In the modern fiber-optic equipment mean several technical objects which can have various functional purpose by the term "optical socket". Sometimes so call the optical adapter, in other cases it is about boxing which is installed on the side of the subscriber of network. Traditionally optical socket it is accepted to call the box serving for connection of the user to fiber-optic network.
The optical socket is installed in the subscriber. Its assignment – laying of fiber and okonechivaniye of the optical cable. The number of models of similar devices differs in variety. It can be compact plastic samples. Other sockets make of metal in the form of cross-panels, small by the size. The main requirement to such devices – high-quality, reliable protection of fibers against damages and ensuring access to work elements of optical network.
The design of the optical socket guarantees convenience during the work with fibers of the optical cable. The device is supplied by holders of sleeves for reliable protection of welds of fiber. Technology openings of the optical socket are arranged so that the cable could be entered into adaptation from different sides.
Separate models of optical sockets are intended for internal installation, others can be used for external application. The last type is supplied with protection against harmful effects of the environment: dirt, waters, dust, sunlight. Sockets of consumer format are quite available at the price to users of various prosperity.
Installation of the optical socket a little in what differs from installation of the cross-panel. The difference consists only in scales of works. For a start the body of the socket (box) fix on wall outside or indoors (the installation site depends on type of the device and preferences of the user). Then by means of singular element the input cable which is part of the optical socket is fixed.
The next stage of mounting – cable form. Fiber is carefully purified from hydrophobic gel and prepared with connection with pitgeyly on which one end the special fork is located. Pitgale is same fiber-optic cable, but it is equipped with the connector only on the one hand.
After welding the received seam is checked to reveal the possible latent defects. Usually the pocket detector is used to this purpose. It is necessary to protect weld sleeve and to lay it together with fiber reserve in special cell. Installation process of the optical socket borrows much less time, than laying of fiber to the room. Now the optical socket is ready to connection of the active network equipment.
When choosing the optical socket it is necessary to estimate compliance of model to the required parameters. The number of seats for adapters, way of fastening of cable, availability and arrangement of openings for its input in the socket is of particular importance. It is also necessary to specify in advance whether the chosen socket outside or indoors can be installed. Modern optical sockets are capable to work effectively in the temperature range from-40 to +75 degrees Celsius.
Use of optical sockets gives the chance to create detachable joint and to provide excellent quality of the signal transmitted on cable. Similar devices have found broad application in sound and computer networks.
The feature of connection of optical fibers is that they are sensitive to shift. Optical fiber shift on micron is capable to lower signal power sharply. For this reason from quality of connector which the optical socket is, stability of operation of all equipment directly depends.
It is accepted to distinguish the transitional and connecting sockets differing with type of the connected connectors. At connection of the same devices use the connecting adapter. The adapter of transitional will be suitable for connectors of different types. Optical sockets which basic purpose – temporary compound of fibers are known that it is important when testing the equipment.
The design of the socket having adapter appearance includes the body, the centering sleeve, fastening elements. The main component of design is the centralizer (sleeve). Its assignment is to connect optical fibers. The centering sleeve by the form reminds tube from metal or ceramics. Reliability of connection depends on quality of its production directly. Choosing the socket, it is necessary to give preference to the ceramic centralizer executed on the basis of zirconium dioxide.
One of factors which define the choice of any given model of the optical socket is the type of the used connector.
According to experts, the optical FC (Ferrule Connector) socket is capable to guarantee the maximum quality of connections. Such adapters often use in the most important fiber-optical networks. Their main advantage – high quality of material from which they are produced. Reliability of motionless connection in the FC adapter is reached by availability of special grooves and the mechanism of connection of spring type. Need to provide free space for connection of the twisted connector is considered lack of the similar standard. At dense contact arrangement to use the socket of this kind difficult.
The optical SC socket (Subscriber Connector) differs from FC models mainly in square shape of the body. Fixing of connectors in these devices is carried out by means of latch. The SC adapter is cheaper than FC. The lack of model is that the touch to the connector is capable to worsen quality of the transmitted signal here significantly.
The main distinctive feature of the LC adapter (Lucent Connector) – its compact sizes. Such socket can be used with success in case there is dense connection of optical cables that often meets in office centers and server groups.
Efforts of developers of optical sockets are directed to reduction of attenuation at signal transmission now. It is reached by use of ceramics on the basis of zirconium and high quality of the connector. It should be noted that at the small extent of optical network the use of optical sockets is not the critical factor reducing quality of the transmitted signal. Deterioration in characteristics of signal becomes problem generally for networks of considerable extent.
It is possible to ensure trouble-free operation of optical sockets at timely preventive maintenance. It is necessary to exclude or minimize possibility of hit in the adapter of moisture and dust that leads to power loss of signal and emergence of so-called return reflection. The simplest preventive measure – regular expulsion of sockets compressed air.