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Determining the end face of the optical cable

Optical access and telecom site reference Published 04 Jan 2026

Use this reference to prepare product questions for CGWEB NETWORKS. Check interfaces, capacity, protection and installation requirements against the current product documentation.

The end face of an optical cable can be identified by inspecting its polished surface, fiber core, cladding, and ferrule using a fiber microscope or video inspection scope according to IEC standards. Key Steps to Identify an Optical Fiber End Face1. Determine the Connector Type Optical fibers may have different connector types, such as LC, SC, FC, ST, or MPO/MTP.

Each connector has a ferrule that holds the fiber and a polished end face. The end face may be PC (Physical Contact), UPC (Ultra Physical Contact), or APC (Angled Physical Contact), which affects the curvature and angle of the fiber tip.

PC and UP

C are dome-shaped, while APC has an 8° angle to reduce back reflection. 2. Inspect the End Face Using Proper Tools Use a fiber microscope or handheld video scope to examine the end face.

These tools allow you to see the fiber core, cladding, ferrule surface, and epoxy region. Video scopes are preferred for live fibers to avoid exposure to infrared light. Advanced scopes can provide autofocus, automatic centering, and pass/fail analysis.

3. Check for Cleanliness and Defects Inspect for dust, scratches, pits, chips, or cracks.

The IE

C 61300-3-35 standard defines four concentric zones for inspection: Zone A (core) – most critical for signal transmissionZone B (cladding) – affects mode field confinementZone C (adhesive) – tolerable within limitsZone D (ferrule contact area) – tolerable if not extending into the fiber 4.

Evaluate End-

Face Geometry Key parameters include: Radius of Curvature (ROC) – ensures proper contact between fibersApex Offset – distance from the highest point of the ferrule to the fiber core centerFiber Height – relative position of the fiber core to the ferrule surface; protruding or recessed cores can affect insertion loss 5.

Follow Standardized Criteria Use IE

C 61300-3-35 for visual inspection and cleanliness grading, and IEC 61755 for geometry measurements. Automated inspection tools can map images to these standards and provide consistent pass/fail results. 6.

Safety Considerations Never look directly into a fiber carrying optical power, especially infrared, as it can be invisible and harmful. Use video scopes or protective filters. By following these steps, you can reliably identify and assess the end face of an optical cable, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing signal loss.

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Determining the end face of the optical cable
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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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