May, 2008
In This Issue
Training in BagdadFOA Creates New  Reference Guide  For “Fiber Optic Network Design”
New Tech Bulletin On Fiber Optic Network Restoration
Fiber Optics Goes Fast - In Racing Cars!
FOA  To Offer Two Courses At IBEW/NECA NJATC National Training Institute
FOA Co-Sponsors POF2008
Need A Rugged LC Connector? Molex Has It!

Worth Reading: How To Tap Fiber, Active FO Cables, Who is George Glider?
Looking For Jobs - several this month. See Below
NEW: Sign up for the new FOA eMail Newsletter

The Archives: Previous Issues:
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Current Issue of FOA Newsletter


Looking For a FOA-Certified Fiber Optic Installer? Use the FOA Installer Database Free! CFOT's register online.


CFOT Training In Bagdad
CFOT training in Bagdad
The FOA recently helped a group of Marines in Bagdad set up a fiber optic training program. We worked with them on the setup and provided them with a FOA Starter Kit for curriculum. Our contact, Sgt. Garcia, was experienced and an enthusiastic instructor. After his first class, he sent us these photos to show the training classes in Badgad. We're proud of these guys for their great job and welcome our new CFOTs! More photos.




FOA Creates New  Reference Guide
To Support Certification For “Fiber Optic Network Design”

You will want to read it even if you are not in a certification class!

The FOA has published another "Tech Bulletin" on the FOA Tech Topics Website that covers fiber optic network design. It's a comprehensive overview of the design process, breaking it into 16 individual topics that total 30 pages of mostly text. The organization of this document has been chosen to cover topics in order of the actual design process, from getting started - like deciding if you want to use fiber - through selecting routes, choosing equipment and components, choosing contractors and installers, managing the job, documentation and maintenance.
We suggest you download and print a copy for reference. And give us feedback on how to make it even better!

Download "Designing Fiber Optic Networks" now. (1.3 MB PDF file)

Many FOA-approved schools intend to offer Design courses.
Read more.

Why we need a design cert!
(Direct quote from a CFOT installing cable) "I'm at the end of an install. One last thing to finish. Pull a 6 fiber cable from a
closet to a  manhole 115 ft away. Of course when the builder laid the 4" duct I can only conclude they got lost! They came out of the building 60 ft. Instead of a 45 degree and straight from there to the vault they put in a 90. 130 feet later they must have figured out they were headed in the wrong direction because they put in an other 90 and then went about 150 feet to the vault. Total duct length was 330 to 400 feet!! No pull boxes or access points. And best of all - no pull string."
 

New Tech Bulletin On Fiber Optic Network Restoration
We've also just added to the FOA Tech Topics Website a Tech Bulletin on "Fiber Optic Restoration." Fiber optic restoration is more than fixing a cut cable in a panic mode - it starts with the network design stage where one plans for an eventual emergency restoration, creates a plan and documentation, stores supplies and has people trained and ready to respond.
Using fiber optics? Download and read this now!

Download Guide To Fiber Optic Network Restoration now. 
(88 kB PDF file)


Coming Soon: New FOA Certification on Premises Cabling

Menards DAS
Fiber Optics Goes Fast - In Racing Cars!

At the recent SAE 2008 World Congress, the most exciting application of optical fiber was in racing cars by Menard Engines where data loggers were connected to a controller using connectorless POF links.  A weight savings of 10-12 pounds was realized and substantial reduction in the cost of the wiring harness. in addition to the weight and cost savings, the ability to terminate in the field and flexibility of installation were also important benefits pointed out by the design engineer.



FOA  To Offer Two Technical Courses At IBEW/NECA NJATC National Training Institute
The FOA will participate in this summer's 
National Training Institute of the IBEW/NECA NJATC. FOA President Jim Hayes will teach a course on how to teach a course for the new FOA Design certification, Fiber Optic Communication Network Design, (T146) and FOA board member Tom Collins of Gateway Community and Technical College in Cincinnati will present Fiber Optic Installation - Hands-On Training for Instructors  (T241).
Attendance is limited to IBEW/NECA members. For more information, see the NJATC NTI website.



