Cisco Systems 4900 Series Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors, Module Maintenance Guidelines

Chapter 4 Transceiver Modules

Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors

Tip For complete information on inspecting and cleaning fiber-optic connections, refer to the white-paper document at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk482/tk876/technologies_white_paper09186a 0080254eba.shtml

Module Maintenance Guidelines

To properly maintain modules, follow these guidelines:

•To prevent ESD damage, follow normal handling procedures.

•When the module is stored or when a fiber-optic cable is not plugged in, always keep plugs in the optical bores.

•The most common source of contaminants in the optical bores is debris picked up on the ferrules of the optical connectors. Use an alcohol swab or Kim-Wipe to clean the ferrules of the optical connector.

Warning Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments. Statement 1051

Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors

In a fiber-optic system, light is transmitted through an extremely small fiber core, often 62.5 microns or less in diameter. Because dust particles range from a tenth of a micron to several microns in diameter, dust and any contamination at the end of the fiber core can degrade the performance of the connector interface where the two cores meet. Therefore, the connector must be precisely aligned, and the connector interface must be absolutely free of trapped foreign material.

	Catalyst 4900 Series Switch Installation Guide
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