why Fusion Splicing and LC Connectors Are Our Choice

Fusion splicing provides unmatched signal quality because it creates a permanent, low-loss connection between fiber strands, reducing reflection and improving performance compared to mechanical splicing. This results in minimal signal degradation, especially over long distances, making it ideal for enterprise networks

LC connectors are preferred for their compact design, which supports high-density installations, maximizing space efficiency in data centers and enterprise environments. They offer superior reliability and are easier to maintain, further enhancing network performance

  • Superior Signal Integrity: Fusion splicing minimizes signal loss, ensuring high-quality performance over long distances compared to other methods
  • Long-Term Reliability: This combination provides a future-proof, low-maintenance solution that guarantees consistent network connectivity for years to come

The Key to Network Reliability, Real-Time Monitoring and Bonded SFP’s:

Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)-enabled SFP’s provide real-time fiber monitoring for maximum network reliability. When used in bonded configurations, they double throughput and allow for hot-swapping without losing connections, ensuring uninterrupted service and seamless maintenance

Thanks to the Sherman Antitrust Act and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, third-party SFP’s offer the same performance as name-brand alternatives, without voiding warranties. This cost-effective solution helps reduce expenses while maintaining network compliance

Precision Testing for Unmatched Fiber Performance

To ensure your network runs at peak efficiency, we utilize advanced testing tools such as the Fluke CertiFiber Pro OLTS and the Fluke OptiFiber Pro OTDR. These devices allow us to accurately measure fiber integrity, detect potential faults in real-time, and guarantee low-loss connections. The OTDR (Optical Time Distance reflectometer) pinpoints issues along the fiber link, while the OLTS (Optical Loss Test Set) ensures each connection meets rigorous performance standards

By leveraging these industry-leading tools and thorough documentation, your fiber infrastructure remains reliable, efficient, and ready for future demands

However, certifying a cabling installation means little without the burden of proof. Documenting the results is the only true way to ensure installation accountability and integrity, resolve disputes, and streamline future troubleshooting. We provide detailed network documentation that captures all test results and configurations, offering you transparency and the ability to maintain long-term network reliability

Bench Marking and Monitoring Optical Transceivers Using Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)

Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) enables real-time monitoring of key parameters within an optical transceiver, such as optical power levels, temperature, voltage, and laser bias current. This continuous tracking helps network operators identify potential issues, like signal degradation or hardware failures, along a fiber link. By offering insight into these critical metrics, DOM simplifies the troubleshooting process, allowing for quicker identification of faults and improved maintenance efficiency. Ultimately, DOM enhances system reliability by providing proactive alerts and actionable data, reducing downtime and ensuring smoother network performance

Wrapping Up the Installation

Once the installation is complete, the job doesn’t end there. Ensuring the long-term reliability of your network is crucial. That’s why ongoing monitoring services, allowing you to keep an eye on key metrics like DOM output to detect potential issues before they impact performance. By leveraging advanced monitoring tools, you’ll always have a clear picture of your network’s health and can take action when necessary

Post-Installation Review and Maintenance

At this point, you will have reviewed the test results to confirm the integrity of your fiber installation. We will have guided you through proper end-face inspection and cleaning techniques, ensuring your connections remain optimal. Additionally, you’ll have a solid understanding of maintaining the correct bend radius for patch cords—critical when adding new devices to your network. These best practices will help you maintain network performance and avoid unnecessary downtime.
(Below there is a section of common troubleshooting tools and techniques should the situation ever arise)

Fusion Splicing Services

Fiber Optic Splicing

  • The joining of individual fiber optic strands to create a continuous strand is referred to as splicing. There are currently two common splicing methods that can be utilized; fusion splicing and mechanical splicing
  • The ultimate goal of cable splicing is to create a connection between two or more sections of fiber in a way that allows the optical signal to pass through with minimal loss
  • Understanding each splicing method is important when making an educated decision on which splicing method to use. A rule of thumb would be fusion splicing for permanent connections and mechanical splicing for temporary connections

Fiber Optic Cable Splicing and Termination Services

Fiber Optic Termination, Testing, and Certification

  • If you’re an electrician, general contractor, or facilities maintenance and you have the resources to pull in the fiber, we can handle the termination and certification
  • We will terminate and test existing cable regardless of who installed it
  • Cable to Cable Splicing
  • Cable to Pigtail Splicing
  • Cable to Splice-On Connectors
  • Fiber optic connector installation
  • Optical fiber connector repair/replacement
  • We Can Terminate, Test, Certify, and Document Your Fiber Installation

Comprehensive Fiber Connector Replacement Solutions

For fast and reliable fiber connector replacements, we use the Corning UniCam Pretium Tool Kit. This system utilizes index matching gel to ensure low-loss, high-performance connections without the need for fusion splicing. Whether you’re replacing damaged connectors or upgrading to new ones, our process guarantees precision and durability

How to Test a Fiber Optic Cable

First – Inspect Before You Connect ; EndFace Inspection

WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF FIBER NETWORK FAILURE?

