Fibre Optic Cabling
Fibre link fault finding, on site
The fibre link to our other building has stopped working and nobody knows why.
The fibre link to our other building has stopped working and nobody knows why.
When a fibre link fails, the cable itself is often fine. Dirty or damaged connectors, a patch lead that was bent too tightly, a failed SFP module or a mismatched module type cause most faults. We start at the switches, checking port status, module type and receive light levels, then clean and inspect the connectors before suspecting the cable. A connector inspection scope shows contamination that is invisible to the eye.
What the technician does
- Check SFP modules, patch leads and switch port status at each end
- Test each core for light loss and locate the fault
- Repair, re-terminate or move to a spare core and retest
Do not look into the end of a fibre or SFP port - the light can be invisible and still harm your eyes.
About fibre link fault finding
If the problem is in the cable, a light source and power meter tells us which cores have failed and roughly how bad the loss is. Damaged connectors are re-terminated, and where a spare core pair is available the link can be moved onto it. Results are recorded so you have a baseline for the next time the link is checked.
What usually causes it
- Dirty or scratched connectors after patch leads were moved
- Failed or mismatched SFP modules
- Patch leads crushed or bent too tightly in a cabinet
- Damage to the cable during building or civil work
Before we arrive
- A site plan showing both ends of the link
- Details of any existing ducts, pits or conduit between buildings
- The make and model of the switches at each end
- Contact for the civil contractor if new trenching is planned
What a visit looks like
When you book fibre link fault finding, you tell us what's going on and we reply with a time that suits you and a price. Nothing starts until you're happy with both.
On the day, the technician arrives, looks at the problem in person and confirms the plan with you before starting. If something turns out different from what was expected - a part is needed, or the cause is somewhere else - we stop and agree the change with you first.
When the work is done we test it with you, show you what was changed, and leave the area tidy. For business jobs we note what we did, so there is a record for whoever looks after your IT next.
Pricing
Each fibre link fault finding job is priced before work starts. The price depends on what's involved - the size of the site, the equipment, and whether parts are needed - so the quickest way to a number is to tell us about the job on the booking form.
There is no contract and no monthly fee. You book the job you need and pay for that job.
Fibre link fault finding: questions
Can a fibre link be repaired, or does it need replacing?
Most faults are at the ends - connectors, leads and modules - and can be fixed without new cable. Damage along the run may need a splice or a new cable, depending on where it is.
What if we have no spare cores?
Then the fault has to be repaired before the link returns. As a temporary measure we can sometimes set up a wireless bridge or 4G/5G link to keep the other building working.
Do you do fibre link fault finding on site?
Yes. We come to businesses and homes across Auckland and Hamilton and do the work where the equipment is.
How much does fibre link fault finding cost?
It depends on what's involved. Tell us about the job on the form and we'll confirm the price before any work starts.