There are 2 methods of splicing, mechanical or fusion. Fiber optic splicing involves joining two fiber optic cables to create a continuous optical path. Unlike using connectors, which are designed for frequent connection and disconnection at patch panels, splicing creates a permanent, stable joint with minimal light loss. Either joining method must have three primary characteristics. In this guide, we cover the basics of fiber optic splicing, how to perform splicing using two different methods, and finally some best practices to perform good fiber splicing.