• Discuss the history of fiber optics evolution of fiber.
• Discuss fiber types and manufacturing methods.
• Discuss fiber optic theory and waveguide functions.
• Describe the causes of attenuation, optical reflection and refraction.
• Understand Optical Dispersion and Pulse Spreading Issues.
• List the three basic elements of fiber optic systems and discuss their uses.
• Describe various cables types and proper installation methods.
• Describe Safe Optical and Physical Work Practices.
• Understand the design of various Indoor Network Topologies.
• Discuss LAN specifications and standards.
• Recognize challenges for the Designer and Installer.
• Demonstrate safe hand tool use.
• Perform cable and fiber preparation techniques.
• Perform ST SC style connector assemblies.
• Demonstrate connectorized Jumper and Cable Assembly skills.
• Recognize other types of connectors currently available.
• Perform optical loss testing on jumpers and cable assemblies.
• Perform Visual Fault Locator techniques.
• Demonstrate troubleshooting techniques.
• Understand OTDR basic operation and testing methods.
• And More

MODULE: 1        FIBER OPTIC GENERAL STUDIES
 
I.        INTRODUCTION

•    Common Industry Terminology
•    History of Fiber Optics
•    Advantages/Disadvantages of Fiber Optics
•    Basics of a Fiber Optic Communications System
•    Fiber Types and Manufacturing Processes (VIDEO)
•    Typical Transmission Rates for Voice, Video & Data Applications
•    System Topologies
•    Fiber Optic Standards

II.      THEORY TOPICS

•    Theory of Light
•    Electromagnetic Spectrum
•    Total Internal Reflection (Singlemode)
•    Refraction  (Multimode)
•    Index of Refraction (Refractive Index)
•    Light Source’s (LED’s & LASER’s)
•    Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM)
•    Optical Switching Fundamentals

 
III.    FIBER TOPICS

•    Optical Fiber Types
•    Typical Fiber Specifications
•    Multimode Optical Fibers
•    Singlemode Optical Fibers
•    Dispersion Characteristics
•    Modal Dispersion
•    Chromatic Dispersion

IV.  FIBER CABLE TYPES

•    Outside Plant
•    Inside Plant
•    Loose tube Gel Filled (OSP)
•    Tight Buffered Distribution (ISP)
•    Tight Buffered Breakout (ISP)
•    Jumper Cables and Hybrids styles
•    Reverse Oscillation Locator (OSP)
•    Fiber Color Code

MODULE: 2        FIBER OPTIC SAFETY ISSUES

V.    SAFETY FIRST

•    LASER Safety and Warning labels
•    Types of LASER’s
•    LASER Output Power Levels
•    Eye Safety Precautions
•    Safe Glass Disposal Practices
•    Food and Drinks Not Safe
•    Proper Person Cleanliness
•    Safe Work Surroundings
•    Confined Spaces Issues

MODULE: 3         FIBER OPTIC CABLE INSTALLATION

         VI.    PROPER PLANNING

•    Project Considerations
•    Cable Pre-testing
•    Cable Reels Identification and Handling
•    Proper Cable Pulling Techniques
•    Outdoor Cable Design Characteristics
•    Direct Bury Cable Installation
•    Directional Boring Methods
•    Buried Cable Depths
•    Man Holes and Vaults
•    Cable Pulling Specifications
•    Tensile Strength and Bend Radius
•    Avoiding Installation Obstacles
•    Grounding and Bonding Fiber Cables
•    Identifying Cable Types
•    Work Area Protection Issues

MODULE: 4        FIBER OPTIC TESTING

VII.       BASIC TESTING INFORMATION

•    The dB Scale and Units of Loss
•    OTDR Functions for Testing
•    OTDR Testing for Splices, Distances and Back Reflection
•    OTDR Trace Guidelines
•    The Dead Zone
•    Trace Events and Interpretation
•    Testing at Various Wavelengths
•    System Loss Parameters
•    Calculating System Loss
•    Total System OTDR Testing
•    Optical Loss Test Set’s (OLTS)
•    Referencing the Test Set First
•    Measuring Cable System Loss
•    Documenting Test results

Hands-On Labs:


   Safety Meeting
 
  1 Cable Preparation Tools and Techniques

A.      Show the correct and safe usage of cable preparation tools

•    Cable Knife
•    Kevlar shears/snips
•    Tube Ring Tool
•    “T” strippers
 

B.     Tight Buffer Cables - Preparations for termination of jumpers and system cables

•    Measure and then Ring the cable jacket accordingly
•    Remove the out jacket to expose fibers and inner materials
•    Cut the Kevlar, nylon tape and any strength members
•    If necessary, ground the cable using recommended cable manufactures’
      procedures.

C.     Breakout & Fan Out Kits

•    Determine the type of kit if necessary
•    Prepare and clean the cable to match
•    Install fibers to kit
•    Label as necessary

D.    Connector Assembly

•    Determine connector type to be installed
•    Slide the connector boot onto each fiber
•    Remove the fiber coating with proper stripping tools
•    Clean the exposed fiber with alcohol pad
•    Apply epoxy to fiber and connector body
•    Insert fiber through connector & ferrule and let epoxy cure
•    Cleave fiber from ferrule end with hand scribe tool
•    Perform hand polishing techniques until fiber is flush with ferrule
•    Inspect polished fiber end with connector view scope
•    Determine polish quality for acceptance

 
   2 Testing Equipment and Methods
 
E.    Optical Loss Testing 

•    Reference the Light Source and Power Meter
•    Perform End to End and Link Loss Measurements
•    Measuring your equipment’s transmit power
•    Measuring your equipment’s receive power
•    Coupling Errors
•    Optic Attenuators
•    Documentation

F.     OTDR Testing

•    Operating an OTDR
•    Setup the OTDR for Testing
•    OTDR Test Functions:

a)      Acceptance Testing (Reel)
b)     Span Loss and Distance Testing
c)     Connector loss testing
d)     Back Reflection Testing
e)     Using the OTDR for Troubleshooting and Restoration

G.     Troubleshooting a Local Area Network

•    Power Meters
•    Visual Fault Finders
•    Fiber Identifiers
•    OTDR’s