Lectures

In addition to the lecture topics included in the Certified Fiber Optic Installer course, students will also learn the following industry-specific topics:

Lecture Topics Include

• Fiber Basics and Theory
• FTTx Architecture
• OLT Efficiency
• Passive Optical Network (PON) Systems: Applications, Networks, Design and Testing
• Active Systems: Applications, Networks, Design and Testing
• Splitters in PONs
• Splitter Signal Loss
• Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
• Cable Management
• FTTx Splicing, Connectorization, Construction and Testing
• OSP Concerns
• Connectors in OSP
• ITU Specifications
• Ribbon Considerations
• Hardened Connectors vs Field Splicing
• FTTx Delivery Options
• Active/PON (FTTH) Qualification and Troubleshooting

TL-01B – OSP Loose Tube Armored Cable Preparation

• Understand cable jacket markings.
• Properly prepare an OSP cable for jacket removal.
• Properly use a jacket stripper or ringing tool.
• Strip off the jacket using the pull strings.
• Strip off all inner binders using a seam ripper.
• Handle the buffer without damaging the fiber within.

TL-01E – Buffer Tube Fan Out Kit (BTFO)

• Set up and position an OSP cable in preparation for the BFTO assembly.
• Strip off the buffer tube using a ring cut tool.
• Clean the gel off all fibers within a buffer tube without damaging any of the fibers.
• Properly insert the individual fibers into the BFTO furcation tube module.
• Properly assembly and secure the completed BFTO housing onto the buffer tube.

 TL-02A – Fusion Splicing 

• Properly prepare an inside plant cable for mounting into a splice tray.
• Demonstrate the proper way to strip, clean, cleave, and fusion splice 900µm fiber.
• Properly pre-trim the individual fibers into the splice tray before fusion splicing.
• Properly set up and fusion splice the individual fibers together.
• Properly wrap (form & dress) the individual fibers back into the tray.

TL-03A – Mechanical Splice Connector

• Properly prepare a simplex cable for this connector termination method.
• Properly use a precision cleaver for this termination method.
• Successfully mate a cleaved cable end into a mechanical splice-on connector.
• Test the assembly to TIA Tier 1 standard.

TL-03F – Splice-On Connector (Single Mode)

• To understand how to adapt a fusion splicer for a generic fuse-on connector.
• To demonstrate the ability to adapt fiber strip measurements to any fusion splicer.
• To perform a visual inspection when completed and properly test to TIA Tier 1 standard.

TL-04A – Mechanical Splice

• Perform a mechanical splice with < .3 dB of attenuation.
• Explain the benefits of Index Matching Gel.
• Use a precision cleaver to prepare fibers for splicing.
• Calculate A-B and B-A loss.

TL-05A – Pigtail Fusion Splice

• Perform a fusion splice with ≤ 0.1 dB of attenuation.
• Use a precision cleaver to prepare fibers for splicing.
• Calculate A-B and B-A loss.

TL-06A – Power Meter & Light Source Testing

• Use a VFL (Visual Fault Locator).
• Understand the functions of Light Source & Power Meters.
• Properly calibrate or reference the instruments prior to testing.
• Test fiber optic segments and record the results.
• Know the purpose of and how to connect reference patch cords.
• Make accurate loss measurements.
• Perform Bi-Directional Testing.
• Know storage and download capabilities for reporting.

TL-07A – Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) Testing

• Make a reliable connection from the OTDR to the Fiber Under Test. (FUT).
• Use a USB optical probe to inspect the connectors.
• Be familiar with launch or pulse suppressor boxes and cables.
• Determine parameters to set up classic OTDR.
• Interpret typical reflective events in an OTDR trace test
• Know parameters that help make more accurate location of breaks.
• Use an OTDR in a real-time mode during cable installation and splicing.
• Save and print OTDR trace reports.

TL-18C FTTX Assembly & Testing

• Understand how to properly set-up a FTTX type cabling system.
• Understand how FTTX segments and their components are put together and taken apart.
• Demonstrate that each individual component can pass light.
• Test and analyze the individual cable components using various testing devices.
• Demonstrate that the entire assembled segment can pass light.
• Test and analyze the entire assembled segments including a using an OTDR.

TL20-A – Determining Power and Loss Budgets

• The student will learn to evaluate a simple campus fiber segment.
• The student will learn to determine if a fiber segment will perform properly.

Prerequisites: None

Knowledge or experience in the areas of Fiber Optic Advantages and Applications, Cables, Connectors and Terminations, Enclosures and Panels, and Test Equipment would be helpful, but is not required.

Target Audience

Students that have a desire to work in the field testing and terminating fiber optic networks leading to a certification.