DB Loss in Fiber Optic Networks: Essential Guide for Infrastructure Leaders
Fiber optic networks send data using light signals. As the light travels through the cable, some signal power becomes weaker. Because of this natural process, every cable and connection point reduces the signal strength. As a result, the signal cannot stay strong forever. The amount of power that disappears during transmission is called DB loss. Since signal strength affects performance, it has a direct impact on network quality. If the loss becomes too high, the signal may not reach the endpoint clearly. For this reason, network operators must understand it before designing a system. With this knowledge, they can keep signals strong over long distances. At the same time, they can check cable quality, detect connection problems, and plan the correct power budget for stable transmission. Read Also: An Introduction to Dark Fiber: How It Works and Why It Matters What is DB loss? DB loss (decibel loss) is the measurement of signal power reduction in fiber optic cables, and it is written in decibels or dB. As light moves through the cable, a small amount of power disappears naturally. Therefore, longer cables experience greater loss than shorter ones. In addition to cable length, connectors and splices also increase total loss. Signal strength is written in -dBm, and the value usually ranges from 0 to -100. The closer the number is to 0, the stronger the signal becomes. For example, -41 dBm shows a stronger signal than -61 dBm. Because fiber systems require stable power levels, most of them operate best between -10 dBm and -25 dBm. However, the exact range depends on the network design. Meanwhile, the fiber industry continues working to reduce signal loss. In March 2024, Sumitomo Electric introduced ultra-low loss fiber at 0.1397 dB/km during an international conference. Key causes of DB loss in fiber cables DB loss happens because of two main types of causes: intrinsic losses and extrinsic losses. Intrinsic losses These losses happen naturally within the fiber material as light travels through it. Extrinsic losses On the other hand, these losses happen because of external factors such as handling and connections. By understanding these causes, network teams can reduce signal loss and improve performance. Read Also: Fiber Optic Cable for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know How to calculate DB loss? To understand total signal reduction, all loss components must be added. Therefore, network teams calculate total fiber loss using this formula: Total Fiber Loss (dB) = Fiber Attenuation (dB/km) × Fiber Length (km) + Connector Loss (dB) + Splice Loss (dB) Each part is calculated separately, and then the results are combined. For example, consider a 40 km single-mode link with 5 splices and 2 connector pairs at 1310 nm. Total Link Loss: 21 dB This result shows the minimum power required for stable transmission. After installation, network teams should measure the actual link loss. By comparing measured values with calculated values, they can find possible issues early. In this way, they can maintain strong and reliable network performance over time. Read Also: Why Choose Optical Cable? 5 Key Advantages Over Traditional Copper Building reliable fiber infrastructure When organizations understand DB loss clearly, they can design stronger networks. With proper planning, they can select quality cables and install them correctly. As a result, the network becomes more stable and efficient. The fiber market is also growing rapidly. In 2024, MarketsandMarkets reported a global value of USD 3.2 billion, and it may reach USD 6.8 billion by 2029. This growth shows that demand for strong fiber infrastructure continues to rise. In this environment, dark fiber gives operators full control over signal quality. Because they manage their own equipment, they can monitor signal performance more closely. ARNet provides dark fiber solutions across Southeast Asia. Through its networks in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, the company supports major telecommunications providers and hyperscalers. In addition, it offers long haul, metro, and last mile fiber connections with stable DB loss characteristics. For many organizations, this model removes the need to build infrastructure from the beginning. As such, they gain direct access to premium fiber networks without added complexity. At the same time, they receive full visibility into performance metrics, including DB loss measurements. Through this approach, ARNet supports businesses that require scalable and high-performance connectivity.
Cable Splicing: Easy Guide for Telecom Networks
Cable splicing is the process of joining fiber optic cables to make one long network path. Because of this, it is very important in modern telecommunications. In fact, Imarc Insights shows that the global telecom cable market reached USD 59 billion in 2025, which shows the big need for reliable networks. To help with this, network operators use the right methods to keep signals strong over long distances. For this reason, this work needs skill to make sure the network works well. Also, learning about the splicing process helps businesses make better decisions for their networks. As a result, companies in Southeast Asia are building bigger fiber networks to handle more data. Importantly, good splicing technique lowers signal loss and makes networks more reliable. That’s why this guide explains the main points of splicing for telecom professionals. What is cable splicing? Cable splicing is the joining of two fiber optic cables to make a permanent connection. Because of this, technicians use splicing to extend cables or fix broken fibers. To do it right, the process lines up the fiber cores carefully so light can pass without losing strength. This means splicing makes stronger connections than temporary connectors. Future Market Insights shows that the cable splice closure market reached USD 2.9 billion in 2025, showing how common splicing is in telecom projects. Also, good splicing keeps signals strong across the network, which is important for fast and smooth data transfer. How do you splice cables? To splice cables, technicians prepare, clean, align, and join fiber ends. The process begins by getting the cable ends ready. Technicians take off the outer jacket from both cables. After removing the jacket, they clean the exposed fiber cores with special tools because the fibers need to be very clean to connect properly. When the fibers are clean, they line them up carefully using precise tools. After alignment, the fibers are joined. Technicians use heat or pressure to fuse the fibers together. To protect the connection, they cover the splice with a case, keeping it safe from water and damage. Good cable splicing requires proper training and the right tools. Key types of cable splicing and most reliable method The two main types of cable splicing are fusion splicing and mechanical splicing. Each method has its