Hands-On Fiber Characterization and Advanced Fiber Optic Testing

Course Description

This Hands-On Advanced Fiber Optic course will give technicians in-depth knowledge of testing and troubleshooting procedures in the long haul and Metro optical networks.

Attendees will gain a detailed understanding of the ITU G.650.3 Fiber Characterization standard and the requirements for Fiber Characterization in todays networks. This course provides an understanding of important aspects of fiber optics and focuses on the equipment used to test and troubleshoot fiber systems.

This course involves advanced fiber optic theory and is intended for engineers and technicians involved with equipment or outside plant where fiber characterization is required. Specifically, networks running >10Gbps, DWDM and OTN.

Our instructors have actual field experience and have faced the same obstacles as your team. Our Real World Experience allows us to provide the participants with the answers and the skills to overcome their daily challenges.

Students Will Learn

Fiber Review of Fiber Optics And Light Transmission
Overview of Basic Fiber Optic Testing Practices
The Proper Set-Up, use, and Interpretation of Results Using an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) On a Fiber Circuit.
Over-All Length of Fiber Circuit Under Test. Length Of Each Segment Of Fiber In-Circuit.
Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Splice Connector Loss
dB Loss in Each Segment of Fiber in Circuit.
Understanding Loss vs. Power Budgets.
Effects of Micro Bending On Waveform.
Broken Fiber in Circuit.
Wavelength of Laser Setting.
Understanding OTDR Laser Pulse Widths.
Index of Refraction and How it Affects Fiber Testing.
Distance Scale Setting.
Review of Decibel Ratios and dB Scale Setting.
Chromatic and Polarization Mode Dispersion
Reflectance and the Contributions to Optical Return Loss (ORL)
And More...

Target Audience

Technicians, installers, splicers, contractors, telecom managers, engineers, and anyone involved in repairing, installing, maintaining, designing, evaluating, or provisioning active and passive WDM, DWDM and OTN systems.

Prerequisites

A firm understanding of telecommunications and basic fiber optic splicing, termination, and testing are required prior to taking this course. This training is available in additional BTS courses.

Course Outline

Module I: Fiber Optic Systems

• Advanced Fiber Optic Systems
• Active network design features
• WDM technology and how it’s used in FTTH

Module II: Testing and Troubleshooting Fiber Systems

• Understanding attenuation
• Causes of attenuation
• Testing attenuation at different wavelengths
• Understanding back reflection
• Understanding optical return loss (ORL)
• APC (Angled Physical contact) connector versus UPC connectors
• Dispersion characteristics and pulse spreading issues
• Loss budgets and power requirements, Engineered vs. Actual Measured Loss (EML/AML)
• Testing CD and PMD (Equipment for hands-on should be provided by the customer so technicians will learn on equipment that will be used in the field)

Module III: G.650.3 Fiber Characterization

• Understand the G.650.3 Standard
• Required test equipment
• Setup of the OTDR
• Analyzing OTDR traces
• CD and PMD Testing
• 2-point and 4-point measurements
• Testing at different wavelengths
• Attenuation Profile (AP)
• Measure fiber length, loss and back reflection
• Measure to events and how to add template events
• Setup of the power meter and light source
• Interpreting PM and light source results
• Using visible light sources (VFL)

Delivery Method

Instructor led with numerous Hands-On labs and exercises.

Equipment Requirements
(This apply's to our hands-on courses only)

BTS always provides equipment to have a very successful Hands-On course. BTS also encourages all attendees to bring their own equipment to the course. This will provide attendees the opportunity to incorporate their own gear into the labs and gain valuable training using their specific equipment.

Course Length

3 Days