HELIOS Troubleshooting - Low SNR

What is "Low SNR"?

The term "Low SNR" refers to the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), which is a metric for assessing signal quality. It is expressed in decibels (dB). A high SNR can indicate an issue where the system struggles to distinguish between the intended data signal and background noise, leading to degraded performance. Low SNR alerts can occur with optical cables and with Ethernet cables. 

Identifying Low SNR

Users will recognize Low SNR when an alert is flagged under the Health tab in HELIOS. 

Troubleshooting

A Low SNR error typically indicates an issue with cables sending data to the tile, or problems with the tile itself. 

Common Causes & Solutions

Cause

Description

Recommended Action

Dirty or Damaged Connectors

Contaminants like dust, oils, or physical damage on fiber ends or SFPs reduce signal transmission.

Use approved fiber cleaning tools to clean all connectors and inspect for scratches or damage.

Incorrect Fiber Type or Excessive Cable Length

Using the wrong fiber (e.g., multimode vs. single-mode) or exceeding cable length limits results in signal loss.

Verify that cable type matches the SFP specification and that distances are within supported range.

Incompatible or Faulty SFP Transceivers

Unsupported or malfunctioning SFPs may output a weak signal.

Check for compatibility with HELIOS documentation. Swap SFPs to isolate potential faults. Ensure SFPs are fully seated.

Sharp Bends or Physical Stress on Fiber

Tight bends or pulling forces distort the fiber core, degrading signal integrity.

Inspect cable runs. Ensure bend radius meets manufacturer specs and cables are free from tension.

Loose or Improper Connector Insertion

Incomplete insertion into SFP module can lead to intermittent or degraded signal.

Reseat all connectors. Confirm they click securely into place.

Environmental ConditionsAlthough rare, electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby sources, such as power lines, fluorescent lighting, motors, or generators, can negatively impact signal quality.Ensure the system is not exposed to such environmental factors that could degrade performance. 


If you continue to experience issues, please reach out to support@megapixelvr.com and include your system's log files for further assistance.


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