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B-15
Cisco 7600 Series Router Supervisor Engine and Route Switch Processor Guide
OL-10100-04
Appendix B Cable and Connector Specifications
Fiber-Optic Connectors
Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors
Fiber-optic connectors are used to connect two fibers together. When these connectors are used in a
communications system, proper connection is critical.
Fiber-optic connectors differ from electrical connectors or microwave connectors. In a fiber-optic
system, light is transmitted through an extremely small fiber core. Because fiber cores are often 62.5
microns or less in diameter in multimode fiber (MMF) and 8.3 to 10
microns in single-mode fiber (SMF),
dust particles and any contamination on the face of the fiber core can degrade the performance of the
connector interface where the two cores meet. The connector must be precisely aligned, and the
connector interface must be absolutely free of trapped contaminants.
Caution Use extreme care when removing or installing connectors so that you do not damage the connector housing
or scratch the end-face surface of the fiber. Always install protective covers on unused or disconnected
components to prevent contamination. Always clean fiber connectors before installing them.
To clean the fiber-optic connectors, use a CLETOP cassette cleaner (type A for SC connectors or type B
for MT-RJ connectors) and follow the product instructions. If a CLETOP cassette cleaner is not
available, follow these steps:
Step 1 Gently wipe the ferrules and end-face surfaces of the connector with an alcohol pad. Be sure that the pad
makes full contact with the end-face surfaces. Wait five seconds for the surfaces to dry and repeat.
Step 2 Blow dry the connectors with canned, dry, oil-free, compressed air.
Step 3 Use a magnifying glass or inspection microscope to inspect the ferrule. If contaminants are visible,
repeat the cleaning procedure.
The connectors used inside the system have been cleaned by the manufacturer and connected to the
adapters in the proper manner. The operation of the system should be error-free if the customer provides
clean connectors on the application side, follows the previous directions, and follows the listed
guidelines:
• Clean the connectors using lens tissues before connecting to the adapters. Use pure alcohol to
remove contamination.
• Do not clean the inside of the connector adapters.
• Do not use force or quick movements when connecting the fiber-optic connectors in the adapters.
• Cover the connector adapters to avoid contaminating the inside of the adapters while cleaning the
chassis.
• Cover the connectors and adapters to prevent the inside of the adapters or the surface of the
connectors from getting dirty when not using the connectors.
Note If the surface of the fiber-optic connector is not clean or does not have an even shine, repeat the process
using a fresh surface of the alcohol pad.