Objectives
This online course will provide you with all the knowledge and requirements that are needed to effectively characterize your optical infrastructure. You will learn about all the requirements for engineering and for qualifying the optical fiber links that utilize specific bit rates in regards to both metro and long haul spans.
Lectures
In this course you will learn about:
- Tests that are required for fiber characterization
- Transmission limits as a function of bit rate and applications
- The effects of Chromatic Mode Dispersion and Polarization Mode Dispersion on high speed signals such as 10G, 40G, and 100G
- OTDR theory and Bi-directional splice characterization
- ORL and the consequences of high ORL
Introduction to Fiber Characterization
- What is Fiber Characterization?
- Why is it needed?
- Legacy networks and today’s networks
Fiber Optic Basic Review
- Transmission basics
- Light propagation
- Causes of optical loss
- Types of Fiber
Inspection and Cleaning of Fiber
- Inspection Tools
- Proper cleaning practices
- Inspection assessment
End-to-End Loss
- Connector loss
- Splice loss
- Power budget calculations
- Test methodologies
- OTLS functionality
Optical Return Loss
- Consequences of high ORL
- ORL limits
- ORL test tools
- ORL testing
OTDR
- How an OTDR works
- Reflectance
- Dead zones
- Setting up the OTDR
- Manual measurements
Chromatic Dispersion
- Causes of Chromatic Dispersion
- Limits of Chromatic Dispersion
- Chromatic Dispersion testing
- Compensation
Polarization Mode Dispersion
- Causes of PMD
- Mode coupling
- PMD limits
- PMD testing
- Isolating high PMD areas
Bi-Directional Trace Analysis
- Post analysis software
- Creating templates
- Applying templates
- Generating splice reports
Reports
- Transferring data
- Compiling data
- Generating a report
Labs
There are no labs associated with this course.
Prerequisites: Level 3
Master in Testing (TR-MFT) is the prerequisite to become a fiber characterization technician.
Target Audience
This course is intended for those looking for an overview of fiber characterization basics. It will familiarize the student with terminology and the factors and events commonly seen in a trace.
