Author: Jenny, Senior Network Engineer for Fiber Optic Networks, 15-year veteran in maintaining Data Centers, jenny@springoptic.com
Manufacturer: Spring Optical
Disclaimer: This article is based on professional experience, industry standards, reference sources, and product specifications.
Introduction
The use of 12, 24, and 36 core MPO/MTP connectors have created additional challenges in the Fiber Optic Communications industry, with data traveling at the speed of light to a potential stopping point because of dirt/dust and oil residues found on the end faces of fibers. Fiber optic installations may experience intermittent connection issues and/or signal loss due to contamination at any given time, which can lead to downtime and lost revenue for the network provider.
However, the CLEAN-MPO-Z cleaner has changed the way high core count fiber systems should be maintained and how connectors should be cleaned. The CLEAN-MPO-Z provides the end user with a simple and effective way to keep their MPO connectors clean and eliminate the time and expense of repairing and/or replacing dirty MPO connectors.
Why High-Core MPO/MTP Connectors Need Dedicated Cleaning Tools
The advantages of using the CLEAN-MPO-Z to keep the 12, 24, 36 core MPO/MTP connectors clean are many. The main reasons the 12, 24, 36 core MPO/MTP connectors require their own dedicated cleaning tool are the fact that the end faces of the fibers are packed very tightly together; as a result, debris (dust, oil/grease) found on the end faces will affect all of the connectors within the grouping and not just one individual connector.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established the IEC 61300-3-35 as a standard for testing fiber optic connection environments. The results of tests carried out have identified that contamination of the end face of a connector is one of the most common reasons for a fiber optic connection to fail. As demonstrated in Chemtronics research, contamination can produce substantial levels of signal attenuation (20 dB).
One of the reasons for the use of alcohol in many conventional cleaning products is that the dimensions are too large to access the connectors due to the nature of dense end faces. In addition, most cleaners do not provide the same precision in cleaning as what dedicated cleaners, such as CLEAN-MPO-Z, provide. Alcohol can also leave streaks or cause excessive humidity or moisture which can degrade sensitive components.
The CLEAN-MPO-Z cleaner utilizes a very dense, alcohol-free cloth. This allows the user to simultaneously clean multiple end faces in a single step which can improve cleaning time efficiency. This type of professional instrument will reduce the time and labour required for maintenance while also reducing human error. By using this type of instrument, a stable and high-performance network can be assured.
CLEAN-MPO-Z Product Models
The manufacturer's website for the Spring Optical Fiber Optic Cleaning Tool lists additional information regarding the CLEAN-MPO-Z cleaning series, which includes two different models for MPO/MTP connectors: CLEAN MPO-Z12 and CLEAN MPO-Z16.
A brief summary of the main features of the CLEAN-MPO-Z cleaning series is provided below:
Alcohol-free solution: Effectively removes contaminants from all metallic and non-metallic surfaces without leaving streaks, fingerprints, or moisture that can cause signal disruption. The alcohol-free solution does not evaporate as quickly as an alcohol-based cleaning product and leaves no residue on your connector after cleaning.
Compatible with both male and female connectors: It can be used with adapters that connect to the female side of the connector to clean the end face of connectors connected to male connectors.
Compact design: Extremely compact design, ideal for use in densely populated racks, allowing you to access hard-to-reach area of a connector.
Durability: Allows for more than 500 cleans per unit at a cost of less than .05 USD per clean. You can clean a 48 core connector 500 times with the use of a single tool, resulting in an extremely low per-clean cost and significant savings for installation teams.
Simple Operation
Operation is simple; simply insert, press and pull out with no complex steps. These characteristics comply with the FOCIS-5 MPO Industry Standard for a reliable and efficient cleaning process.
Usage Instructions
When using the CLEAN-MPO-Z cleaner, it is important to follow these simple usage instructions from the manufacturer:
Make sure the cleaner is stored in a dry area to prevent contamination during transport.
Position the cleaner vertically, along the MPO/MTP connector end face.
Insert the cleaner into the connector gently without damaging the connector end face. Press or rotate the device to turn on the fabric for cleaning the end face of the fiber optic connector. Next, you will be able to remove the end face gradually and check for any damage or debris with an end-face inspection microscope.
It is recommended that you apply a cap to protect your connector during storage and place it in a toolbox when finished.