Worth Reading:

How To Tap Fiber and How To Detect Tapping
We get an occasional call of how to tap fiber or detect tapping. A google search turns up this government document that tells you how to do it! http://www.ncs.gov/library/tech_bulletins/2000/tib_00-7.pdf

Active Optic Cables Allow Legacy Systems To Use Fiber (Lightwave) 
Put the E/O/E converters in the connector and use fiber cable - connect systems that use copper with fiber for all the usual reasons (distance, security, etc.)

Who is George Glider and Why Is He Important In The Fiber Optic Business? (MIT Technology Review)
"Gilder argued that just as the microprocessor had introduced previously unimaginable processing power, so the fiber-optic construction boom would usher in a world of instantaneous communication and infinite bandwidth: the telecosm. He predicted that it would make "the CPU ... peripheral, the network central," and that it would enable anyone to launch a product, company, or political movement." Glider got blamed for both the telecom boom and the bursting of the bubble. More than $500 billion was lost in just a few years and between 2001 and 2004, 216 telecommunications companies went bankrupt. Like it or not, Glider was certainly partially responsible for the fiber optic industry we know today.


POF News
POF2008 FOA Co-Sponsors POF 2008

The 17th International Conference on Plastic Optical Fibers will be held from Monday, August 25th, to Thursday , August 28th, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, California.

The conference will be combined with POFWORLD 2008, thus guaranteeing a larger attendance compared to the last two POF Conferences. In addition, the organizers, Information Gatekeepers Inc. (IGI) and the International Cooperative of Plastic Optical Fiber (ICPOF), plans to promote the event as holiday venue for attendees because of the large number of cultural and family oriented locations in the silicon valley and surrounding areas.

The main conference program will be held from Tuesday, August 26th, to Thursday , August 28th, with exhibits open during the conference. Tutorials will be organized covering a wide range of POF topics on Monday, August 25th.

"East Meets West" - a POF design workshop - will be held the week before POF2008, August 20-22 in the same location.

Read more: http://pof2008.com/
  • POFTO Organizes session at SAE 2008 on "Recent Developments in Plastic Optical Fibers for Automotive OEMs and  the After Market"
        The SAE 2008 World Congress was held at COBO Hall April 14-17, 2008. for the second year in a row, POFTO has organized a session aimed at the U.S. OEMs and their suppliers. The POFTO session was on Monday morning. Topics and Speakers included:
    1. "State of  POF Technology and Applications", Paul Polishuk, POFTO and Information Gatekeepers inc.
    2. " MOST up to Date", Henry Muyshondt, MOST COOPERATION Technical Liaison and SMSC
    3. " POF MOST Connectors and Associated Equipment", Paul Mulligan POFTO and FibrFin
    4. " Challenge for High Temperature Resistant POF Cable for Future MOST Systems", Ken Eben, POFTO and Mitsubishi International and Kazuki Nakamura, Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
         Paul Polishuk reviewed recent developments in POF technology including fibers, sources, connectors, modulation schemes, and new products with special emphasis on automotive applications. Recent research results over the past year were covered including 40Gbps over 100 meters at 1550nm by researchers at Georgia Tech, modulation of LEDs up to 1 Gbps, transmission of 1 Gbps over step index PMMA fiber by Olaf Ziemann of POFAC and S. Randel of Siemens, 10Gbps over 300 meters of PF GI POF, and 100 Mbps over 275 meters of SI POF by the POF-ALL group in Europe..
         Recent applications were described for IPTV in Europe where POF Do-It-Yourself kits are provided to consumers by Deutsch Telekom and Swisscom to guarantee Quality of Service from the broadband termination on the side of the house or apartment and the set top box.
  •    The most exciting recent application was in racing cars by Menard Engines where data loggers were connected to a controller using connectorless POF links.  A weight savings of 10-12 pounds was realized and substantial reduction in the cost of the wiring harness. in addition to the weight and cost savings, the ability to terminate in the field and flexibility of installation were also important benefits pointed out by the design engineer.
         Henry Muyshondt, the MOST Cooperation Technical Liaison and SMSC, described the present status of MOST in automobiles. Here are a few of the highlights of his presentation:
    1. There are now 58 models of cars with MOST  that use POF. This equates to 55 million optical nodes which are increasing at a rate of 12-13 million a year.
    2. Three new Korean auto manufacturers introduced MOST using POF in 2008. These included Hyundai, KIA, and San Yong
    3. Toyota introduced MOST using copper in 2008
    4.  The next generation of MOST will be 150 Mbps starting in the 2012 model year and the speed will be adequate for the next 5-10 years. The 150 Mbps systems will use the same optical infrastructure as used at 25 Mbps. To make this point, Muyshondt referred to a MOST demo at CES 2008 in which 18 standard TVs, 3 HDTVs, and ethernet were transmitted over a 150 Mbps system.
         Copies of the presentations are available to POFTO members free of charge. All other can purchase copied from POFTO.