In a survey by Fluke Networks, dirty and contaminated connector endfaces were found to be the leading cause of fiber link failure. Every time fiber connectors are mated, they risk cross-contamination. This can lead to debris being pressed into the soft glass, causing scratches, cracks, and signal degradation. Liquids, which are incompressible, spread under pressure and further degrade signal quality

The Outcome: Permanent Damage and Signal Loss

When connectors are mated under pressure, contaminants can permanently damage the fiber. Solid particles embed into the glass, leading to scratches and cracks, while liquid contaminants spread across the connector surface, blocking light transmission. This results in signal loss and degraded network performance

The Only Solution: Visual Inspection

The only way to ensure connectors are clean and undamaged is through visual inspection under a high-powered microscope. Without this step, contaminants remain hidden and can cause long-term damage, leading to costly repairs and replacements

Visual inspection under a high-powered microscope is the only way to be sure that a fiber optic connector is clean and undamaged

Damaged Bulkhead Connectors Are Expensive Repairs
Patch Cords; New Doesn’t Always Mean Clean
Unplugged SFPs Are Dust and Debris Magnets

OLTS & OTDR Testing: The Cornerstones of Fiber Optic Certification

Ensuring the reliability and optimal performance of your fiber optic network begins with comprehensive testing and certification. Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS) and Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) testing are essential processes that verify your network meets industry standards like TIA/EIA and ISO/IEC. By focusing on both signal quality and physical integrity, these tests confirm that your network is optimized for current demands and prepared for future challenges

When performing OLTS and OTDR testing, it’s essential to use reference-grade test cords and launch cables—not ordinary patch cords. These specialized cords ensure that the testing process is accurate and reliable, as they offer minimal signal loss and high performance, unlike standard patch cords. Using high-quality reference cords is critical for achieving precise measurements and validating that your network complies with industry standards

Tier 1 -OLTS Testing: Ensuring Signal Integrity

OLTS (Optical Loss Test Set) testing measures the total signal loss in your fiber optic link. By evaluating the amount of light lost between the transmitter and receiver, OLTS ensures your network meets efficiency standards like TIA/EIA and ISO/IEC. This process confirms that data can travel without significant degradation, allowing your network to handle high-speed transmissions effectively from the start. Implementing OLTS testing optimizes your installation for peak performance and long-term reliability

Tier 2 – OTDR Testing: Mapping Fiber Integrity

OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) testing offers an in-depth analysis of your fiber optic network’s physical condition. By sending pulses of light through the fiber and measuring the reflected signals, the OTDR creates a detailed map that identifies imperfections such as splices, bends, or breaks. This precise mapping allows for pinpointing the exact locations of potential issues that could affect network performance. Incorporating OTDR testing ensures the physical integrity of your fiber optic infrastructure, reducing the risk of future outages and enhancing overall reliability

Ensure Your Network’s Peak Performance

After thorough OLTS and OTDR testing, you can be confident that your fiber optic network meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. By addressing both signal integrity and physical infrastructure, these tests provide a comprehensive certification that prepares your network for current demands and future growth

Don’t leave your network’s efficiency to chance. Contact us today to schedule your complete fiber optic testing and certification. Our expert technicians will ensure your network is fully optimized, giving you peace of mind and a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced digital landscape

Basic Troubleshooting a Fiber Optic Network

Proper maintenance and prompt troubleshooting are essential to keep your fiber optic network running smoothly. Equipping your network technicians with the right tools ensures they can quickly identify and resolve issues, minimizing downtime and maintaining optimal performance. Below is a list of essential items that should be on-site:

Patch Cords and Bend Radius: Protecting Signal Integrity

Understanding Bend Radius

  • Definition: The bend radius is the minimum radius one can bend a fiber optic cable without causing damage or significant signal loss
  • Importance: Exceeding the specified bend radius can lead to micro-bends or macro-bends in the fiber, causing attenuation (signal loss) or even permanent damage to the cable
  • Premium 3mm and Bend-Insensitive Patch Cords Available: We offer a selection of high-quality 3mm standard and bend-insensitive fiber optic patch cords to meet the specific demands of your network infrastructure. These cables are engineered for optimal performance and durability, ensuring reliable connectivity even in challenging environments

Spare DOM-Enabled SFP Modules

Maintain uninterrupted network performance with r DOM-enabled SFP modules. Equipped with Digital Optical Monitoring, these transceivers provide real-time insights into your network’s optical parameters. Keeping spares on-site ensures swift replacements, minimizing downtime and enhancing the reliability of your infrastructure

Professional Cleaning Kits and Inspection Scopes

Professional Cleaning Kits and Inspection Scopes for Optimal Signal Quality: Protect your network’s integrity with our comprehensive fiber optic cleaning kits and handheld inspection scopes. Regular cleaning and inspection prevent signal loss due to contamination, ensuring high-quality data transmission and extending the lifespan of your equipment

LC Connector Insertion and Removal Tool

  • LC Connector Insertion and Removal Tools for Precision Handling: Simplify maintenance in high-density environments with our LC connector tongs. Designed for precise insertion and removal of LC connectors, these tools help prevent contamination and physical damage, especially in tight spaces, ensuring your connections remain clean and secure

