A recent article on network
maintenance made these suggestions: For fiber optic cabling maintenance, inspect the
connectors and cables, do an end face inspection (min. 400X scope),
clean the connector end face, clean and inspect the coupler sleeve
(coupler microscope), complete periodic insertion loss tests,
perform an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) test (reference
to original acceptance trace), do a signal output test on active
components checking for degradation, remove dust from cabinets
or patch panels, and check pressure of splice cases.
We must disagree for several
reasons:
1. Most harm to fiber optic systems is done by messing with them.
Even with care and careful, experienced techs, it's possible
to damage connectors or cables when mating/unmating or moving
them around.
a. It's easy to get dirt into mating adapters or on connectors
whenever they are exposed to the air - why risk it?
b. Mating and unmating may wear the interface (both endface rubbing
against the mating connector and the outside of the ferrule scraping
materials off the mating adapter - especially bad with cheap
plastic alignment bushings) and cause higher loss.
c. A 400X microscope will concentrate power in a cable into the
eye, potentially harmful with 850 nm VCSELs used in >gigabit
networks. Besides 400X is too high a magnification for inspection
of anything but a factory-polished singlemode connector.
d. Such inspection procedures require bringing the network down,
unacceptable in almost every instance. Guaranteed to get you
in trouble with the network manager.
How do you maintain a fiber
network properly - LEAVE IT ALONE!
FTTH
News
FOA FTTx Summit Meeting Coming
To Boston June 12 , 2007
The FOA, responding to industry
needs to provide more trained techs for FTTx instalations, will
be doing East Coast versions of our very successful FTTx Summit
Meetings aimed at contractors, installers, teachers and vendors.
Following up on the highly successful "Fiber
To The Home" Summit Meeting this January at LA Trade Technical
College in Los Angeles, The FOA has scheduled Summit meetings
in New England in June.
The FOA FTTx Summit is aimed
at installers, contractors and instructors who want to know more
about FTTx technology, training and job opportunities. Presentations
and displays by industry leaders and FTTx implementers/employers
will allow attendees to learn from and meet the people involved.
Participating in the NE meetings
will be Verizon, discussing
FTTP technology, implementation and .
Corning and JDSU will discuss
FTTx markets and technology, as will other vendors including
(tentatively) OFS, AFL and ADC.
The FOA will discuss FTTx training,
certification and job opportunities.
On June 12, we'll be the guests
of New Hampshire Technical College at Pease near Portsmouth,
NH, as the guests of Dave Miller who teaches the FOA program
at the college.
FOA FTTx Summit meetings will
be full day meetings with lunch provided. Threre are no fees
to attend.
Full details on the meetings
and signup forms will be posted online on the FOA website
(http://www.thefoa.org/ ) or those interested may sign up
for the FOA email newsletter list (http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101552677850
) to be notified.
Want To Learn More About
FTTx?
The FOA has created a special
FTTx resources
section of our website with a FTTx
links page with lots of links to news, market reports, technical
articles and vendor technical and product information. Here
is a great place to start learning more about FTTx.
FiberFest is a one-day tabletop
trade show of fiberoptic products focusing on the regional markets
of New England. Exhibits include a wide range of OEM and
end-user products including fiber optic connectors, active &
passive components, fiber & cable; CATV equipment, imaging
fiber optics, connector polishing and inspection equipment, test
equipment, and design and installation services. The markets
addressed include OEM, medical, CATV, telecom, datacom, broadcasting,
Internet, security, education, sensors, and MIL-Aero. The one-day
event also includes a Symposium covering the latest advances
in fiberoptic technologies, equipment and, networks. Symposium
focus this year is "The Optical Future for Broadband Access:
Progress and Perspectives."
Thanks to all our readers
who wrote to ask if Google TISP was real or to tell us it was a joke!
Well, remember it was
April 1 when they announced it!
Google Enters Broadband Home
Connection Market
With Free FTTT* Offering Called
!
On April 1, Google announced
their new, free broadband service that connects to an in home
wireless router with a optical fiber that users can install themselves!
No more waiting for the telco to bring fiber to your home, no
expensive sign-up costs, no long term contracts. This is one
of the biggest FTTx developments this month. Google must be "flushed"
with pride!
Be sure to read the . .