  • Need A Rugged LC Connector? Molex Has It!
    Molex has introduced a metallic body LC connector the LC2 that is designed for harsh environments. It is identical to plastic body LCs with a ceramic ferrule, but the body is aluminum to withstand high temperature and latches are rugged stainless steel. Now you have an alternative fiber optic connector for harsh environments. More.
     

    FOA Tech Topics - New Videos
    We continue expanding the Tech Topics section and have added some videos. These videos, in a format familiar to the "You Tube" users among you, cover cable prep, termination with epoxy/polish connectors, mechanical splicing and insertion loss testing.
    You need Quicktime to view these videos which you can download free here from the Apple website.
    If you know of other videos (especially manufacturer training videos) that we might be able to get permission to include here, let us know.
     

    A Valid Question On The OM3 Fiber System
    An instructors at one of the FOA-Approved schools had an interesting question on the OM3 standard. He wanted to know if connectors and panel-mounted mating adapters should be color coded aqua too. Well, certainly they should, but connector manufacturers are reluctant to produce yet another colored connector.
    For ages, beige connectors were multimode, blue singlemode and green singlemode APC. In today's cable plants, beige is already used for both 50 and 62.5 fiber. Obviously any connector on an aqua cable is going to be OM3. In the past, we've had all metal connectors (e.g. ST, FC) that could not be colored and color-coded individual fibers in a distribution cable, so strain relief boots were made in colors for identification.
    For ST connectors, in particular, several manufacturers made colored stickers to put around the mating adapters on patch panels, a good solution to identify the fibers terminated at that position.
     
     
    Read the whole story about OM3 Cabling in The November FOA Newsletter

     
    FTTH Notes:

    Verizon to invest $86 million to expand FiOS TV in Rhode Island (Lightwave)
    The $86-million investment will extend Verizon's FiOS TV service to an additional 10 communities and expand its Providence-based Fiber Solutions Center, where at least 50 more union-represented technicians and customer service representatives will be hired, say Verizon representatives.

    Fiber To The Home Connections Jump To Nearly Three Million, Nearly Double Year Last Year

    RVA Market Research (www.rvallc.com), says that as of Spring, 2008, there are now 2.91 million homes connected via end-to-end fiber, compared to 1.48 million connections as of April 2007, for an annual growth rate of 97 percent - indicating that the number of FTTH connections continues to almost double annually. 

    The study also shows fiber to the home networks now passing 11.8 million North American homes, up from 8 million a year ago, and that the overall "take rate" - the percentage of those offered FTTH service who decide to subscribe - went up for the fourth straight six-month period. In addition, the number of households receiving video services over their FTTH connections continues to increase sharply, with more than 1.6 million homes using video-enabled FTTH.

    The study showed that Verizon, having committed more than $20 billion to deploying its FiOS FTTH service, continues to set the pace in the number of connections, with more than 70 percent of the North American total.  However, the study also showed growth in the number of subscribers reported by other FTTH service providers, including small and medium sized telephone companies, municipal governments, developers of planned residential communities and cable television companies.
     
    What's AT&T up to?
    The FOA was contacted by a reporter in Ohio regarding AT&T's local plans for FTTH and U-Verse Internet TV service. Read the story here.
     
     
    Verizon FiOS
    FiOS Rollout In Philadelphia
    From the Philly.com web journal.
    http://www.philly.com/philly/business/15917457.html
    Verizon is now deploying GPON in its network in new developments in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Texas. GPON offers more bandwidth than the BPON currently used, allowing more features for FiOS TV for example. See this Lightwave article for more info. Where is Verizon offfering FiOS service? See this map.
     
