PACE-IT: Troubleshooting Fiber Cable Networks

Troubleshooting fiber cable networks.

Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College

Areas of Expertise Industry Certification

PC Hardware

Network Administration

IT Project Management

Network Design

User Training

IT Troubleshooting

Qualifications Summary

Education

M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University

B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University

Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues into efficient and effective solutions.

Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse workforces, improving processes, analyzing business needs and creating the solutions required— with a focus on technology.

Brian K. Ferrill, M.B.A.


– Using the specific tool for the job.

– Common fiber cable problems.

PACE-IT.

Using the specific tool for the job.Troubleshooting fiber cable networks.

Using the specific tool for the job.

The nature of fiber optic networks makes troubleshooting them a little more expensive than other types of networks.

The reason for this is that the best—and sometimes only—tool that can be used for troubleshooting fiber optic cable problems is the optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR).

Using the specific tool for the job at hand will ease the burden of diagnosing and resolving any network issue. While an OTDR costs thousand of dollars (or, in some cases, tens of thousands of dollars), in many cases, it can quickly diagnose the problem. A quick diagnosis can lead to a quick solution, often saving significantly more than the cost of the tool by preventing lost productivity and/or revenue.


Common fiber cable problems.Troubleshooting fiber cable networks.

Common fiber cable problems.

– Attenuation/decibel (dB) loss.» All network transmissions degrade over distance—this

is called attenuation or dB loss.• This loss of signal strength can lead to slower speeds,

loss or corruption of network traffic, or the loss of the network communications link.

» The OTDR can, not only diagnose attenuation, but can also help in the placement of a repeater station.

– Broken fiber optic cable.» As with all types of cable media, fiber optic cables are

subject to breakage.• Certain types of fiber cable can span many

kilometers, making it difficult to determine where a break has occurred.

» The OTDR can be used to determine where a break in the fiber optic cable has occurred, allowing the technician to insert a splice at that point.

» A common cause of breaks in fiber optic cables is exceeding the bend radius limitations of the cable.

• Due to the construction of the fiber optic cable, it is subject to breakage if it is bent beyond a certain point.



– Bad small form-factor pluggable (SPF) or gigabit interface converter (GBIC) transceiver.

» SPF and GBIC transceivers are hot swappable replaceable modules that are used to add gigabit capabilities to switches, routers, and other networking equipment.

» A bad transceiver will prevent communication from occurring.

• An OTDR can be used to help diagnose a bad SPF or GBIC module.

– Fiber type mismatch.» Single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF) use

different methods (transceivers) for placing the signal on the optic fiber.

• If a mismatch occurs, the most common problem is that it will be impossible to make a network connection.

• This is also referred to as a wavelength mismatch, as the wavelength (color) of the light being used is different between the modes of fiber transceivers.

» The OTDR can be used to determine the types of transceivers that are being used.



– Other fiber optic cable issues.» Anything that can interrupt the flow of light from

transceiver to transceiver will create a problem.• Dirt or smudges on the connectors may cause an

issue with fiber optic cable transmissions.• When this is suspected, using a soft polishing cloth to

clean the ends of the cable will solve the problem. • Caution: Never look directly into the ends of

connected fiber optic cable.» Connectors are specific to mode of transmission—SMF

or MMF.• Connecting the wrong type of connector to a cable

will prevent proper communication from occurring.• Also, check to make sure that the proper connectors

are being used with the proper type of fiber optic cables.

» Worn or broken connectors will create an air gap, which will create a network transmission problem.

• Always inspect the connectors for their condition before use.

• An OTDR can be used to determine where the loss of signal is occurring, even if it is at the connector.


What was covered.Troubleshooting fiber cable networks.

The nature of fiber optic networks makes them more expensive to troubleshoot because the best—and sometimes only—tool to use is an OTDR. An OTDR is an expensive tool, but it can diagnose many fiber optic problems quickly, leading to less downtime for the network.

Topic

Using the specific tool for the job.

Summary

Some of the problems that an OTDR can diagnose are: attenuation or dB loss, broken cables, a bad SPF/GBIC module, and fiber type mismatch. Other fiber cable issues include: dirty connectors, using the wrong type of connectors, and worn or broken connectors.


THANK YOU!

This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.

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PACE-IT: Troubleshooting Fiber Cable Networks

Education

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