Gbic And Fibre Channel Cable Connector Cleaning Considerations - Compaq StorageWorks 4000 - RAID Array Troubleshooting Manual

GBIC and Fibre Channel Cable Connector
This appendix contains important information about the risk of optic contamination of both
GBIC modules and Fibre Channel cable connectors. Optics are susceptible to anything that
hinders light transmission. Consequently, manufacturers of both GBIC Modules and Fibre
Channel cable connectors provide dust covers to protect the optical areas and ensure optical
signal integrity for initial system configuration. If the fiber optic interconnects are disengaged,
the optical tips can be soiled by human touch, damaged from dropping, or simply collect dust or
debris when exposed to the open air for extended time periods. A contaminated optic tip may
not be visible to the naked eye and could potentially cause degraded performance of your
system.
To minimize the risk of optic contamination on your system, please keep the following fiber
optic handling guidelines in mind:
Dust Covers: Dust Covers are provided with all optical components and should be kept in
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place when not used. Do not throw away the dust covers after initial installation, as you
may need them to protect optical interconnect areas if reconfiguration is required.
When to Clean: The best rule of thumb for cleaning fiber optics is common sense. If you
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have handled fiber optic interconnects and think there may be contamination, clean it. If
you need to use a fiber optic interconnect component that is found without the dust covers
in place, clean it.
How to Clean: First, wipe the optics with a lint free tissue soaked in 100% Isopropyl
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alcohol. Next, wipe optics with a dry, lint free tissue and dry with compressed /canned air.
To obtain cleaning equipment specifically designed for the GBIC modules and Fibre Channel
cable connectors, contact a sales representative at:
Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
1-888-385-4587 (North America)
011-1-770-956-7200 (International)
Cleaning Considerations
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Appendix