Satellite technology, a predecessor of light wave communications.

What we’re about to have is a basic introduction to FIBER OPTIC SPLICING. We’ve defined fiber optics, so now let’s define splicing? Splicing in, layman’s term, simply means the joining of two fiber optic cables by reasons of extending an existing fiber optic cable, or expansion of an existing fiber optic cable system.

Mechanical Splice - about the size of a large nail

There are two major methods in splicing fiber optic cables: Mechanical Splicing and Fusion Splicing. Mechanical splicing is employed by using (quite obviously) a mechanical splice, an optical junction of two (or more) optical fibers that are aligned and held in place by a self-contained assembly. The ends of the fibers aren't permanently joined, but are only accurately aligned together so that light can pass from one to another.

Fusion Splicing Machine - good for many splicing works

Fusion Splicing, on the other hand, requires the application of extreme temperatures by a fusion splicing machine (again, quite obviously) to melt up the two ends of the cable and join it permanently. Most fusion splicing machines have the ability to precisely align the ends of the cables automatically, which helps reduce the losses in light signals and back reflections incurred by misalignments of the two ends of the fiber optic cable. It takes a high percentage of accuracy to achieve this, that's why fusion splicing machines are quite expensive!

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are three ways to sum up this situation:
Economics - Mechanical splices require no initial investment but have a higher utilization cost. You must buy another mechanical splice each time you make a splice. Fusion splices, on the other hand, require a large capital investment up front to purchase a fusion splicing machine. After that, the only consumable cost is in the protective device. Fusion splicing is a worthier investment if you intend to perform splicing in a long span of time.
Performance - Fusion splices typically provide lower loss and reflect less light than mechanical splices. Fusion splicing, though, is a more tedious task to perfect than mechanical splicing.
Application - For most Local Area Network (LAN) applications, splice loss and reflections are minor concerns. However, splice loss must be minimized for most long distance communication and CATV applications. Also, high reflections can create serious problems for analog video signals. For these reasons, telecommunications and CATV companies almost always fusion splice. For LAN contractors, the choice between fusion and mechanical splicing remains primarily one of economics.

Before performing the splicing process, I suggest you read the webpage links below for a step-by-step and illustrated way of preparing the fiber optic cable to be spliced. Also in this webpage is the overview of performing fusion splicing. I hope this article has helped you understand and get a grip of fiber optic splicing. Now you can speak ECE because you know practical ECE!