When used correctly, maintaining a clean fiber optic connection with CLEAN-MPO-Z will lead to improved overall network performance; however, any verification of that performance improvement should be done using the end face inspection microscope.
Benefits of CLEAN-MPO-Z
Cost Efficiency: The efficiency in cleaning allows for higher cleaning capability resulting in less frequent replacement of tools for large-scale use.
Time Saving: Proper cleaning of the end face results in reducing downtime due to signal attenuation and bit errors, thus increasing the lifespan of connectors.
Efficiency: The very intuitive and easy-to-learn operation allows employees who are new to the industry to quickly master the operation thus minimizing their training requirements.
Comprehensive Compatibility: The tool is compatible with single mode and multi-mode fibers, making it applicable for the data center, telecommunications, aerospace, and healthcare industries.
The flexible design allows it to be used with many different types of fiber applications; whether it is maintaining a data center with 48-core MTP backbone connections, or utilizing 12-core MPO adapters in the data center or telecom space, there is a model that will fit your application.
Practical Considerations
For installation personnel that are continually cleaning many MPO ports manually, this is a revolutionary product. A potential consideration is that while durable, there are times of extreme contamination that may require several cleans; also, if a part does need to be replaced, it must be ordered from the manufacturer's website which may be slightly inconvenient. However, overall, it is an excellent choice for maintaining the integrity of high-core-count systems.
Workflow and Network Security
The Amazon.com Optical Fiber Connector Cleaner MPO MTP Cable Cleaner is a convenient way to clean fiber optic connectors without having to use chemical solutions or other cleaning agents. It works by inserting the device, pressing down on it, and pulling it out to clean the connector. You can teach new employees how to use the CLEAN-MPO-Z in a matter of seconds, eliminating the possibility of errors and allowing them to achieve consistent cleaning results across the network.
This saves a lot of time for busy technicians who would otherwise have to spend time troubleshooting dirty ports so that they can focus on more critical tasks-keeping data transmission flowing smoothly. In addition to improving workflow, the CLEAN-MPO-Z secures the network by preventing contaminants from interfering with data flow, which may lead to loss of network connectivity or decreased performance. A dirty fiber can result in signal attenuation, bit errors and complete loss of data transmission.
The CLEAN-MPO-Z cleaner helps eliminate contaminated fiber connections by removing the contaminants before they have an opportunity to create connectivity or performance problems for the end user. Additionally, this cleaner will extend the life of connectors by removing contaminants before they can damage the connector. Therefore, any time a business is deploying a new network or maintaining an existing network, an investment in a CLEAN-MPO-Z cleaner will help ensure that it will continue to perform at its optimum level for an extended period of time.
Compatibility
CLEAN-MPO-Z is compatible with both multi-mode and single-mode MPO/MTP connectors, as well as QSFP modules and FTTH applications. It is designed based on prevailing industry guidelines so it can be used in many high-density environments, including 48-core backbone networks or 12-core telecom adapters. High compatibility with other products makes CLEAN-MPO-Z an important addition to your toolkit, regardless of whether you're in data centers, telecommunications, aerospace, or health care.
Conclusion
For high-speed and high-capacity fiber optic connections, there is no tool better suited for the job than CLEAN-MPO-Z. When building your network or keeping existing systems up-to-date, this cleaner offers a level of reliability that cannot be matched by no value in terms of time, resources, or frustrations. The CLEAN-MPO-Z cleaner goes beyond cleaning connectors. It improves a connector's overall performance by reducing downtime due to poor cleaning practices.
For those of you who manage high-core-count fiber optic systems, we strongly recommend considering this product. Please purchase from authorized sources and check the current specifications.
If you want to achieve clean and reliable fiber optic connections, you cannot settle for the way the fibers look. First, you must keep them clean and free from contaminants. Second, you must use a tool specifically made for cleaning high-core-count fibers. For this reason, we suggest you use CLEAN-MPO-Z. Clean connectors are no longer a luxury; they have become an absolute necessity.
Additional Resources:
Official Spring Optical CLEAN-MPO-Z Product Website
In conclusion, if you require help cleaning your MPO/MTP connectors, you should read this article. If you have any questions regarding this material or would like to reach me directly, you can leave a comment or contact me. Thank you!
