Maintaining Cables That Connect to MX2008 MPCs or MICs

Purpose

For optimum router performance, verify the condition of the cables that connect to the MPCs or MICs.

Action

On a regular basis:

• Use the lower cable manager (shown in Figure 1) to support cables and prevent cables from dislodging or developing stress points.

  Figure 1: Lower Cable Manager Cable Routing
  Note:

  The MX2008 supports a standard and extended upper and lower cable manager.

• Place excess cable out of the way in the lower cable manager. Do not allow fastened loops of cable to dangle from the connector or cable manager because this stresses the cable at the fastening point. Putting fasteners on the loops helps to maintain their shape.

• Keep the cable connections clean and free of dust and other particles, which can cause drops in the received power level. Always inspect cables and clean them, if necessary, before connecting an interface.

• Label both ends of the cables to identify them.

The following guidelines apply specifically to fiber-optic cables:

• When you unplug a fiber-optic cable, always place a rubber safety plug over the transceiver on the faceplate and on the end of the cable.

• Anchor fiber-optic cables to avoid stress on the connectors. Be sure to secure fiber-optic cables so that they do not support their own weight as they hang to the floor. Never let fiber-optic cable hang free from the connector.

• Avoid bending fiber-optic cable beyond its bend radius. An arc smaller than a few inches can damage the cable and cause problems that are difficult to diagnose.

• Frequent plugging and unplugging of fiber-optic cable into and out of optical instruments can cause damage to the instruments that is expensive to repair. Instead, attach a short fiber extension to the optical equipment. Any wear and tear due to frequent plugging and unplugging is then absorbed by the short fiber extension, which is easy and inexpensive to replace.

• Keep fiber-optic cable connections clean. Small microdeposits of oil and dust in the canal of the transceiver or cable connector could cause loss of light, reducing signal power and possibly causing intermittent problems with the optical connection.

  To clean the transceivers, use an appropriate fiber-cleaning device, such as RIFOCS Fiber Optic Adaptor Cleaning Wands (part number 946). Follow the directions for the cleaning kit you use.

  After you clean an optical transceiver, make sure that the connector tip of the fiber-optic cable is clean. Use only an approved alcohol-free fiber-optic cable cleaning kit, such as the Opptex Cletop-S Fiber Cleaner. Follow the directions for the cleaning kit you use.