Option 11C - Glowing Fiber

[hende10]

We have had an increasing problem with some of our digital handsets making a "clicking" noise, but only audible to the person on the other side. This happens for both inside and outside calls, and for only the handsets on the digital card in our second cabinet. As an earlier test, I swapped the dig card in the 2nd cabinet with the one in our main cabinet, and the clicking still existed only on those phones on the card in the 2nd cabinet.

Other posts about this problem on this site, refer to the fibre line being bad and glowing. I shut the lights off, and I did notice some spots on the line that did glow, but not that brightly. How intense should the glow be to assume that the fibre line is causing the problem?

I'm thinking that this problem is either due to the fibre line, or the fibre receiver card in the 2nd cabinet. Are there any more tests I can do, or is swapping out pieces the last option?

Thanks,

Hende

 

[acewarlock]

I would replace the Fiber. The more place's you see the glow the more bad spots you have and they add up.

 

[hende10]

Thank you ace.

Can an end user like myself replace the fibre? Or is there a chance of doing damage to the system?

Thanks,

Hende

 

[Johnthephoneguy]

You can change the fiber yourself but you have to handle it delicately. Power down the system, unseat the card, hope they left you enough slack to pull the card out a little bit, unfeed the fiber, run your new fiber and plug it in. They only connect one way so you can't really mix that up. be careful of the other fibers also, it might be a PITA to get one out if the others are on top of it in the loop though.

JohnThePhoneGuy

"If I can't fix it, it's not broke!

 

[hende10]

Thanks John.

I think I can handle it, I am mainly worried about causing some cataclysmic system crash.

The two cabinets are right next to each other, and the fiber is spooled in both cabinets, so I should have enough slack. What type of fiber is it? Does it require special ends to it?

Its sad that I have to ask this but, what is the best way to power down the system?

Thanks,

Hende

 

[Johnthephoneguy]

I am not sure if the ends are special or not, I have only added/replaced Nortel Fiber on the 11. There is a specific part number for those (I dont have the number). Maybe someone here has the part number or your vendor would most likely have it also.

Usually just unplug the 11 from the power source. You only have to power down the main and expansion cab you are replacing, if you have more than 1 expansion that is. make sure you notify everyone or plan a maintenance window.

JohnThePhoneGuy

"If I can't fix it, it's not broke!

 

[jffrylewis]

What's up Johnthe phone guy?

 

[hawks]

I've always used the Nortel part number. I would also do a Data Dump before I powered anything off.

 

[acewarlock]

Using the correct part number makes it easy.

 

[DAS1512]

U can just have a look on the current firmware available on the phone set.If required can upgrade it ..

This also reduces some of the noise I have observed..

 

[grumpyone60]

My philosophy has always been "If ya don't know how to power it down, Don't, or at least have a good backup plan" but deifnitely a data dump is good....

 

[acewarlock]

I always just pull the power cord.