To achieve low insertion loss at a connector, which practice is most important?

To achieve low insertion loss at a connector, which practice is most important?

• A. Good Cleave
• B. Good Stripping Technique
• C. Gentle Crimp
• D. Proper Cable Type

Answer: (A)

Low insertion loss at a connector comes from how well the fiber ends mate. The cleave quality directly determines endface flatness and perpendicularity, which minimizes gaps, scattering, and Fresnel reflections at the mating surface. When the endface is cleanly cleaved, the two fibers contact more uniformly and light passes with less loss. While stripping technique, gentle crimp, and using the right cable type matter for overall reliability and preventing damage, they can’t compensate for a poor endface geometry. So prioritizing a good cleave has the biggest impact on achieving low insertion loss.

Low insertion loss at a connector comes from how well the fiber ends mate. The cleave quality directly determines endface flatness and perpendicularity, which minimizes gaps, scattering, and Fresnel reflections at the mating surface. When the endface is cleanly cleaved, the two fibers contact more uniformly and light passes with less loss. While stripping technique, gentle crimp, and using the right cable type matter for overall reliability and preventing damage, they can’t compensate for a poor endface geometry. So prioritizing a good cleave has the biggest impact on achieving low insertion loss.