Friendly Technicians
Fusion Splicing
We can provide fusion splicing installation or repairs in the Tucson Area. Fusion splicing is the most reliable method for permanently joining two optical fibers. This technique uses an electric arc to melt and fuse the fiber ends together, creating a continuous optical path with minimal signal loss. Modern fusion splicers use precision alignment systems and automated processes to achieve splice losses typically below 0.1 dB. This method is preferred for long-haul installations and applications requiring maximum performance and durability. Signal measurements should be made to verify
Fiber optic signal measurements are crucial for ensuring the performance, quality,
and integrity of a fiber optic network. These tests can be performed in the Tucson and surrounding areas.
These tests typically focus on:
Optical Power and Loss Test
Determining the amount of light signal lost between two points
Link Characterization Tests:
These measurements are typically done with an Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR),
which acts like radar for the fiber. It injects a pulse of light and measures the reflected and
backscattered light over time to map the link.
Mechanical Splicing
Mechanical splicing provides a quick and cost-effective alternative to fusion splicing for temporary or field repairs. Our field services are primarily provided in Tucson and throughout Southern Arizona. These types splices use precision alignment mechanisms and index-matching gel to minimize light loss between fiber ends. While mechanical splices typically have slightly higher insertion loss (0.2-0.5 dB) compared to fusion splices, they require no power source and can be completed in minutes, making them ideal for emergency repairs and temporary connections.
Indoor Installation
Outdoor Installation
Outdoor fiber optic installations must withstand harsh environmental conditions including intense Tucson UV exposure and Arizona temperature extremes, and moisture to protect from Tucson monsoon storms. These cables feature ruggedized jackets, often with gel-filled or water-blocking materials to prevent water ingress. Outdoor cables are typically installed in buried conduit, attached to utility poles, or placed in underground vaults. Proper installation techniques ensure protection from rodents, construction activity, and natural elements.
Direct Burial Cabling
Direct burial fiber optic cables are specifically designed to be installed directly in the ground without conduit protection. These cables feature heavy-duty armor, moisture-blocking materials, and are constructed to resist crushing, moisture penetration, and chemical exposure. Installation requires proper trenching depth (typically 24-36 inches), careful handling to maintain minimum bend radius, and protection at transition points. This method is cost-effective for long-distance runs and rural installations.
Aerial Installation
Aerial fiber optic installations often utilize existing utility pole infrastructure to deploy cables above ground. These installations require specialized hardware including messenger wires, lashing equipment, and proper tensioning to prevent sag and damage. For shorter aerial installations (where conduit is not an option), a simple messenger type is ussually all that is needed. Aerial cables must be designed to withstand wind loading, ice accumulation, and temperature variations. Proper clearance from power lines and adherence to local utility regulations are critical for safe and compliant installations.
Single Mode Fiber
Single mode fiber features a small core diameter (typically 9 microns) that allows only one mode of light to propagate, eliminating modal dispersion. This makes single mode fiber ideal for long-distance, high-bandwidth applications such as telecommunications, data centers, and cable television systems. Single mode fiber can transmit signals over distances exceeding 100 kilometers without regeneration and supports data rates of 10 Gbps and higher. Single-mode fiber (SMF) is increasingly being chosen for installations where multimode fiber (MMF) would have traditionally been the standard, especially in environments like data centers and campus backbones that have high-speed and future-proofing requirementsArizona references can be provided.
Multimode Fiber
Multimode fiber has a larger core diameter (50 or 62.5 microns) that allows multiple light modes to travel simultaneously. While this creates modal dispersion that limits transmission distance, multimode fiber is more cost-effective and easier to work with for short-range applications. It's commonly used in local area networks (LANs), data centers, and campus environments where distances are typically under 2 kilometers. Modern OM3 and OM4 multimode fibers support 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps over short distances.
Armored Cable
Armored fiber optic cables incorporate a protective metal layer, typically corrugated steel or aluminum, beneath the outer jacket to provide enhanced physical protection. This armor protects against crushing forces, rodent damage, and accidental cuts during installation or maintenance. Armored cables are essential for direct burial applications, installations in areas with heavy construction activity, and environments where cables may be subject to physical stress. The armor is typically grounded for safety in outdoor installations. UV protection should also be considered for harsh Tucson sun.
Fiber Optic Connector Types
Fiber optic connectors come in various types, each designed for specific applications and performance requirements. Common connector types include LC (Lucent Connector), SC (Subscriber Connector), ST (Straight Tip), and FC (Fiber Connector). LC connectors are popular in data centers for their small form factor and high density. SC connectors are widely used in telecommunications for their push-pull design. Each connector type must be properly polished and cleaned to minimize insertion loss and back reflection, with typical insertion losses ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 dB. In some cases, the connector type can be adapted or the appropriate SFP adaptors can be installed to accomodate the connection needed.
Splice Closures
Splice closures provide environmental protection for fiber optic splices in outdoor and underground installations. These enclosures are designed to be watertight, dustproof, and resistant to temperature extremes. These enclosures can also be used for emergency fiber optic splce repairs (underground or above ground). Modern splice closures feature modular designs that accommodate various cable types and splice counts, with internal organization systems for proper fiber management. Proper installation and sealing of splice closures is critical to prevent moisture ingress and ensure long-term reliability of the fiber network.
