A high-performance fiber optic network requires low attenuation and low reflectance values to obtain the necessary bit error rate level. Unfortunately, all it takes is one contaminated or damaged connector to slow down or disrupt a transmission system. In the images below, see how cleaning connectors significantly reduces insertion loss and reflectance and the effects of cross contamination.
These two dirty connectors are not an uncommon thing! We mated them ‘as is’ and tested for insertion loss and reflectance.
Below is a clean connector – one end of your link where you’ll connect your test cord for optical loss testing.