During a recession, end users may be more inclined to upgrade their existing networks rather than install a new infrastructure. Network upgrades can be very simple or very complex, depending on the type of upgrade projects you take on.

Here are some useful things to keep in mind as you perform a network upgrade:

• Many IT managers perceive that switching from copper to fiber must be done all at once. Explain that it can be done in stages, as budgets allow, using media converters.
• When possible, choose “auto-negotiation” media converters that will automatically negotiate speed and compatibility.
• When looking for system bottlenecks in a legacy system, good places to begin are those areas where many cections converge at servers or routers.
• Sometimes an existing infrastructure has adequate speed and capacity but there aren’t enough ports to connect new users or equipment. A simple upgrade is to replace existing Ethernet wall outlets with 4-port Fast Ethernet switched outlets.
• PC’s in older legacy systems may negate some of the performance improvements of an upgraded system. Ask your client to consider new computers as part of the upgrade.
• Rule of thumb – Increasing network bandwidth also increases speed. A network that is running Ethernet 10-Mbps will operate 10 times faster when upgraded to Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps).

If you plug your dirty fiber optic connector into your active equipment you can contaminate the equipment. Be sure to clean your fiber optic connectors before plugging them into anything to be absolutely sure they are free from contaminates.

There are several ways to clean fiber optic connector endfaces, a dry clean; using lint free fiber optic wipes, a wet clean; using Isopropyl Alcohol and lint free wipes or lint free swabs. There are several variations of fiber optic cleaning supplies. Beware because some of them are restricted for ground only with a few products that are air travel safe.

Have you been troubleshooting a fiber optic line and still getting an unacceptable signal? Unfortunately, many people believe that just because a fiber optic connector has a “dust cap” installed, it has been protected from contaminates and therefore does not need to be cleaned. As you now realize, nothing can be further from the truth. It is important to always clean a fiber optic connector endface immediately before mating it, regardless of whether or not it has been “protected” with a dust cap.

Your fiber optic system may contain the very best Corning fiber optics laser optimized for maximum performance. However, if you have dirty fiber optic connectors, you will experience sub-par performance. Proper connector cleaning is essential for the optimal maintenance of fiberoptic systems.

The name “Dust Cap” may be a bit misleading.   In fact a dust cap can create a static change on a connector that will actually draw dust to it when removed.   The real purpose of a dust cap is to protect the polished endface of the connector from being scratched or damaged.   A fiber optic connector must always be cleaned prior to making any connections.

Dust is everywhere. Smaller dust particles that have a diameter of 1um or less can remain suspended in air for very long periods of time, if not indefinitely. Dust can easily find its way into a dust cap, and stow away until it has the opportunity to jump aboard your fiber optic connector endface.

Even worse, dust caps often contain grease, gels or other compounds left over from when the dust cap was manufactured. For example, the plastic dust caps used on many fiber optic connectors may contain mold release residue. Even blasting air into the cap will not remove these tenacious compounds.