Less expensive equipment than fusion splicing. Ideal for temporary or emergency repairs. Disadvantages: Higher insertion loss (0. When is Fiber. Fiber optic splicing is the process of joining two fiber optic cables together so that light signals can pass with minimal loss or reflection. Splicing is typically required during cable installation, maintenance, or network expansion. What Are Fiber Connectors? Connectors are mechanical terminations that let you plug and unplug fiber cables.