Nevion FR-2RU-10-2 - Manual (Page 21)

FR-2RU-10-2 Rev. N
nevion.com | 21
6.2 Fiber-optic Connector
Figure 21: The different parts of an SC/UPC Connector.
The Flashlink product range utilises SC/UPC connectors. These connectors have a
return loss better than 40 dB typ.
As compared to an electrical connection between two points, an optical connection is
much more dependent on clean connectors. A dirty connector can add up to 10 dB of
attenuation to your link. Either you have light entering the receiver or you have not. If
there is no light at the receiver, then no signal will be detected. So the difference
between an errorless connection over fiber, and no connection at all can be a dirty
connector. To protect the connectors from dust, one shall always put on the plastic cap
(red or other colour), which is on the connector end at delivery whenever a fiber end is
disconnected.
If there is a chance that the fiber connector is dirty, one should clean the connector
before putting it close to a clean fiber ferrule. If a clean connector is pressed against a
dirty connector, both connectors will become dirty resulting in degradation of signal
quality. Or even worse, you may damage the surface of the connectors.
Therefore: Clean connectors are of crucial importance.