Handling Fiber Optic Cables; Cleaning The Connectors - IBM TotalStorage SAN256N Director 2045-N16 Installation And Maintenance Manual

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The inner core and cladding diameters, defined in microns, are used to describe an

optical cable and indicate the physical size of the fiber elements.

The glass fiber and cladding are covered by other layers called primary and secondary

buffers, a strength member, and an outer jacket that provides strength and

environmental protection.

Single-mode (SM) and multi-mode (MM) are terms used to describe the optical fiber and

cable types. SM fiber is used to transfer information in one light dispersion path over

greater distances; while MM fiber provides multiple light dispersion paths to transfer

information at a lower bandwidth over shorter distances.

The typical fiber optic cable sizes are:

• MM, which are 62.5/125, or 50/125 microns

• SM, which are 9/125 to 10/125 microns

The first number represents the inner core and the second number represents the

cladding.

The fiber optic cable sizes used for the physical link to the channel director can be the

MM 50/125 or 62.5/125. When using the 50/125 size fiber optic cables, the cable length

(maximum or up to) is 2 km from channel to director, or director to control unit. When

using the 62.5/125 size fiber optic cable, the cable length (maximum or up to) is 3 km

from channel to director or director to control unit.

For SM, the fiber optic cable sizes used for the physical link to the channel director can

be the SM 9/125 or 10/125. When using the SM 9/125 or 10/125 size fiber optic cables,

the cable length (maximum or up to) is 10 km from channel to director or director to

director.

Handling fiber optic cables

To prevent damage, discontinuity, or contamination to the optical components, use the

following precautions when handling the fiber optic cables:

• Use extreme care when removing or installing connectors to prevent damage to the

housing or scratching the fiber optic ends.

• Always install protective covers (dust covers) on unused or disconnected components

to prevent contamination, especially when routing fiber optic cables to their final

destination.

• Always clean the fiber optic connectors before attaching them to the applicable device

connectors.

Before installing any type of cable or connector, use a lint-free alcohol pad from the

cleaning kit to clean the ferrule, which is the protective white tube around the fiber. Also

clean the end-face surface of the fiber.

SAN256N Director 2045-N16

Attention: Refer to safety notices before starting an installation.

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