Optical Fiber Cables (OFCs) have been a reliable transmission-medium for modern data-networks. The complexity of these fiber-optic networks makes troubleshooting in times of fiber-failure very difficult. Experience and expertise in laying, installing, testing and terminating OFC-infrastructures is crucial to have minimized occurrences of network-problems. The fiber-optic problems happen in many ways, but the most frequent ones can be categorized in damaged fibers because of physical stress or unnecessary bending, reduced transmission due to attenuation-loss and signal-loss due to long cable-spans, contaminated connectors, defective splices or deployment of too many splices or connectors. Flawed connection of fiber to the patch panel or in the splice tray is also a common error in a fiber-optic network. Inappropriate specification of fiber-optic cabling, incorrect connector terminations, dusty connector-ends, poor installation and scratched or dirty patch leads due to regular patching and un-patching disturb and disrupt the performance of fiber-optic installations definitely. That’s why, a meticulous planning of the cabling infrastructure, selection of high-quality cabling components and a narrow focus on installing, testing and terminating OFC-infrastructures enables installers to create fiber-optic networks that perform well for a long term. Minimizing tight bends, careful avoidance to exceed a cable’s maximum tensile load, clean connector-ends and a smaller number of splices are the key to ensure fewer incidences of common OFC-faults.
Polycab Telecom, a division of Polycab India Ltd., is best-known for the delivery of major telecom infrastructure projects, with capabilities to roll out large telecom Infrastructure projects for both, Broadband and Wireless Networks. Following the guidelines for installing, testing and terminating fiber-optic installations in letter and spirit, we’ve been regularly delivering our services for BharatNet, world’s largest rural broadband project, wherein we achieved back-to-back timely completion of projects in Gujarat and Bihar. Working currently for another project under BharatNet Phase-II in Tamil Nadu, we’re in the process to lay OFCs for around 16,500 kms, with almost 85% being aerial and the rest underground, as mandated by the TANFINET, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), instituted by the state.