Common problems and solutions when using optical modules

common-problems-and-solutions-when-using-optical-transceivers

As a more sensitive optical device, optical modules sometimes have some problems during use. Below, Telecomate.com will list some common problems and solutions for optical modules in actual use. Let’s discuss it together!

  • Problem 1: After the two optical modules are interconnected, the light of the optical port does not light up

I think there are 3 reasons that might cause this situation:

  1. The parameters of the optical modules at both ends do not match, such as wavelength, rate, and transmission distance.
  2. The type of fiber patch cord used does not match the optical module.
  3. The optical module is not compatible with the switch brand

Solution:

First, check whether the status of the optical port is on, and then check whether the optical module parameters of both ends are matched(such as wavelength, speed, and transmission distance), as well as the optical module type (single-mode/multi-mode).

Check whether the patch cord types match, and then check whether the gateway is configured and whether the VLANs are consistent.

Single-mode optical modules need to be connected with a single-mode OS2 patch cord, and multi-mode optical modules need to be connected with a multi-mode patch cord such as multi-mode OM3/OM2. If the switch brand is not compatible with the optical module, replace the optical module compatible with the switch brand.

 

  • Problem 2: The indicator light of the optical module at end A is on, but the indicator light of the optical module at end B is off.

 

Troubleshooting and solutions: If the optical fiber patch cord corresponding to the receiving port of the optical module is normal, the problem lies in the optical fiber patch cord of the sending port; if the indicator light of the optical module at the A end is on, but the indicator light of the optical module at the B end is off. The solution is to change the positions of the optical fiber jumpers at both ends. If the optical module indicator on the B end is on and the optical module indicator on the A end is off, it means that there is a problem with one of the optical fiber patch cord. If the A-end optical module can receive the optical signal of the B-end optical module but the B-end optical module cannot receive the optical signal of the A-end optical module, it is certain that there is a problem with the A-end optical module or patch cord.

 

  • Problem 3: After inserting the optical module, the switch indicator is red

 

Reason and solution: The main reason is that the optical module is incompatible. You can open the operating data, check the manufacturer information of the optical module, and find that it is not compatible with the switch brand, and you can directly replace the optical module.

 

  • Problem 4: The interface alarm messages appears after the optical module is inserted

 

Solution: You can check the working parameters of the optical module, interface information, and whether the sending and receiving packets are normal, and then check the optical fiber jumper. You can also try to replace the optical fiber jumper and optical module. After the optical module is replaced, you need to observe the status of the alarm light.

 

  • Problem 5: The loss of the optical link becomes larger/the optical link is unreachable

 

Reason 1: The optical port of the optical module is exposed to the environment, and the optical port is polluted by dust entering;

Reason 2: The end face of the optical fiber connector used has been polluted, and the optical port of the optical module is polluted twice;

Reason 3: The end face of the optical connector with pigtail is improperly used, and the end face is scratched;

Reason 4: The quality of the fiber optic connector is too poor.

 

Solution: If the optical port of the optical module is polluted, you need to use a cotton swab to dip some alcohol into the optical port to clean the port; if the end face of the optical fiber connector is polluted, wipe the end face with sassafras fiber paper, and then insert it.

 

  • Problem 6: Static damage

 

Reason 1: The environment is dry and it is easy to generate static electricity. Static electricity will attract dust, change the impedance between the lines, and affect the function and life of the optical module;

Reason 2: Abnormal operations, such as the live operation of non-hot-swappable optical modules; directly touching the static-sensitive pins of optical modules without electrostatic protection; no anti-static packaging during transportation and storage;

Reason 3: The device is not grounded or is poorly grounded.

Prevention method: Wear anti-static gloves and anti-static shoes when touching the optical module.

 

Understanding the common problems of these optical modules will help us to troubleshoot the reasons for the failure of optical modules and help us solve the problems in time. The problems that occur during the use of optical modules are not only related to the operator’s own experience but also closely related to the quality and performance of the optical modules and the switches and fiber jumpers used with the optical modules. If optical modules and related products with strong reliability and stable performance are used, the probability of failure of optical modules during use will be greatly reduced.

 

Telecomate.com provides original and compatible optical modules for international mainstream brands such as Huawei, ZTE, Nokia, and Juniper product lines, all-optical modules are also in line with international standards.