Home Tech
Once a home has a broadband connection,
which we hope is fiber to the home, but could be DSL or Cable
Modem, the usage of all that bandwidth depends on distribution
within the home. The in-home connections can be UTP or Coax copper,
wireless or fiber. But architects and home builders must learn
how to build homes to take advantage of broadband connections.
The FOA, in conjunction with the Structured Cabling Association,
have started working with home builders to bring them up to speed.
You can see the first tutorial we have jointly developed .
Download This!
There are tons of technical
application notes and videos on the web, and occasionally we
recommend some you should download. The JDSU fiber testing guide
is really worthwhile, as are the ADC FTTx book and Westover video
on fiber inspection and cleaning, linked below.
JDSU Testing Book
JDSU offers a free download of their
Testing Guide from the Lightwave website. This is one great book
which explains some basic fiber technology, but the real value
is the last half which deals with OTDR testing. Not only does
it give the usual info, but it covers important topics like measurement
uncertainties and anomolies like ghosts and gainers.
I was in the testing business
for 20+ years at Fotec and think this book is one of the best
fiber optic testing texts available. It's complete but comprehenisble!
I used to believe that premises techs did not need OTDR training,
but now OTDR manufacturers are pushing their use in premises
networks. Unfortunately, the limitations of OTDRs in premises
applications can cause extreme problems for those who are not
aware of their limitations. So knowing hows OTDRs work is essential
information to every tech.
JH
Download yourself a copy and
read it!
Westover Application Notes
And Cleaning Video
Westover has several application
notes on inspecting and cleaning fiber optic connectors. The
video is a big file (50+MB) but a good tutorial.
Download page:
ADC's Book On FTTx
ADC has an excellend book on
FTTx. Here is a link to request a copy:
Now In Spanish: FOA Textbook
& Text For FOA Advanced Certifications
The FOA's textbook, The
Fiber Optic Technicians Manual, is used by our approved
schools around the world to teach fiber optics. Book Details:
Manual Del Technico De Fibra Optica, Published by Thomson
Delmar Learning, ISBN 1-4180-6121-2
If you are getting started
in fiber optics and Spanish is your native language, you can
download an introduction to fiber optics in Spanish here.
Are there really 5 different
ways to test optical fiber cabling after installation? Why so
many? How do the measurements - and more importantly the measurement
results - differ? What are the advanteages and disadvantages
of each method?
How do you design and manufacture
fiber optic systems? Choose and install one to serve your communications
needs? Troubleshoot problems? The FOA Fiber Optic Technical Bulletins
will provide step-by-step guidelines to help you. All are
PDF files you can download, print and use.
Bob Ballard of FOA-Approved
School
has a neat website with some good technical content. Be sure to pay particular attention
to these pages:
and
Like Good Technical Videos?
Try NECA/IBEW/JATC's
.
Assist
In Defining What A "Fiber Optic Technician" Is
Ron Wandscher from Research Triangle
Institute (RTI) in Raleigh, North Carolina. RTI, a non-profit
international social research organization, has been retained
by the United States Department of Labor (OMB # 1205-0421) to
assist them with the O*NET Data Collection Program. O*NET stands
for Occupational Information Network and is a database accessible
by the public via the internet ( http://www.onetcenter.org/)
at no cost, which provides information about the skills, tasks,
work context, and knowledge requirements of 900+ occupations
in the United States. It replaces the 70-year old Dictionary
of Occupational Titles as the nation's primary source of occupational
information. The U.S. Department of Labor believes the maintenance
of this database plays an integral role in assuring the vitality
of the American economy. You may obtain more information about
this program by visiting the U.S. Department of Labor,s website
at http://www.doleta.gov/programs/onet/.
The objective of the O*NET program
is to obtain representative samples of workers in each of these
900+ occupations and have them complete brief, objective questionnaires
which will be used to populate this database with current and
essential information. I am contacting The Fiber Optic Association
(FOA) because our focus is now on the occupations of "Photonics
Engineers and Photonics Technicians". I am hoping your organization
can identify experts in these occupations among your membership.
In order to insure that this
occupation is accurately represented within the O*NET database,
your organization has been identified as one of the organizations
in the United States that might have these occupations amongst
your members. As such, I would like to speak with you to gauge
the extent to which your organization is able to assist with
this important program.
Thank you for your assistance.
