The performance of the Network infrastructure containing fibre optic cabling is directly proportional to the quality of the cable installed, the method of installation and most critically the method of termination. Furthermore the importance of thorough testing and provision of accurate test results supplied to the Client cannot be under stated.
Our engineers are equipped with the latest models of fusion splicer complete with Fluke and Acterna fibre certification and OTDR test instruments
All work fibre terminations undertaken by CSI are fusion spliced. We do NOT use any forms of termination such as Hot melt, light crimp, light crimp+, or mechanical splices unless specifically requested to do so. Experience has shown us that using any other method of terminating fibre other than fusion splicing relies too heavily on the operator and method of termination.
It is a well known fact that the lowest losses are achieved by Fusion splicing, contrary to whatever fibre connector manufacturers claim.
Unfortunately the equipment required to cleave, fusion splice and test fibre infrastructures is prohibitively expensive resulting in installers using the cheapest components and the minimum if any test equipment. We know of at least one such company installing fibre infrastructures and test their work by attaching an inspection scope to one end of the fibre and ‘if’ light can be seen at the other end then the cable ‘must be ok’ This company installs fibre infrastuctures for the NHS in and around London!
CSI have on numerous occasions been contracted to independently inspect and test fibre installations at a number of sites where Network performance was suspect. Test results proved an alarmingly high inconsistency between fibre terminations that had been either hand polished or cleaved and then inserted into pre-polished fibre connectors. Termination methods such as Hot Melt, Epoxy Resin, Light Crimp and Mechanical Splices rely heavily on operator skills and experience, with the quality of the finished termination being at best inconsistent and at worst failing.
There are also questions over the longevity of fibre connectors and mechanical splices containing index matching Gel with regard to the possibility of the Gel eventually drying out, additionally misalignment of the fibre cores results high losses.
Splicing optical fibres to achieve optimum network performance is our mission, backed by a Manufacturers warranty.
CSI have in place the resources to provide 24hr call out, 7 days a week
