Every network operators who aim to deploy a next-generation fiber network have to determine how to build a flexible, reliable and long-lasting infrastructure at the lowest possible cost.

1. WHITE PAPER
FS.COM White Paper | Cost Comparison: Fusion Splicing Versus Pre-terminated System
Fiber optic joints or termination is a necessary process when installing a network. Every network
operators who aim to deploy a next-generation fiber network have to determine how to build a
flexible, reliable and long-lasting infrastructure at the lowest possible cost. In general, there are
mainly two fiber optic termination methods: splices which create a permanent joint between the
two fibers, or connectors that mate two fibers to create a temporary joint. When people decide to
use either method, many factors should be taken into account. Today’s article will evaluate both
methods from the aspect of cost to help you choose the effective termination method.
Weighting the Two Methods
Besides the features of low loss, minimal reflectance and high mechanical strength, fiber optic
termination must be compatible to the environment in which they are installed. Before we come to
the cost comparison of these two termination methods, let’s firstly have a brief overview.
 Fusion Splicing
As it known to all that, splices create a permanent joint between two fibers, so its use is limited to
place where cables are not expected to be available for servicing in the future. The most common
application for splicing is joining cables in long outside plant cable runs where the length of the run
requires more than one cable. There are two types of splices, fusion and mechanical. Fusion splicing
is most widely used as it provides for the lowest loss and least reflectance, as well as providing the
strongest and most reliable joint.
Cost Comparison:
Fusion Splicing Versus
Pre-terminated System

2. WHITE PAPER
FS.COM White Paper | Cost Comparison: Fusion Splicing Versus Pre-terminated System
Fusion splicing machines are usually called fusion splicer available on the market that splice a single
fiber or a ribbon of 12 fibers at one time. The above picture shows how to splice a fiber optic
jumper. Virtually all single-mode splices are fusion. Fusion splices are made by "welding" the two
fibers together usually by an electric arc. To be safe, you should not do that in an enclosed space like
a manhole or an explosive atmosphere, and the equipment is too bulky for most aerial applications,
so fusion splicing is usually done above ground in a truck or trailer set up for the purpose.
Today's single-mode fusion splicers are automated and you have a hard time making a bad splice as
long as you cleave the fiber properly. Fusion splicers cost thousands US dollars (up to $5,000), but
the splices only cost a few dollars each. The following part display the main features of the fusion
splicing:
• Typical average optical losses of 0.05dB or lower
• Not de-mateable
• Special installation skills needed
• Tools sensitive to the environment
• Relatively long installation time
• Standard organizer techniques required
 Pre-terminated System
Pre-termination is the alternative termination method popular on the market. Cables and fibers are
terminated to a connector in the factory. When carefully planned, splicing jobs for specialized
technicians can be limited to the network construction phase. But provisioning, churn and network
testing can be performed by technicians without specific fiber skills, because the organizers can be

3. WHITE PAPER
FS.COM White Paper | Cost Comparison: Fusion Splicing Versus Pre-terminated System
very simple.
With pre-connectorized products, the connection time is reduced from 20 to less than 5 minutes,
including the connector cleaning step. When connecting fibers with connector technology, there is
no issue of environmental sensitivity. What’s more, connectors are accessible on the outside of the
network element, reducing the need to access a product and the risk of disturbing other lines. The
image below shows the MPO pre-terminated cables.
Factory pre-termination is also compatible with optical budget requirements by selecting the
appropriate grade as defined by the international IEC standards. When properly planned,
pre-connectorized
products do not add extra connectivity points, thus eliminating extra optical loss or reflections. In all,
the most obvious features of the pre-terminated system lies in the following part:
• Typical losses of 0.15dB or less
• Fully de-mateable
• No special installation skills required
• Reduced installation time
• Very simple organizer systems
• Insensitive to environmental conditions
Cost Comparison
• The start-up costs for the fusion splice are significantly higher, as fusion splicers can be very
expensive. Even the cheapest fusion splicer will cost nearly $2,900 (FS-F600 Fusion Splicer from
FS.COM) more than the most expensive crimp kit. Not counting the initial start-up costs, splices will
run anywhere from $7.20 to $8.25 per splice, which is much lower than the pre-terminated
connector.

4. WHITE PAPER
FS.COM White Paper | Cost Comparison: Fusion Splicing Versus Pre-terminated System
• As for the pre-terminated connector, the most significant advantage is the wire management
hardware involved. A pre-terminated connector requires no additional hardware over a standard
connector. And it is faster to terminate a crimp connector, saving labor time ($0.75 per splice), and
splicing also requires additional material costs in the form of splice protectors ($0.40 per splice).
• Fiber splicing technicians have specialized training that makes them expensive when compared to
someone simply plugging things in. The additional material and closet space for managing splices
can cost an additional $6.05-7.10 per connector. But with a little careful planning as to lengths of
fibers needed, pre-terminated fibers can be installed quickly and with no training.
• In all, fusion splicing makes a lot of sense for trunk fibers and locations where there are anywhere
from 48 to 192 fibers to splice. In the drop locations, where there may be only one or two splices at
each location, the setup time for each location may negate any cost savings from fusion splicing.
Making the Choice
In comparing pre-termination and fusion splicing, both have their inhered advantages. Fusion
splicers offer many advantages in the premises environment, from being lightweight and compact
to operating on a battery. These new units minimize setup time and are ideal for use in locations
where space is tight. In addition, the total splice and heater cycle time is less than one minute,
thereby enabling technicians to move through many termination locations quickly.
However, we cannot deny the fact that the start up cost of the fusion splicing is huge, thus
customers that can’t deal with budget are going to demand pre-terminated connectors.
Pre-terminated solutions offer the most benefits: It’s easy to install pret-terminated cables, and
because they’re available in custom lengths, it’s easy to get the exact lengths required to limit the
excess slack. Many more users will rely on the pre-terminated trunk cables and sacrifice the
inconvenience of dealing with slack, because it offers faster deployment.
As you get into significantly higher fiber counts, fusion splicing could save time over installing

5. WHITE PAPER
FS.COM White Paper | Cost Comparison: Fusion Splicing Versus Pre-terminated System
connectors. While for those who don’t have a fusion splicer or splicing experience, may want to
consider pre-terminated connectors. FS.COM offers both fusion splicer and per-terminated cables,
our products are integrated, holistic physical infrastructure solutions that guarantee a reliable and
stable performance for your network. Please contact us if you need help.
Contact Us
Manufacturing R & D (China)
Eastern Side, Second Floor, Science &
Technology Park, No.6, Keyuan Road,
Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057,
China
Tel: +86 (755) 8300 3611
Fax: +86 (755) 8326 9395
Email: sales@fs.com
APAC Office (Hong Kong)
1220 Tung Chun Commercial Centre,
438-444 Shanghai Street, Kowloon,
HongKong
Tel: +(852) 817 636 06
Fax: +(852) 817 636 06
Email: sales@fs.com
North America (United States)
331 Andover Park East Ste330, Tukwila,
WA 98188,United States
Tel: +1 (253) 277 3058
Fax: +1 (253) 246-7881
Email: sales@fs.com
London Office (United Kingdom)
Third Floor 207 Regent Street, London,
W1B 3HH, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (020) 3287 6810
Notice: This document is for informational purposes only and does not set forth any warranty, expressed or
implied, concerning any equipment, equipment features, or service offered or to be offered by FS.COM.
FS.COM reserves the right to make changes to this document at any time, without notice, and assumes no
responsibility for its use. This information document describes features that may not be currently available.
Contact a FS.COM sales team for information on feature and product availability.
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