Siemon has released a new white paper describing its comprehensive benchmark testing for quality on a representative assortment of commercially available fiber-optic cable assemblies.
Designed to help network infrastructure professionals better understand the variables affecting the quality of fiber assemblies, the company says its benchmark testing provides a detailed review of mechanical and optical characteristics that are critical to the performance and longevity of these connections. The study included generic fiber jumpers purchased through on-line retailers that were produced by both domestic (U.S.) and offshore cable assembly houses, as well as assemblies from Siemon and other globally known brands, all purchased through authorized distributors.
According to the company, the study demonstrates the importance of high quality materials and process controls throughout all manufacturing operations, including final inspection and testing. The white paper contends that, while most any fiber-optic patch cord can pass simple testing for insertion loss, other critical parameters that are equally important include end face geometry, return loss, mechanical reliability, surface defects and cleanliness.
The study also reveals that generic fiber jumpers purchased from assembly houses are least likely to pass tests for critical parameters, which can result in product failures and costly network down-time.