Ron Wandscher
Business Liaison
RTI International
O*NET Data Collection Program / USDOL
Toll Free: 877-233-7348, ext. 108
"Ron Wandscher" <rwandscher@onet.rti.org>
Job
Openings
ADC Looking For CO Techs
DC Power Installers and Equipment
Installer Level III Candidates. We are looking for individuals
who have proven success working in a Central Office environment.
Candidates should have the ability to lead others and to travel
extensively.
We are currently looking for
a Central Office Equipment Installer, level III for Newark,
N.J and surrounding areas.
Equipment Installers are responsible
for the installation of equipment used in voice, video, fiber
optics and data telecommunications networks. Level III Installers
also, analyze, plan, layout and assign installation activity
to other installation personnel. Act as subject matter expert
on provisioning, activating and testing ADC and OEM electronic
equipment.
We are currently looking for DC Power Equipment Installers,
Level IV to cover installation projects in the Northeastern part
of the country. DC Power Equipment Installers are responsible
for the installation of equipment such as batteries, rectifiers,
PBD's, BDFB's and associated infrastructure used in telecommunications
networks. Analyze, plan, layout and assign installation activity
to other installation personnel. Act as subject matter expert
on provisioning, activating and testing 24 and 48 volt DC electronic
equipment. Candidates should have experience programming DGU(s),
LMS(s), Milleniums, Galaxy(s)s, etc.
Candidates are invited to post
their resumes on our web site, .
Once there, Candidates can view open jobs and apply to them by
clicking on the "careers" link.
Kevin Geathers,
Sr. Staffing Specialist
ADC Telecommunications
1-800-833-8843 x 6317
Techs For Work In Iraq
Contact Juan Stewart <juan.stewart@de1solution.com>
Verizon:
Fiber Network Field Technician (Outside Field Technician)
Openings in the following areas:
CA, TX, WA, OR, VA, MA, NJ, RI
Take your career to new heights at a company that's a leader
in global communications: Verizon. We offer an unparalleled opportunity
to advance your career while contributing in an enthusiastic,
team-oriented environment.
Primary duties include, but
are not limited to:
Install, remove, rearrange,
program, test, troubleshoot and maintain fiber network services.
Install and configure routers, set top boxes. May assist
with installation of PC software as needed and ensure proper
configuration of the customer's PC. Interact with the Fiber
Solution Center as needed. May install appropriate inside
wire/cable.
Install, maintain and repair outside and inside fiber equipment/facilities
including inside wiring and fiber jumpers at the distribution
hub.
Interface with customer to negotiate the placement of equipment;
may assist with account registration, e-mail, and web access,
and training the customer on how to use the new equipment. Ensure
customer satisfaction. Respond to inquiries and provide
follow-up, as necessary.
Interpret schematic work order drawings to determine job specifications
and installation needs. Order and/or obtain required equipment.
Effect problem solving where appropriate.
Utilize various test equipment to analyze equipment trouble and
take appropriate maintenance action.
Skills/Requirements:
Requires high level of customer
contact to ensure customer satisfaction.
Climbing poles and ladders; lifting 75-100 pounds on a regular
basis; pushing, reaching, bending and stooping; manual dexterity;
good sense of balance; and good color vision.
Must have a current/valid California Drivers License and a clean
driving record.
Qualified candidates must pass all company required tests, a
pre-employment drug screen and a background check. In addition,
candidates will be required to successfully pass a legally required
DOJ Criminal Records Check/screening process (fingerprinting).
Candidates must be able to work any shift given, including days,
weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
Verizon offers:
Hourly rate for this position
is $12.87-28.55. Wage credit may be granted for related
work experience and/or college degree.
Benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k) with
Company match and paid vacation
interested candidates should
go to
to apply AND schedule themselves for testing.
Thank you for showing an
interest in Verizon!
Verizon is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer supporting
workforce diversity. m/f/d/v. Principals only!
Finisar Corp has the following
immediate job openings.
1. Field application engineers -East Coast
Providing field application support for east coast, covering
various products from transceiver, transponder to discrete telecom
components. Good communication skills, and document writing skills,
and with technical understanding of product spec, test and reliability.
2. 300 pin Transponder development, technical managers
Multi-year experience in developing optoelectronics
modules, team building experience, hardware/firmware knowledge,
and OE module testing/standard.
3. 300 pin Transponder development engineers: 2 openings
Multi-year experience in developing relevant
optoelectronics modules, hardware design or software design,
digital/high speed PCB design.