    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.
    FOA's CFxT FTTx Certification Program Explained
    Read the Broadband Properties article about the FOA FTTx certification program. Read the article about FOA President Jim Hayes being honored for his work promoting FTTH.

     
     
    End Users Need Advice Too
    Most technical information on fiber optics seems to be aimed at installers, but at the FOA we get lots of phone calls from end users. Often they are confused and want advice: Should they use fiber or copper? What components should they choose (and why?) What does a fiber optic system design require? Can they install fiber themselves or should they hire a contractor? How do they find a contractor? What should the contract with the contractor include? What are the requirements for testing and documenting a network? And sometimes, we get a fiber optic network user who asks "My system is down? What can I do?"
    Well the FOA has started addressing the needs of the end user. A new section of the FOA website will be devoted to the end user, trying to cover all these questions and more - as the users call us to ask.
    Don't assume the information is just for users, not installers, contractors and consultants. It's information you need to be familiar with also, and we'd suggest you tell all your customers about it, as it will help explain fiber optics in terms they will understand and help you and them communicate about fiber optic projects.
     

    The Fiber Optic Association User's Guide To Fiber Optic System Design and Installation

    http://www.thefoa.org/user/
     

    Installing Fiber Optics? Have You Seen These?
    We get lots of calls here at the FOA looking for advice. Many are from people unfamiliar with fiber optics who are planning an installation, having an installation done or testing and troubleshooting problems. To answer these questions, we have created a standard on installation, NECA/FOA-301 and three Tech Bulletins for users and installers. These, plus all the information in our "Tech Topics" section, will answer many of your questions. It's where most of our callers are sent for detailed explanations they can print and distribute to interested parties.


     Digging Safely

    The old story (not a joke!) about the most likely fiber optic communications system failure being caused by "backhoe fade" reminds us that digging safely is vitally important. The risk is not just interrupting communications, but the life-threatening risk of digging up high voltage or gas lines.

    There is a website called "Common Ground Alliance" that focuses directly on this issue. Here is how they describe themselves:

    Damage Prevention is a Shared Responsibility
    The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is a member-driven association dedicated to ensuring public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of services by promoting effective damage prevention practices.    In recent years, the association has established itself as the leading organization in an effort to reduce damages to all underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

    Of special interest is their "Best Practices" Manual, available for downloading. If you do OSP installs, please get yourself a copy and read it.

    http://www.commongroundalliance.com/

    There is a new toll-free "call before you dig" number: 811

    See www.call811.com for more information

    National Fiber Optic Protection Summit: By the "811" group. March, 2008 in Vegas.


    Home Tech - Needed To Take Advantage of FTTH

    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 at the SCA website.

     FOA & SCA Helps California Homebuilders Understand High Tech Homes

    The FOA and Structured Cabling Association are combined forces to discuss how broadband connections like FTTH requires new thinking from homebuilders on how homes should be designed and built to provide high speed connections inside the home so the family can take advantage of all that broadband offers. The presentation was part of the Building Industry Show educational program sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Southern California.
    Even with home sales in a slump, a good group came to hear Jim Hayes discuss why high tech cabling offers a way for builders to makes homes more attractive to buyers and more profitable. It also offers great job opportunities for cabling installers and contractors.
    Want to see the presentation? Go here.
      

    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! http://lw.pennnet.com/whitepapers/wp.cfm?id=665
     
    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: http://www.westoverfiber.com/Support/downloads.php
     
    ADC's Book On FTTx
    ADC has an excellend book on FTTx. Here is a link to request a copy: http://www.adc.com/productsandservices/productsolutions/fttp/book/index.jsp
     

     
    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.
     
    Eric Pearson's book that is used for the CFOS/I reference book, Successful Fiber Optic Installation, is also now available in Spanish.
     
    Contact the FOA for more information.
     
     
     
     

     
    NEW-FOA Technical Bulletins/Tech Topics
     
    New Videos! Here
     
    Testing Update
    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?
    Why are there 4 ways (maybe 5) to test fiber optic cables?
    Do OTDRs and OLTS tests give the same results?
     
    Technical Bulletins
    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.
    Designing and manufacturing fiber optic communications products for manufacturers.
    Choosing, installing and using fiber optic producst for users.
    Troubleshooting fiber optic cable plants and communcations systems.
     
