I. Project Background

Optical networks, as crucial infrastructure for modern communications, directly impact communication quality and service operation through their performance and reliability. Optical network components, such as fiber optic connectors and optical modules, are susceptible to accumulating dust and oil, affecting optical signal transmission and leading to signal attenuation and increased bit error rates. Regular cleaning and inspection of optical networks effectively enhances performance, reduces the probability of failures, and ensures stable communication services.

II. Cleaning/Inspection Objectives

1. Remove dust, oil, and other contaminants from the surface and interior of optical network equipment to ensure stable and reliable optical signal transmission.
2. Inspect the performance indicators of optical network equipment, identify potential failure risks, and take proactive measures for repair.
3. Extend the service life of optical network equipment, reducing maintenance costs and failure rates.

III. Cleaning/Inspection Scope

1. Fiber Optic Connectors: Including various types of fiber optic plugs (such as SC, LC, FC, etc.) and jacks.
2. Optical Modules: Optical modules of different rates and types, such as 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G optical modules, etc.
3. Optical Distribution Frame (ODF): Ports, flanges, and internal fiber optic lines of the optical distribution frame.
4. Optical Transmission Equipment: Optical interfaces of optical terminal equipment, fiber optic transceivers, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) equipment, etc.

IV. Cleaning/Inspection Preparation

1. Personnel Training: Provide professional training to personnel involved in cleaning and inspection work. Training should cover the structure, performance, and operation of optical network equipment; proficiency in using cleaning and inspection tools; and safety precautions.
2. Tool and Material Preparation:
   • Cleaning Tools: Fiber optic cleaning wipes, cleaning solution, compressed air can, fiber optic cleaning pen, fiber optic microscope, etc.
   • Inspection Tools: Optical power meter, optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR), optical spectrum analyzer (for WDM equipment), etc.
   • Protective Gear: Safety glasses, gloves, etc.

V. Cleaning Process

1. Fiber Optic Connector Cleaning
   • Turn off the power to the relevant equipment to ensure operational safety.
   • Use a compressed air can to blow away dust and debris from the surface of the fiber optic connector.
   • Apply a small amount of cleaning solution to a fiber optic cleaning wipe and gently wipe the end face of the fiber optic connector. Avoid excessive force to prevent damage to the end face.
   • Wipe the connector end face dry with a clean wipe, ensuring no cleaning solution residue remains.
   • Use a fiber optic microscope to check the cleanliness of the connector end face. Repeat the cleaning steps if necessary.
2. Optical Module Cleaning
   • Carefully remove the optical module from the equipment, avoiding electrostatic damage.
   • Use a compressed air can to blow away dust from the surface of the optical module.
   • For the interface of the optical module, gently wipe with a cleaning wipe dampened with cleaning solution, then wipe dry with a clean wipe.
   • Before inserting the cleaned optical module into the equipment, re-check that the interface is clean.
3. Optical Distribution Frame (ODF) Cleaning
   • Turn off the relevant connections on the ODF frame to ensure operational safety.
   • Use a compressed air can to blow away dust from the ports, flanges, and internal fiber optic lines of the ODF frame.
   • For stubborn stains, gently wipe with a cleaning wipe dampened with cleaning solution.
   • After cleaning, organize the fiber optic lines to ensure they are neat and tidy.
4. Optical Transmission Equipment Optical Interface Cleaning
   • Turn off the power to the optical transmission equipment.
   • Use a compressed air can to clean dust from the surface of the optical interface.
   • Gently wipe the optical interface with a cleaning wipe dampened with cleaning solution, then wipe dry with a clean wipe.

VI. Inspection Process

1. Fiber Optic Connector Inspection
   • Use an optical power meter to measure the optical power before and after connecting the fiber optic connector to calculate insertion loss. Insertion loss should be within the specified range of the equipment, generally within a certain value (e.g., 0.5dB).
   • Check the return loss of the connector; higher return loss is better, and usually should meet relevant standard requirements to reduce optical signal reflection.
2. Optical Module Inspection
   • Insert the optical module into the test equipment and use an optical power meter to measure the transmit and receive optical power of the optical module to ensure it is within the normal operating range. Different types and rates of optical modules have different optical power ranges; refer to the equipment specifications.
   • Check the data transmission performance of the optical module by sending and receiving test data to verify that the optical module can accurately transmit data and that the bit error rate meets requirements.
3. Optical Distribution Frame (ODF) Inspection
   • Use an optical power meter to check the optical power transmission status of each port on the ODF frame to ensure that the optical power at each port is normal and uniform.
   • Check that the fiber optic connections on the ODF frame are correct and that the labeling is clear to avoid misconnections or omissions.
4. Optical Transmission Equipment Inspection
   • For devices such as optical transceivers and fiber optic transceivers, use an optical power meter to measure their input and output optical power to evaluate the device's signal conversion and transmission capabilities.
   • For Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) equipment, use an optical spectrum analyzer to detect parameters such as the wavelength accuracy and channel power balance of each channel to ensure that the equipment can properly multiplex and demultiplex optical signals of different wavelengths.

VII. Cleaning / Inspection Cycle

1. Daily Inspection: Inspect optical network equipment daily for obvious dust accumulation or abnormalities. For critical equipment and frequently used ports, simple cleaning can be performed using a compressed air canister.
2. Weekly Cleaning: Once a week, thoroughly clean easily soiled components such as fiber optic connectors and optical modules using cleaning wipes and cleaning solution according to the cleaning procedure.
3. Monthly Inspection: Once a month, use testing tools to test the key performance indicators of optical network equipment, such as optical power, insertion loss, and return loss. Record the test data and compare it with historical data for analysis.
4. Quarterly Deep Cleaning / Inspection: Once a quarter, perform a deep cleaning and comprehensive inspection of optical network equipment, including cleaning the fiber optic distribution frame and the interior of optical transmission equipment, and detailed performance testing to ensure that the equipment is in optimal operating condition.

VIII. Records and Reports

1. During the cleaning and inspection process, detailed records of the cleaning and inspection status of each device should be kept, including the cleaning time, cleaning personnel, inspection items, and inspection results.
2. For any abnormalities found during the inspection process, such as abnormal optical power or excessive insertion loss, the problem phenomenon, possible causes, and measures taken should be recorded in detail.
3. Regularly (monthly or quarterly) generate cleaning/inspection reports. The report content includes the overall situation of cleaning and inspection work, equipment performance analysis, existing problems, and improvement suggestions. Submit the report to relevant departments and management personnel to provide a basis for equipment maintenance and management.

IX. Safety Precautions

1. Before performing cleaning and inspection operations, the power of the relevant equipment must be turned off to prevent electric shock and equipment damage.
2. When using cleaning solution, avoid contact with skin and eyes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention promptly.
3. When using testing tools, operate according to the operating procedures to avoid damage to the tools or personal injury due to improper operation.
4. For sensitive equipment such as optical modules, anti-static measures should be taken, such as wearing anti-static wrist straps and using anti-static workbenches, to prevent electrostatic damage to the equipment.
5. During the cleaning and inspection process, pay attention to protecting the fiber optic lines, avoiding excessive bending or stretching of the fiber, to prevent fiber breakage.