3Com 510M-FBP, 5102M-FBP Connector and Splice Insertion Loss, Typical Fiber Loss Characteristics

Table 2-6 shows the range of loss and the typical loss as a result of splices.

Table 2-6. Connector and Splice Insertion Loss

Connector Type	Range of Loss Per Pair (dB)	Typical Loss
		(dB)
SMA Patch Panel	1.0 to 3.0	2.0
ST or FC Patch Panel	0.1 to 0.75	0.5
Splice Type	Range of Loss (dB)	Typical Loss
		(dB)
Fusion	0.01 to 0.1	0.05
Mechanical	0.2 to 1.0	0.5

Optical Fiber Loss

Even though fiber optic cable can carry light signals over a long distance, optical power loss is a significant factor. Check your cable manufacturer's rating of the loss characteristic of your fiber cable to determine the actual loss.

Table 2-7 shows typical power losses in fiber optic cables.

Table 2-7. Typical Fiber Loss Characteristics

Fiber Type	Loss (dB/km)	Typical Loss
		(dB/km)
50/125 micron @ 820 nM	3 to 5	3.75
62.5/125 micron @ 820 nM	3 to 5	3.75
85/125 micron @ 820 nM	3 to 6	4.0
100/140 micron @ 820 nM	3 to 6	5.0

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