4. Sales managers for Texas area
Regional sales managers for optoelectronic transceiver sales
in Texas region. Multi year sales experience required. If you are interested, please email <frank.fan@finisar.com>
with your resumes.
Optical Fiber Manufacturing
Process Engineer
Job opening: This leading
manufacturing of speciality optical fibers and optical fiber
assemblies needs an Optical Fiber Manufacturing Process
Engineer. This Persons main responsibility will
be to assist production in the development and implementation
of new optical fiber
manufacturing operation procedures and facilities .
This candidate should be a degreed engineer with at least
3 to 5 years experience in the manufacture
of specialty optical fibers to include silicone, polymide, acrylate
and hard clad silica fiber claddings.
The candidate should also be familiar with state-of-the-art fiber
drawing towers and related equipment
and recommend improvements to reduce manufacturing costs and
assist sales with technical inquiries.
This world wide company has lots of personnel opportunities
for growth .
Al Bratland · President
Bratland & Associates, Inc. P.O. Box 63 St. James MN. 56081
Phone: 507-375-4110 · Email: al@bratlandcareers.com
Web: A Preferred Member of Top Echelon
Network of Recruiters
Cable Splicing Technicians-Multiple
Locations
API Systems has been in business
since 1992 and has fostered long lasting relationships amongst
various Fortune clients, cutting edge technology companies and
government clients. At this time, we have openings for Cable
Splicing Technicians for a 6 month project in multiple locations.
If interested, please review below and contact me for more information.
Makes and completes splices
in various types of communication cables;
Makes rearrangements in existing splices of such cables
Cuts in cable terminals
Makes cable terminations
Tests, locates and corrects faults in such splices and cables
when required
Places cable and terminals when required
Prepares records and reports as required
Does other preventive and corrective cable maintenance work,
etc.
Training provided if necessary
Locations available:
All locations in Texas
Kansas (Topeka, Wichita)
Oklahoma (Tulsa, Oklahoma City)
Missouri (St. Louis, Raytown, Springfield, Joplin)
Arkansas (Little Rock, Hope, Warren, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff,
Batesville, Jonesboro)
Duration: 6 months
Steve Colavito API Systems, Inc.
scolavito@apimail.net
| Ph: 973 328 3328 x 246 | Cell: 732 996 4305 | Fax: 973
328 3371 |
| 3117 Route 10 East Denville NJ 07834 |
|
About API Systems, Inc.:
Founded in 1992, API Systems is an IT Services Company offering
our expertise to various well known, quality-driven clients nationwide.
With global capabilities, API is devoted to promoting increased
profitability and productivity through the efficient use
of IT. Award Winning Solution Provider
·
IT Infrastructure
·
Audio Video and Content Delivery
·
Application Development and Maintenance
·
Staffing and Project Services
Technical Personnel Available
-Experienced In Manufacturing Fiber Optic Components and Systems
Northrop Grumman decided to
close its Fibersense Technology facility in Canton, MA . The
facility employs 160 people, producing Fiber Optics Gyroscopes.
Fiber optic gyro is made of state of the art PM fibers, phase
modulators, splitters, light sources (fiber and diode sources),
receivers,
with advanced packaging and electronics implementation. The hardware
and production line are being transferred to the west coast plants.
This phase-out started already, and the tentative closure is
by July.
Expert resources are available and looking for alternative
employment in Massachusetts:
Optical technicians
Fiber optics sensor assembly technicians
Electrical technicians
Photonic R &D technician
All categories of engineers
If you have an interest in any of the above, please send me e
mail and I will ask the relevant people to contact you.
Ram Yahalom
R & D Manager
Northrop Grumman - Navigation System Division
Canton, MA
Ram.Yahalom@NGC.com
781-232-2225 (w)
Also Check Recent Job Openings
In Previous Issues of The FOA Newsletter
Tech Puzzler
What is this? This OTDR trace
shows a common feature that confuses many new OTDR users. For
the answer, see below.
Reading these will help you
understand what each FOA certification covers and how to prepare
for them.
New Professional Society
for Structured Cabling Recognizes Importance of Fiber Optics
(and Wireless)
The new Structured Cabling Association,
Inc. ()
is a professional society aimed at installers of "structured
cabling" or premises cabling. Structured cabling has been
focused on so-called "Cat 5" or UTP cabling for years,
while network speeds have left UTP behind. Now most backbones
for LANs are fiber optics and every network seems to have wireless.
