Data Center Interconnects (DCI) are essential for major data center operators and hyperscalers, allowing them to extend beyond the confines of a single facility and merge multiple sites into a synchronized resource pool. Given this vital role, ensuring the reliability of DCI links through consistent testing, inspection, and maintenance is crucial for network uptime. Quick troubleshooting and rapid issue resolution are paramount. In this blog, we explore the critical importance of test and inspection kits in safeguarding the integrity of your network.
Validating DCI Installation
After completing a DCI installation, the next logical step is to validate that the fiber was installed correctly and that it’s ready for connecting. This means testing to ensure links are operating as expected within loss tolerances. This is where Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) testing comes into play, with many professionals turning to our FlexScan FS200. It provides a comprehensive view not only of overall loss but also detects and characterizes specific events on the fiber, such as splices, connectors, or tight bends and their exact location. Engineers can determine whether the loss introduced by each event is within acceptable tolerances.
The FlexScan FS200 specializes in single-mode fiber, which has become the standard for hyperscale operators due to its capacity over longer distances versus multimode fiber, which is generally deployed in smaller, more localized environments and on shorter runs.
Inspection and Cleaning
Inspection and cleaning are essential in the DCI space when dealing with spliced on connector. These are often assembled in non-clean room conditions, meaning that end-face cleanliness is not guaranteed AFL provides the FOCIS Lightning 2 for inspecting multi-fiber connectors.And while FOCIS Lightning2 can inspect single fiber connectors, the FOCIS Flex is more appropriate as a scaled-down version when the primary task is inspecting single fiber terminations.
Upon identifying any unclean or damaged fiber endfaces, AFL has several cleaning solutions, such as the One-Click Cleaner, which enables very quick and effective cleaning for many types of single and multi-fiber connectors.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Following the installation phase, the emphasis transitions to consistent maintenance and periodic troubleshooting to ensure optimal system performance. The DCI test and inspection kit is specifically designed to address these post-installation requirements.
The MT Tracer plays a pivotal role in the troubleshooting process. It is crucial for MPO polarity validation, ensuring that signals are correctly aligned for transmit and receive, thus ensuring the integrity of data flow. The VFI4 visual fault locator is instrumental in verifying duplex fiber polarity and identifying fiber breaks, which can compromise data transfer.
In scenarios with uncertainty regarding activity on specific fibers, the Optical Fiber Identifier (OFI) becomes indispensable. For many professionals, the OFI is a critical tool, allowing for the safe verification of active data transmission on a fiber prior to disconnection.
Reporting
Effective reporting is a critical tool within a data center environment, from measuring rollout status against deadlines to documentation and ultimately for completion of work. Also, comprehensive reporting is required to ensure work has been carried out per industry standards.
The FlexReporter Software Suite from AFL Hyperscale addresses this need. Integrated with AFL Test and Inspection instruments, this suite offers a cloud-enabled reporting platform. The FlexApp Mobile App facilitates wireless transfer of test data directly from the field to the FlexReporter Cloud, allowing multiple stakeholders to access the right data at the right time and where it is needed.
AFL ensures you look after the detail
Installing fiber solutions is just the beginning of our customers’ journey. The real value lies in ensuring these solutions operate flawlessly over time. Our dedication goes beyond providing high-quality products; we are committed to equipping our customers with the tools and knowledge necessary to validate the correct operation of their fiber solutions. By offering comprehensive tools like the DCI test and inspection kit, we empower our customers to manage ongoing maintenance, troubleshoot effectively, and ensure the longevity and efficiency of their systems. At AFL, our customers’ success is our success, and we remain steadfast in our mission to support them every step of the way.