Distribution frames within a typical Central Office are simple in principle, but the multitude of frame types, block designs, and different switching hardware can create real challenges to the technicians who are responsible for fulfilling orders. Telco-dependent order processing systems also present a learning curve. Errors and misinterpretation can lead to systemic issues that can be both time consuming and costly to correct, and cause confusion until they are corrected.
The Central Office POTSDSLSpan Frame Wiring Course has been designed to help telco techs with relatively little experience to understand how to wire different frame types and different cross-connect circuits correctly, the first time.
Various circuit types include POTS, xDSL, tie-circuits, alarms, and any other type of blocks in use by the telco. Vertical (cable pair) and horizontal (OEline equipment) sides are shown, with multiple exercises for block and circuit locating. Different frame types (COSMIC, MDFCDF, Protector, ICDF, Fiber) and the connection types (punch-down, solder, fiber) are explained. A brief overview on central office equipment is also provided, to help students understand all the parts of the telephone network (i.e. what is a DACS, switch, adddrop multiplexer, channel bank, loop extender, cable vault, etc.)
Digital Cross-Connect (DSX) circuit wiring is also discussed, with exercises on IN, OUT, and MON, DS1, DS3, span patching, plus the different types of DSX panels available, and common plug types (Bantam 309, 310). Tip, ring, T1R1, and EM are explained, along with the standard telco wiring color code. Fiber optic types, safety, and good practices are also discussed.
The Frame Order Management System (FOMS) and Work Force Administration Dispatch In (WFADI) are also demonstrated, with multiple exercises to help build familiarity and confidence.
The course is intended Central Office Technicians, Installation Repair personnel, Electricians, TransportCarrier personnel, and others who may be responsible for CO frame wiring.
There is no prerequisite for this course, although some general background in Central Office equipment or telco practices may be helpful.
Module 1: Frames & The Subscriber Loop
- The Central Office
- Main Distribution Frame (MDF) vs. Central Distribution Frame (CDF)
- Common System Main Interconnecting Frame (COSMIC)
- Interconnect Distribution Frame (ICDF)
- Fiber Distribution Frame (FDF)
- Components of a Frame:
Vertical / Cable Pair
Horizontal / Line Equipment LEN/OE
Block Types
Protection Coil/Module Types, Testing
- Circuit Types:
POTS
DSL
Misc. (alarms, tie, NOC, etc.)
- Subscriber Loop
TR, T1R1, EM, SG/SB, Inside/Outside
Lines vs. Trunks
Loops, open, closed, AWG
Resistance, Inductance, Capacitance
Frequency Response, 3KHz VF, C-weighting
Loop Extenders, VFRs
Stubs, Opens, Shorts, Splices, Reflections
Coils/Protectors
DSL - data over a loop
- Examples
- Practice:
Finding Cable Pairs
Finding LEN/OE
Lead Types
- Terminology (cut sheet, shoe, short/open, tone-out, ANI, butt-in, etc.)
Module 2: Digital Cross Connects
- DSX Panels
Panel Types, plug-off, wire-wrap
IN, OUT, MON, Tx, Rx, Tip, Ring, T1, R1
T1/T3 Protection Modules
Wiring a Panel
Looping a Span
Patching a Span
- Test Sets - HP 4934/4935, T-Bird, Sunrise SW1000, Fluke 635, Sage 930, etc.
- Examples
- Practice:
Finding Spans
Plug-off vs. Loop vs. Patching
Dirty plugs, jacks, bad cable
Module 3: Fiber Optic Connects
- Fiber Safety & Good Practices
Class I thru IV LASERs
Jacket, cladding, fiber, cable dressing, fiber vs. copper
- Fiber Optics
Frames
Multimode, Singlemode, Filters, Splitters
Common frequencies (1310nm, 1490nm, etc.)
Connector Types: LC, FC, SC, MTP, etc.
Transceivers: SFP, QFP, XENPAK, etc.
Power Measurements
- Failure Modes
Insertion Loss
Bends, Removal/Insertion
UPC vs. APC polish, reflections
Degrading LASER (i.e. -1dB)
Module 4: Order Management
- Parts of an Order:
Circuit ID breakdown
In vs. Out, East vs. West
Cable Pair, LEN/OE
Bay Location
Order Type: In, Out, Change, Left-In
- Frame Order Management System (FOMS)
System Overview
Reading FOMS screens
Fault Codes, “Jeopardy” (Jep) Codes
- Work & Force Administration - Dispatch In (WFADI)
System Overview
Reading WFA screens
Examples
- Practice
Run an In Order
Run an Out Order
Troubleshoot a Circuit
This course is highly customizable, and can focus on any other particular areas desired, or be coordinated with an Overview or Maintenance course for a customized curriculum.
Instructor-Led with numerous exercises and examples throughout.
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.
