Fibre Termination, Splicing, and Testing Services

Ensure Optimal Performance for Your Optical Fibre Network

At McHugh Comms, our expert teams specialise in comprehensive termination, splicing, and testing services for both underground and overhead sections of the PIA network. We utilise advanced OTDR and EXFO MAX equipment to guarantee precise and reliable results, ensuring your optical fibre network operates at peak performance.

Purpose-Driven Evaluation:

Assess your fibre’s capacity to support high data rates and complex systems, crucial for growing data transmission needs.

Comprehensive
Measurements:

Insertion Loss (IL):
Measure signal power loss to minimise disruption.
Return Loss (RL):
Mitigate light reflection issues.
OTDR:
Detect faults, measure splice loss, and determine fibre length precisely.
Chromatic Dispersion (CD):
Analyse wavelength spread to ensure signal integrity.
Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD):
Evaluate delay differences for optimal network performance.

Versatile
Applications:

Ideal for dark fibre contracts, network upgrades, and troubleshooting. Predict and address potential issues proactively.

Expert
Procedure:

Our skilled professionals use specialised equipment to perform accurate measurements and reliable data analysis, ensuring your network’s optimal performance.

Our Services Include:

Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) Testing

Detailed Fibre Mapping: We send light pulses into the fibre optic cable and measure the scattered or reflected light to create a comprehensive map of the fibre link.
Issue Identification: Detect breaks, bends, splices, and other imperfections to optimise fibre performance.
Installation and Maintenance: Perfect for new fibre optic network installations and troubleshooting existing networks, minimising data loss and downtime.

Polarisation Mode Dispersion (PMD) Testing

Field Testing: Conducted on newly installed fibres or during upgrades to measure the differential arrival time of various polarisation components.
Network Performance: Identify and mitigate PMD to maintain high data transmission quality and network reliability.
Future-Proofing: Ensure your fibre optic networks are ready for future upgrades and higher data rates without significant issues.

Chromatic Dispersion (CD) Testing

Purpose: CD testing is crucial for ensuring high-speed fibre optic communications systems remain reliable.
Testing Methods:
- Phase shift method: Measures phase differences between wavelengths.
- Time-of-flight method: Measures the time delay between wavelengths.
- Fourier Transform method: Analyses frequency components of signals.

What is?

Return Loss

Return loss testing in fibre optics measures the amount of light that is reflected back toward the source from various points in the fibre link. This is important for assessing the quality and performance of the fibre optic system. Here’s a brief overview:
What is Return Loss?
Return loss is the ratio of the power of the signal sent into the fibre to the power of the signal reflected back. It is expressed in decibels (dB). A higher return loss value indicates better performance, as it means less light is being reflected back.
How is it Measured?
Return loss is measured using an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) or a return loss meter. The device sends a light pulse through the fibre and measures the amount of light that is reflected back from connectors, splices, and other points along the fibre.
Why is it Important?
High return loss can interfere with the transmitted signal, causing data errors and reducing the efficiency of the fibre optic link. It can also potentially damage the transceiver laser source. Therefore, measuring and minimising return loss is crucial for maintaining a high-performance fibre optic network.

IL Measurement

Insertion loss measurement is a key test when evaluating the performance of a fibre optic link. It quantifies the amount of signal loss that occurs as light travels through the fibre and its connectors. Here’s a brief overview:
What is Insertion Loss?
Insertion loss is the reduction in signal strength (measured in decibels, dB) as it passes through a fibre optic link. This loss can be caused by various factors, including the length of the fibre, the quality of the connectors, and any splices along the link.
How is it Measured?
To measure insertion loss, a light source is connected to one end of the fibre link, and a power meter is connected to the other end. The power meter measures the amount of light that reaches the end of the link. The difference between the input power (at the source) and the output power (at the meter) is the insertion loss.
Why is it Important?
Insertion loss measurement is crucial for ensuring that a fibre optic link can transmit data effectively. High insertion loss can lead to poor signal quality and data transmission errors. By measuring and minimising insertion loss, you can ensure the reliability and efficiency of the fibre optic network.

Fibre Termination

Fibre termination refers to the process of connecting the end of a fibre optic cable to a device or another fibre. This is crucial for ensuring the cable can transmit data effectively. There are two main methods of fibre termination:
- Connector Termination: This involves attaching connectors to the ends of the fibre cables. These connectors can then be plugged into devices or other cables. Common types of connectors include LC, SC, ST, and FC1.
- Splicing: This method joins two fibre ends together. There are two types of splicing:
  - Mechanical Splicing: The fibre ends are aligned and held together by a mechanical device.
  - Fusion Splicing: The fibre ends are fused together using heat, creating a permanent joint with minimal signal loss.
Proper fibre termination is essential for minimising signal loss and ensuring reliable data transmission