    New Tech Topics
    Updated link specs for fiber optic networks - now includes 10G Ethernet.
    FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on General Topics and Testing
    Fiber Or Copper? Making decisions, overview and LANs
    How do you clean connections?

    Job Openings





    Process Engineer (MTS),
    Undersea Optical Cables
     
    The candidate for this position will lead and assume responsibilities of Assembly and Process engineering for a product line in undersea repeater sub-systems manufacturing.
     
    RESPONSIBILITIES

    Support TICS and Tyco Telecom EH&S Policies.
    Maintain Strong Process Understanding in the Area of Responsibility:

    Complex parts, assembly and fixture drawings. Electro-Optic, fiber-optic, and electronic assembly processes (Fiber handling, Splicing, and Soldering). Shop Control and Quality Systems. Environmental, ESD and clean room requirements. Training/Certification/qualification Requirements. High quality/high reliability manufacturing.

    Process Development, Implementation and Control:

    Design work flow, assembly stations, and associated equipment. Estimate process yields and intervals and provide support to achieve goals. Define process capacity and capability. Identify, procure, and install required equipment, jigs, and fixtures. Set-up, Prove In, and Transfer Equipment and Fixtures to Shop Control. Facility planning, shop floor process flow and capacity analysis. Write process work instructions and inspection check lists. Develop BOMS and ROUTES. Develop Training and qualification criteria including supplies & equipment. Train the trainer and/or conduct training. Develop and Document Certification Criteria. Identify Critical Process Parameters. Establish quality measures. Define process for collection of defect data. Specify and/or perform defect analysis and CA process. Analyze product and process quality data and take preventive and corrective action as required to reduce cost, interval, process variation, increase process yield, and quality. Supports cost reduction initiatives through design modifications or process improvements. Develop new mfg. processes and methodology to improve production quality, production and performance. Provide cost estimates of tools and schedules.  Analyze various mfg. problems, perform FMA, and recommend solutions. Provide technical assistance necessary to solve production problems and track yields. Respond to corrective actions and insure implementation into production. Actively participates in RFD/MRB activities. Has experience with newer mfg. methods, materials and process. Provide solutions utilizing latest state of the art engineering developments and philosophies available. Provides other related duties as assigned.
    ·     Interface with: All Tyco Telecommunications Newington functional organizations, Tyco Telecom. Design & Reliability team and External Suppliers.
    ·     Support Non-conforming Product Disposition. New Product Introduction. Production Support. Qualification of Design Changes. Support Repair and Returns. Continuous Process Improvement.

    DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
    Education: BS/MS in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering (Emphasis on fiber/fiber optics preferred).
    Experience: Minimum 3-5 Years of experience in Electronic, Electro-Optic and/or Fiber Optic manufacturing.
    Skills Required: Knowledge and/or experience in manufacturing of electro-optic assemblies, shop aids and work instructions, fixtures, engineering change control, quality control, process improvement, and workmanship standards. High quality and high reliability manufacturing. Knowledge of fiber, splicing, Data Base, data analysis, shop control system (Oracle). Excellent knowledge of equipment preventive maintenance procedures. FMA analysis. Strong communication skills, team leadership skills and ability to provide technical leadership. Strong ability to work with Design, suppliers, Manufacturing engineers and shop employees. Experience in new product introduction. Highly self motivated, organized, with excellent attention to details especially in documentation, and data analysis. Knowledge of Pro-E and/or AutoCAD, Documentation control software (DOCS OPEN).

     
     
    REPLY TO:
    Abdallah Alhamdan
    ENG. MANAGER
    603-373-4206
    aalhamdan@tycotelecom.com
    SALES REPRESENTATIVE / SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

    The client is a leader in Fiber Optics product manufacturing.  They are well established, profitable and experiencing significant growth.  They are dedicated to providing total manufacturing solutions for fiber optic cabling systems to the telecommunications industry that requires Telcordia standards.  They are in need of an experienced and successful Sales Representative from the Fiber Optics market who is looking for THE right career move.  The company is currently enjoying significant growth.  If you are looking for a great opportunity and have the skills to help drive growth and success, you should explore this opportunity.


