LIAM TAYLOR MPO CLEANING
In the rapidly evolving landscape of data transmission, the multifibre push- on (MPO) connector has appeared as a revolutionary solution, streamlining the installation and management of high-density fibre networks. Since its introduction in the 1980’s the MPO connector has transformed the landscape of high-density fibre networks by reducing network installation time by simplifying high fibre count cable connections. However, with these benefits came challenges. In particular, the size, material, and construction of the MPO connector makes it vulnerable to contamination, underscoring the critical importance of proper fibre end face cleaning practices during installation and maintenance to ensure the best fibre network performance, writes Liam Taylor , European Business Manager, Fibre Optics, at MicroCare UK Ltd THE GROWING POPULARITY OF MPO CONNECTORS: Importance of Cleaning for Optimal Performance
MPO CONNECTORS: TIME EFFICIENCY As data networks grappled with the growing size of fibre cables prompted by the escalating bandwidth demands in the 1990s, the MPO end face appeared as an excellent way to efficiently connect and disconnect those high-density cables. Previously, connecting and inspecting a 144-fibre count cable could take an entire day. The MPO connector revolutionised this process, shortening the completion time of the same task to just a few hours. THE CRITICAL NEED FOR CLEANING MPO CONNECTORS As the MPO connector gained wider acceptance, the need to support its best performance through regular cleaning became clear. MPO connectors are vulnerable to a host of contaminants encountered during network installation. This includes dust, ambient moisture, clothing fibres and fingerprints. In any network, cleaning each fibre end face is crucial. However, this is especially true for MPO connectors with their larger surface areas, where the risk of contaminants moving from one fibre to another within
the same array increases significantly, making thorough MPO cleaning especially necessary. THE STATIC THREAT Electrostatic charges (ES) can accumulate on MPO end faces, attracting and holding dust particles. The dielectric nature of the MPO connectors and the glass fibres within them allows them to function as electrical insulators, holding static charges for extended periods. Additionally, the MPO’s convex geometry, designed to reduce back reflection, concentrates static
charge at the contact region, worsening static concerns. The static charge can attract and trap dust, altering the light’s index of refraction and causing insertion loss, weakening signals, and potentially leading to a network system shutdown. THE WET-TO-DRY CLEANING METHOD FOR MPO CONNECTORS Traditional dry wiping to remove MPO end face contaminants easily generates static charge build-up and attracts airborne dust to the connector end faces, leading to even more contamination.
MPO connectors are vulnerable to dust, ambient moisture, clothing fibres and fingerprints.+
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| ISSUE 36 | Q1 2024
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