International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Abdullah Jameel Rowaished, Suhail Aboobakar, Praveen Prasad Pillai, Wajd Aldhawi, Muhammad Mubarak Ghefaily
Abstract: This study investigates the effect of time on the characteristics of fiber optic cables in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia, focusing on degradation metrics such as splice loss, attenuation, and deviation from manufacturer specifications. Utilizing OTDR measurements on 22 live cables of varying ages, the research highlights inconsistencies in degradation patterns, with attenuation losses ranging from 2% to 30%. Environmental factors, undocumented splicing histories, and mixed cable types (e.g., G 652D, G 652C) contributed to data variability. Despite these challenges, the results demonstrate the resilience of fiber optic systems, with some cables exceeding the manufacturer’s 25-year lifespan expectation. The study underscores the need for continuous monitoring and standardized documentation to improve long-term performance assessments.
