budget. Fiber optic hardware is designed with respect to its environment. Components meant for different environments may be physically incompatible. Guidance for assembly and installation (including proper cleaning, testing, tie downs and clamping) should be defined. Cleanliness is of utmost importance for optical devices. Use of proper cleaning methods does not reduce performance. The system designer should establish consistent requirements for fiber optic components consistent over all suppliers.
Widely recognized standards are used to assure that requirements are aligned with requirements, i.e., understood and used by suppliers at all levels. Examples of some commonly used government and commercial standards are shown in Figures 3 and 4.