6 Ways Splice-On Connectors Make Rapid Fiber Deployment Easy
Deploying a new fiber cabling system can be time consuming and expensive – especially if troubleshooting or re-terminations are necessary.
Splice-on connectors help installers get jobs done right in less time, combining the benefits of fusion splicing with the simplicity of field-installable connectors. Splice-on connectors use fusion splicers to permanently join fiber stubs inside the connector with a fiber cable. Extra splice management accessories aren’t needed because splices are contained within the connector, which can be terminated using the patch panel’s existing cable management features.
Have a big fiber-deployment project coming up? Here are six ways that splice-on connectors may make fiber deployment faster and easier.
1. No Stripping and Cleaning Required on the Connector Fiber Stub
With a splice-on connector, the fiber ferrule, which aligns and protects the stripped end of a fiber, comes ready for termination in protective packaging straight from the factory. Some splice-on connectors require no stripping or cleaning on the fiber stub – they come pre-cleaved and pre-cleaned, saving time on the jobsite. The installer only needs to strip and prep the fiber on the incoming cable.
2. No Crimping, Polishing or Adhesives Necessary for Termination
Termination is always the hardest part of installing a fiber cabling system. But when the termination process is made simpler, set-up and installation don’t take as long. Unlike other connectors, splice-on connectors don’t call for field crimping, polishing or adhesives in order to terminate. This increases the quality and consistency of field connector termination by minimizing the potential for installation errors. It also decreases the need to purchase, keep track of and store high-priced crimping and polishing tools on the jobsite.
Splice-on connectors can also provide lower insertion loss and less return loss, improving performance.
3. No Long Training Sessions
Because only basic fiber preparation tools are necessary to use splice-on connectors, onboarding new or inexperienced installers doesn’t take as long. With the use of the automated splicer and a simple process to follow, the potential for human error is minimized. Workers can be up and running faster, and projects can often be completed with fewer manpower resources.
4. No Excess Slack Management
When installers don’t have to worry about the hassle, safety hazards or potential damage associated with pulling and working with excess cable slack, projects can be completed faster and without as much waste. With splice-on connectors, custom cable channels at exact lengths are now possible every time – without having to manage shorts, excess slack or potential problems associated with pre-terminated cables.
5. Fewer Splice-Management Accessories
Because additional splice-management accessories are not needed – splice trays, splice enclosures, etc. – installers don’t have to worry about installing them. For example, splice trays that typically protect the splice (with fusion pigtails) aren’t necessary because the splice is already protected within the connector body. Only the connector requires termination.
This also eliminates the need for (and extra costs associated with) maintaining a jobsite inventory of splice-management accessories.
6. No Guesswork Required
No time will be wasted worrying or guessing about termination success. With a splice-on connector, the automated fusion splicer provides reliable terminations and, when needed, real-time error feedback during the splicing process. If the termination wasn’t successful, the installer knows right away. When the splice is completed, you’ll know that it’s done correctly the first time so you don’t have to spend time troubleshooting potential problems or re-terminating.
New Splice-On Connectors
Belden’s new FiberExpress (FX) Fusion splice-on connectors improve installation performance and reliability in data centers, networks, outside plant and high-speed transmission applications, letting installers spend more time on other areas of a cabling project instead of spending time on troubleshooting or terminations.
Designed to save time and increase efficiency without foregoing quality, FX Fusion connectors offer superior performance to support high-bandwidth, high-speed transmission (25G, 40G and 100G). To learn more, visit www.belden.com/splice-on.
About the Author
With a background in engineering, including a BS in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, Matt Baum has nearly a decade of professional experience in new product design. Matt is a global product manager, leading the enterprise connectivity team in introducing functional, innovative and time-saving connectivity solutions. Outside of work, Matt is a die-hard Cincinnati Bengals fan, even through the down years.