Loopback Testers: Maximizing Network Reliability

A loopback tester is essential for verifying network connections by sending signals back to the source, helping to pinpoint faults in cabling and devices. Used alone, it identifies issues in transmit and receive functions

When paired with DOM-enabled SFPs (Digital Optical Monitoring), loopback testing becomes even more effective. DOM provides real-time data on optical power, temperature, and voltage, allowing you to:

  • Detect faults quickly in both the cabling and SFP
  • Measure optical power loss and signal quality
  • Troubleshoot issues with greater accuracy by combining physical loopback results with DOM diagnostics

This combination enhances network troubleshooting, providing a comprehensive view of both the optical and electrical performance of your cabling infrastructure, ensuring that your network operates with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency

Visual Fault Locators (VFLs) for Fast Fault Detection

Visual Fault Locators (VFLs) are essential tools for quickly identifying physical issues in fiber optic networks. By emitting a visible red laser through the fiber, VFLs make it easy to detect breaks, bends, or faulty connections, ensuring fast, accurate troubleshooting

Key benefits of using VFL’s:

  • Instant identification of fiber breaks or bends
  • Easy to use: Simply plug in and trace the path of the light to locate the fault
  • Effective for short-range testing, particularly in patch panels or exposed cables
  • Minimizes downtime by speeding up fault location and repairs

VFL’s are a simple yet powerful tool that adds efficiency to your fiber maintenance, ensuring quick resolution of physical issues in your network

The FiberLert for Quick Live Fiber Detection

The FiberLert by Fluke Networks is an essential tool for fast and easy detection of live fiber optic signals. Designed to sense light in the near-infrared range (850 nm to 1625 nm), it allows technicians to verify fiber activity without any direct contact. Simply place the device in front of a fiber optic connector or port, and it will emit a light and tone if a signal is present

Key Benefits of the FiberLert:

  • Non-contact detection: No need to disconnect fibers, reducing the risk of contamination or damage
  • Quick signal verification: Easily confirms fiber activity, polarity, and connectivity
  • User-friendly: Emits an audible tone and visible light, making it easy to use in any environment
  • Broad wavelength support: Works across a wide range of fiber types and signal strengths

The FiberLert streamlines troubleshooting, offering a simple and effective way to check live fibers and ensure smooth network operations

The Ultimate Troubleshooter: The OTDR

The Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is the most powerful tool available for troubleshooting fiber optic cable failures. It excels in identifying the distance to faults and diagnosing the type and cause of issues, such as breaks, bends, poor connectors, and excessive insertion loss events. By providing detailed data on the condition of the fiber, the OTDR equips you with a comprehensive overview of your fiber installation

With the OTDR, the troubleshooting process involves multiple steps: identifying the problem, analyzing the detailed data to determine the fault type, locating the precise position of the fault, and diagnosing its root cause. This information enables efficient repairs, minimizing downtime and ensuring the long-term reliability of your network

Stocking Extra Fiber Patch Cords in Various Sizes

In any fiber optic network, having extra fiber patch cords in different lengths is essential for ensuring seamless maintenance and quick troubleshooting. Networks are dynamic, and whether you’re reconfiguring your setup, replacing damaged cords, or upgrading equipment, having spare patch cords on hand allows for rapid response to these changes

By stocking various lengths, you can avoid the pitfalls of excessive slack or tension in the cabling, which can compromise signal integrity. Extra cords ensure you can handle unexpected issues without causing unscheduled outages or delays due to waiting on replacements. It also reduces the risk of downtime during critical periods, especially when fast repairs are needed in production environments

Is Preterminated Fiber An Option

Pre Terminated Fiber Optic Cabling vs Field Terminated Fiber Optic Cable

Plug & Play Or Plug & Pray

Pre-terminated fiber optic cables arrive from the manufacturer already terminated, tested, and ready for installation. This “plug & play” approach can simplify deployment, but how the cable performs after shipping and installation can be an entirely different story. Factors like handling during transport and installation stress can negatively affect performance if not properly tested on-site

Fiber optic contractors with the right tools, training, and testing equipment often prefer field termination. This method allows them to fine-tune each connection, test performance on-site, and ensure proper certification before the network goes live. On the other hand, pre-terminated fiber is often recommended by contractors who lack the equipment needed to properly terminate and certify installations—an important red flag. If they don’t have the tools for field termination, it’s a safe bet that they also lack key diagnostic tools like an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer), which means they won’t be able to troubleshoot or repair fiber optic issues after installation

In production networks, certified and tested cabling is a critical asset. Pre-terminated cables that are not properly tested and certified can become a liability, leading to unscheduled outages, incomplete installations, or networks that don’t meet performance standards. Contractors without the ability to fully test and certify can delay projects, cause missed deadlines, and increase the risk of network failures, turning what was thought to be a “plug & play” solution into a “plug & pray” scenario

Good Luck and We Hope To Hear From You Soon!
Certified Wire & Cabling
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