fiber optic cable splicing

Splicing in the field

 

When fiber was first deployed, it was mechanically spliced, meaning that fibers were butted together as tightly as possible and then mechanically encapsulated. Due to the potential for signal loss and poor reliability this was soon superseded by fusion splicing. This offers the best quality connection of all in-field options in that the fiber ends are lined up and welded together. No excess cable is left over when the process is complete.

However, fusion splicing is time-consuming and requires specialist labor and equipment. There is no guarantee that the splice will be successful until it is completed. Availability of specialist splice engineers can be a big problem – those that can be obtained on the open market often charge high rates. In many developing countries, trained splicers and jointers are in such short supply that it is unfeasible to use them for a project of any size. However, for the very largest telcos who have invested heavily in training and equipment fusion splicing, field-termination can make financial sense.