own strengths and ideal use cases, which we’ll explore in detail below. A. Fusion splicing Fusion splicing uses heat to join fiber ends, which makes very strong and reliable connections. Because of this, it needs a special fusion splicer machine. This means signal loss is very low, usually less than 0.1 dB. For this reason, companies use fusion splicing for permanent setups. It is also the most reliable method. On top of that, modern fusion splicers work faster and cost less. They also line up fibers exactly, so light can travel without loss. That is why experts choose fusion splicing for long-distance networks and important projects. B. Mechanical splicing Mechanical splicing holds fibers together using a fixture. Also, a special gel inside the fixture helps light pass between fibers for proper splicing. It is cheaper than fusion splicing, but signal loss is a little higher, about 0.3 dB. Because of this, it works well for temporary connections or quick repairs. Building strong networks Strong networks depend on proper cable splicing. Companies need quality splicing to handle more data traffic. These techniques keep signals strong across fiber networks. Knowing these methods helps businesses plan better networks. Quality splicing reduces downtime and makes networks faster. Dark fiber networks need skilled splicing everywhere. ARNet offers full dark fiber solutions across Southeast Asia. We serve large telecom operators and hyperscalers in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Our network is over 10,000 km long and uses AI-grade fiber. We provide long-haul connections between cities, metro fiber in towns, and last-mile fiber to users. Our team manages all parts of network setup, including expert cable splicing. ARNet is the only provider in the region with all critical licenses. This allows smooth connectivity with one network. Our deployment process is fast and without interruptions. We guarantee over 99.99% uptime, using real-time monitoring to catch problems early. Choose ARNet for reliable dark fiber networks built with precise cable splicing and maintained by experts. Visit our website to learn more. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
7 Critical Steps to Deploy Dark Fiber Internet Cable Infrastructure Successfully
Global data use is growing very fast, and networks must carry more traffic every year. This way, making a strong infrastructure is now essential. Reports from the ITU say fixed broadband traffic could pass 6 zettabytes in 2024, up from 5.1 zettabytes in 2023. This growth is driven by mostly over fiber‑based internet cable that can handle high speeds and heavy workloads. At the same time, many operators want more control over that capacity. Thus, they are moving from renting bandwidth toward owning their own physical fiber infrastructure. This is why dark fiber is becoming a key choice for long‑term performance, flexibility, and cost efficiency. How to choose an internet cable? Choosing an internet cable should be based on distance, speed needs, environment, and future growth. For modern networks, fiber-optic cables are usually the best choice. This is because fiber optics carry most high-speed broadband traffic around the world. Millions of kilometers of new fiber are installed each year to support this demand. Single-mode fiber is usually used for long-distance routes. Meanwhile, multimode fiber is common inside buildings and data centers, where connections are shorter and need high port density. With this in mind, it is important to understand what to consider when choosing a cable. Key factors for selecting the right cable include: 7 Steps to deploy dark fiber internet cable Deploying dark fiber internet cable follows clear steps that connect business needs with network design and on-site work. As 5G, cloud services, and AI grow, networks must handle today’s traffic and much more in the future. By following the steps below, teams can move smoothly from planning to building and daily use. 1. Define demand and service objectives Start by listing who will use the network and what they need, such as data centers, mobile operators, or enterprise sites. Turn these needs into clear targets like capacity per route, maximum delay, and uptime goals, so the design reflects real demands. 2. Design the optical architecture Create a network layout that supports today’s traffic while allowing growth, choosing between ring, mesh, or point‑to‑point topologies. Decide how much internet cable capacity and how many fiber pairs are needed, so new services and higher speeds can be added later without rebuilding routes. 3. Select fiber and passive components Based on the design, choose single‑mode or multimode fiber and the right cable type, such as duct, aerial, or direct‑buried. Check that all components can support current speeds and likely future upgrades, so the physical layer remains useful for many years. 4. Secure permits and rights‑of‑way Work early with city authorities, utilities, and landowners to obtain permits and land access documents. Good preparation at this step reduces the risk of delays, fines, or route changes during construction. 5. Execute civil works with strict QA During construction, apply best practices for trenching, duct laying, and cable pulling to avoid damage. Use tests such as OTDR to confirm that signal loss and splice quality match the design, so the network works as expected once it goes live. 6. Integrate monitoring and operations After the network is active, connect the internet cable routes to a central monitoring system that can see alarms, breaks, and performance in real time. This visibility helps operators maintain strong service levels and deliver the high uptime that customers expect. 7. Plan for scalability and upgrades Reserve spare ducts and fiber pairs so new capacity can be added as traffic grows. This forward‑looking approach makes it easier to connect new data centers, support more 5G sites, and introduce faster optical technology without major new civil works. Conclusion The rapid rise in global data use makes dark fiber internet cable a smart long‑term choice for organizations that need control, speed, and room to grow. By clearly understanding both current and future needs, and then choosing the right fiber type and cable design, companies build a strong base that can support more users, more services, and higher speeds without constant rebuilds or costly changes to the physical network. For organizations that want support across this entire journey in Southeast Asia, ARNet offers an AI‑grade, all‑fiber internet cable network of more than 10,000 km across Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. ARNet owns and operates its infrastructure end‑to‑end, combining planning, deployment, and monitoring to deliver fast, stable, and scalable connectivity that fits data center, metro, and long‑haul needs. For more information, you can visit our website or reach out to our team. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet