Fusion splicing is the most reliable method and offers the lowest optical loss. One change, the move from a 40-year-old design for single-mode fiber to a more modern design that is more resistant to bending and stress losses, has reduced cable sizes and increased cable ruggedness. Reducing the size and weight of fiber optic cables is an important development today, as the. Optical fiber fusion splicing has moved to become the preferred choice for many installers given the high performance connections that can be achieved utilizing this method. Done right, it produces connections with less than 0. To protect these vulnerable.