The SCA, founded in part by FOA activists Tom Collins and Jim
Hayes, intends to make structured cabling training and certification
more relevant to today's world.
FOA Logo Merchandise
FOA has arranged with EmbroidMe
to provide FOA logo merchandies. Identify yourself as a FOA-certified
tech or instructor. The lab coats are super impressive for either
cabling techs and instructors. .
FOA CFOT Renewals Get Free
Copy of NECA/FOA Installation Standard
Every CFOT renewal will now
receive a free copy of NECA 301-2004,
Installing And Testing Fiber Optic Cables, produced by
The FOA in cooperation with NECA (The National Electrical Contractors
Association). This is an important reference document for defining
the installation and testing of fiber optic cable plants in a
"neat and workmanlike manner."
The FOA feels this is such an
important document that we are giving a free copy (normally priced
at $15) to every active CFOT when they renew their active status.
The FOA has also sent free copies
to all FOA-Approved schools. The new FOA CFOT exam to be used
after August, 2005, will include questions from the standard.
Schools should be including information from the standard in
their classes already.
FOA Certification Top Choice
The FOA CFOT and CFOS programs continue to gain momentum in fiber
optics. Over 20,000 CFOTs have been certified by over 160 schools
as the FOA enters its 12th year. Since our founding in July,
1995, we have dedicated ourselves to promoting fiber optics and
professionalism in fiber optics personnel, focusing on education
and certification. We are continuing to add new schools and more
CFOTs as users of fiber optics learn that a CFOT is the indication
of a professional, well-trained fiber optic technician. Now with
FTTH (fiber to the home) finally taking off, demand for CFOTs
is rising and schools are responding by expanding programs rapidly.
The FOA now has approved programs
at 160+ organizations, welcoming new additions like the Joint
Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the International Brotherhood
of Electrical Workers, and
for their installation training programs and NASA's Goldstone
Tracking Station. The complete list of FOA-Approved schools is
at http://www.thefoa.org/foa_aprv.htm.
Your Name, CFOT - It pays
to advertise!
The FOA encourages CFOTs to use
the logo on their business cards, letterhead, truck or van, etc.
and provides logo
files on this site for that purpose. But we are also asked
about how to use the CFOT or CFOS certifications. Easy, you can
refer to yourself as "Your Name, CFOT" or "Your
Name, CFOS/T" for example.
Feel free to use the logo and
designations to promote your achievements and professionalism!
Remember To Renew Your Certification
!
Remember to renew your FOA certification.
All current CFOTs have a ID Card with their certification data
and we keep a database of current CFOTs to answer inquiries regarding
your qualifications if needed. You must be a current FOA member
and CFOT to participate in our online
database of installers, contractors, technicians and consultants.
If you forgot to renew, use the online
application form to renew NOW!
To
Contact The FOA:
The
Fiber Optic Association
1119 S Mission Road,
# 355
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Office Hours 10AM-5
PM Pacific Time
Telephone: 760-451-3655
Fax: 781-207-2421
info@thefoa.org
Want to write for the FOA
Newsletter? Send us articles, news, anything you think might
be interesting to the rest of the membership!
The multiple reflections
in the fiber from a highly reflective event - the end of the
fiber in this case - causes another peak at twice the distance
of the real feature.
See the
for a complete tutorial on OTDRs and more.
FiberFest is a one-day tabletop
trade show of fiberoptic products focusing on the regional markets
of New England. Exhibits include a wide range of OEM and
end-user products including fiber optic connectors, active &
passive components, fiber & cable; CATV equipment, imaging
fiber optics, connector polishing and inspection equipment, test
equipment, and design and installation services. The markets
addressed include OEM, medical, CATV, telecom, datacom, broadcasting,
Internet, security, education, sensors, and MIL-Aero. The one-day
event also includes a Symposium covering the latest advances
in fiberoptic technologies, equipment and, networks. Symposium
focus this year is "The Optical Future for Broadband Access:
Progress and Perspectives."
JDSU offers a free download of their
Testing Guide from the Lightwave website. This is one great book
which explains some basic fiber technology, but the real value
is the last half which deals with OTDR testing. Not only does
it give the usual info, but it covers important topics like measurement
uncertainties and anomolies like ghosts and gainers.
Now In Spanish: FOA Textbook
& Text For FOA Advanced Certifications
FOA Logo Merchandise