    For more information, please contact: al@bratlandcareers.com or  terri@bratlandcareers.com.

    Or, send a resume / cover letter to: resumes@bratlandcareers.com.

    APPLY ONLINE directly here.

     




    CERTIFIED NETWORK INSTALLERS, STRUCTURED CABLING

    Looking for two individuals or two staff from a private firm for inside premise (ISP) install of CAT6 and Fiber Optic cables. The primary site is a large data center with adjacent offices, all currently under construction. Desire individuals with BICSI or FOA certifications,  industry certifications or equivalent experience. Experience with testing CAT5/6 and Fiber desired. This will be a six-month assignment in a safe and friendly foreign country with living conditions equal to the US. All travel and relocation expenses paid. Housing in two-bedroom furnished townhouse close to work site. Cell phone, Internet, cable TV, utilities, medical insurance and vehicle provided. Salary in US dollars with a bonus at completion of project. Employer is a large multinational design and build firm. Desire US installation and NEC code experience.

    Please send contact information along with resume or qualifications to:

    Kevin Love, <mailto:admin@aasda.com>admin@aasda.com


    Two Regional Sales Manager positions, East and West Coast
    Job #: pjk04012008B

    Industry: Structured Cable
    Base salary begins: $50,000 (negotiable depending upon experience)

    An organization in the wire and cable industry will be launching a new branch in the summer and they are currently seeking a Regional Sales Manager to cover the western territories and one to cover the eastern territories.
    The Regional Sales Manager for the Western region will need to be based in Los Angeles County (or thereabouts). 
    The location for the Regional Sales Manager for the Eastern Region is open.  Due to the heavy amount of travel, however, living within reasonable driving distance to a major airport is preferred.

    Those with extensive experience selling structured cable are preferred.
    A minimum of three-to-five years in electrical or mechanical commercial products thru distribution channels.
    A Bachelors degree in Business or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
    IF FULLY QUALIFIED, please respond to: Patrick J. Kerrison
    Phone Nos.: 800-979-8701 x1169
    or 503-287-8701 x1169
    or my direct line: 503-290-1169
    E-Mail: pkerrison@mrportland.com
    Please visit my company’s website at: http://www.mrportland.com

     
    Fiber Optic Connector company based in Hickory, N.C. is currently recruiting for an Applications Engineer,  a Product Development Engineer, and a Business Development person.
     
    Applications engineer must have 3-5 years in Fiber Optics, a Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline, excellent communications  and statistical analysis skills.
     
    Product Development engineer must have 3-5 years technical experience preferable in fiber optics/connectors, a Bachelor's degree in engineering, and CAD skills.
     
    Business Development Specialist must have 3-5 years in a technical role, a technically based Bachelor's degree, and a desire to transition to a role working closely with the customer, product management, and business/market development.
     
    Interested candidates should submit their resume, references, and salary requirements to davidturman@earthlink.net.



     
    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 https://www22.verizon.com/about/careers/fiberjobs.html 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! 

     
     


     
     
     
    Also Check Recent Job Openings In Previous Issues of The FOA Newsletter

     



     
    Tech Puzzler
    Recognize these gadgets?, see below.
     Hybrid Adapters
     
     
     
    Answer below
     
     
     

    Understanding FOA Certifications
    To answer questions on FOA certifications, we've created several new web pages:
    Overview of FOA certifications
    CFOT
    CFxT
    AFOT
    CFOS
    Training Requirements - What Schools Are Teaching
     
    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. (http://www.scausa.org/) 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. Check out the selection.
     

     
    FOA Certification Top Choice

    The FOA CFOT and CFOS programs continue to gain momentum in fiber optics. Over 23,000 CFOTs have been certified by over 200 schools. 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, Corning Cable Systems and AFL 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, California 92028 USA
     
    Office Hours 10AM-5 PM Pacific Time, Monday to Friday
    Telephone: 760-451-3655
    Fax: 781-207-2421
    info@thefoa.org




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    Tech Puzzler:
    These are hybrid mating adapters for 2.5 mm ferrule connectors. From the left: ST-FC, SC-FC, SC-ST. See the connector ID page on Tech Topics.
    See the Lennie Lightwave for a complete tutorial and more.