Fiber Optic Training

Section Two: What is Fiber Optics? pg.9

The Fiber Optic Link

The “fiber link” is a term that describes a fiber span going from one connector to the next. Many fiber links may be connected together to carry a fiber signal from the transmitter to the receiver. The term “fiber link” is used to distinguish the passive fiber strands, connectors, and splices from the active optoelectronics. It is important for the fiber technician to separate in his or her mind the concept of the fiber link from the transmitters and receivers used to send and receive the light signals. By installing a proper fiber link, the technician has built a path that many different types of transmission equipment may successfully use.

Let’s compare the installation of a fiber optic link to the building of a highway. In the United States, the interstate highway system has vehicle lanes that are 12 feet wide. Whether in Alaska or Alabama, California or Illinois, all interstate lanes are the same width. After a highway is properly built, a wide variety of vehicle types can be successfully driven on it. Buses, trucks, motorcycles, and cars can all use the same highway, as it has been built to the prevailing standards. Just as a properly built highway can carry a wide variety of vehicles, the properly built fiber optic link can successfully connect a wide variety of transmission equipment.

LESSON REVIEW

Key Points:

A fiber optic “link” is one continuous span of fiber with a connector on each end.

2. Splices, if necessary, mate 2 (or more) rolls of fiber together.

3. Whether long or short, all fiber links are constructed as above.

4. There are no “T” taps or branch circuits in fiber optic links.

Pop Quiz:
True or False

Fiber optic links can be branch circuited.

Key Terms:

1. Fiber Optic Link

2. Connector

3. Splice