In order to manage the optical fiber patch cords to be flexible and orderly, we must first understand some factors that affect the performance of optical fiber patch cords. Here are 4 main factors that affect the management of fiber optic patch cords.

(1) Bending radius

As we all know, the raw material of optical fiber is glass, so it is more fragile than copper wire, and needs more attention and protection during operation and management. The reliability and performance of an optical fiber are closely related to its bending radius. If the optical fiber is excessively bent, the optical signal transmitted inside the optical fiber is easily refracted and overflows out of the fiber cladding, thereby reducing the intensity of the optical signal. The resulting loss is called bending loss. In addition, fiber bending, especially when installing and pulling fiber jumpers, can cause micro-cracks in the fiber, and even cause permanent damage to the fiber. Generally speaking, there are two types of fiber bending: micro-bending and macro-bending (as shown in the figure below). The bending radius of macro-bending is larger than that of micro-bending.

It should be noted that the bending radius of the fiber optic patch cord is not obvious when the fiber optic patch cord is first installed, because the number of fiber optic patch cords initially routed to the fiber optic distribution frame is small. However, as more and more new fiber optic patch cords are installed on top of previous fiber optic patch cords, problems due to bend radius may follow (see the figure below). For example, you may find that a patch cord that has been working well all the time will suffer from a sudden increase in decay rate, or a greatly reduced lifespan.

(2) The path of the fiber jumper

The path of the fiber jumper is closely related to the bending radius, which has a profound impact on the performance and maintenance of the jumper. Therefore, the path of each fiber jumper should be clearly defined. Improper routing of fiber patch cords can result in overcrowded termination panels, increasing the risk of excessive bend radii. Conversely, if the patch cables are well managed, there will be no problems with excessive bend radii everywhere, and you can find a particular patch faster and more accurately

Wire.

(3) Accessibility of fiber jumpers

The third factor is the availability of installed fiber patch cords. If you have easy access to installed patch cables, patch cable maintenance is much quicker and provides the correct bend radius protection. In the process of network reconfiguration, accessibility plays a crucial role, which directly affects the reliability of the network and the cost of network reconfiguration.

(4) Physical protection

The fiber optic patch cords routed between various devices can affect the reliability of the network to a large extent. If the fiber optic patch cords are not properly protected physically, skilled workers and equipment will easily cause damage to the fiber optic patch cords. Therefore, it is very important to physically protect the installed fiber patch cords.