Why is fiber optic cleaner used?

Fiber optic cleaner is essential in maintaining the integrity of fiber optic connections by effectively removing contaminants like dust, oils, and residues from the surfaces of the fiber ends. This cleaning process is particularly crucial, as the presence of contaminants can lead to increased signal loss or disruptions in data transmission. The design of fiber optic cleaners allows them to clean without scratching the delicate glass fiber surfaces, ensuring that the fibers remain smooth, which is vital for optimal light transmission.

While enhancing signal strength may seem appealing, it is actually the removal of contaminants that allows for the proper transmission of signals rather than the cleaner itself boosting the signal. Similarly, while polishing fiber ends is part of preparing fiber optic cables, fiber optic cleaners specifically focus on cleaning surfaces rather than providing a polishing effect. Lastly, protecting fibers from moisture is important in maintaining the cables but is not the primary function of fiber optic cleaners; other protective measures and coatings serve this purpose. Thus, the primary role of a fiber optic cleaner is to ensure that the surfaces of the fibers are free of debris that could affect performance.