What should be done to ensure a clean fiber optic connector?

Using isopropyl alcohol and lint-free wipes is the best practice for ensuring clean fiber optic connectors. Fiber optic connectors are highly sensitive to dirt and contamination, which can degrade performance and signal quality. Isopropyl alcohol is effective in removing oils, dust, and other contaminants without leaving residue, ensuring that the optical surface remains clear. Lint-free wipes are specifically designed to prevent fibers and lint from being left behind, which is crucial when cleaning any optical component.

In contrast, using a vacuum cleaner could be too aggressive and might risk damaging the connectors or creating static electricity, which can attract more dust. Compressed air, although it may seem useful, can sometimes push dust and debris further into the connector or create static, which is not advisable for sensitive optical components. Lastly, using a regular cloth is not appropriate, as it may leave fibers or lint on the connectors, which can obstruct the light path and affect performance.