The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. the non-profit professional society of fiber optics The FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics Table Of Contents

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This is the Fiber Optic Association's Online Reference Guide. It includes materials from the basics to advanced topics on fiber optics and premises cabling that are to be used as reference materials for those working in the industry, studying for FOA Certifications, for FOA training classes and refresher tutorials for FOA CFOTs. The goal of this website is educating students, users, designers, installers or anyone interested in the subject of fiber and cabling for communications systems. There is a tremendous amount of information on this website. If you want to look for a topic by subject, go to the Table of Contents. If you want an organized tour or a self-study guide, go the appropriate Study/Use Guide. or  Fiber U. If you are looking for a specific topic, we suggest you use our web site's Google Custom Search which will search just the FOA Online Reference Guide to find relevant materials. This website will be constantly changing as new information is added. Suggestions regarding the content are welcomed. Send suggestions to  info@thefoa.org . Printed, Kindle, iBook and iPad/iPhone App versions of the materials here are available. Details here. Key To Using the Table of Contents Links are provided in this Table of Contents to all the materials. Some links are simple documents as webpages or PDF files formatted for printing and some are online PowerPoint presentations.  Unmarked links are webpages The links marked (TT) are FOA Tech Topics From The FOA website. Links marked with the "YouTube" logo take you to the FOA YouTube channel "thefoainc". The links marked VHO are "virtual hands-on" online PowerPoint presentations that provide a tutorial showing actual installation practices in a step-by-step process designed to lead the reader through a hands-on procedure exactly as it would be performed in the real world. VHO tutorials do not work well with portable web devices like iPhones.  The links marked (Tutorial) are online PowerPoint presentations that provide a tutorial on the subject. Tutorials do not work well with portable web devices like iPhones. All links open in new windows, so you can close that window and return to the Table of Contents. In the FOA Email and Online Newsletters, we keep you up to date on changes we're making in this site: Sign up to receive the FOA eMail Newsletter .  Note: All links to other web pages will open in a new window to prevent you losing your place on this page. Remember to close those pages once you have finished reading them!

Jump To Reference Topics Complete Tutorials Fiber Optics, The Basics( CFOT)    Premises Cabling Systems (CPCT)  Outside Plant Fiber Optics (CFospT)   Specific Topics Applications of Fiber Optics Fiber Optic Technology and Standards Fiber Optic Components Designing Fiber Optic Networks Installation of FO Cable Plants Testing & Troubleshooting Fiber Optic Systems Using Fiber Optic Systems for System Operators FOA Tech Bulletins     FOA Videos on including lecture series on fiber optics and premises cabling plus many "how to" videos for fiber and premises cabling Website Use Guide Detailed Directions For Using This Website

Fiber Optic Self Study Guides Fiber U® - "Fiber University" Online Training Free online self-study programs and tutorials at Fiber U. CFOT®  And Study On The Basics Of Fiber Optics   For Students Preparing For the CFOT Exam : Study Guide For The FOA CFOT Exam For CFOTs  Wanting a Refresher Course: Self-Study Guide For Anyone  Wanting a  Self-Study Guide To Fiber Optics AFOT (Advanced Fiber Optics) Study Guide for the AFOT Certification Exam   CPCT (Premises Cabling) Study Guide for the CPCT Premises Cabling Exam   CFospT (Outside Plant Fiber Optics) Study Guide for the CFospT Exam   Instructors For Instructors: Teaching a CFOT Course Using This Website

FOA Reference Books     Available printed or eBooks on the Amazon Kindle or Apple iPad/iPhone. Click on each book for details. NECA/FOA-301 Fiber Optic Installation Standard The FOA and NECA wrote this ANSI standard (American National Standard) covering the installation of fiber optic cable plants. Available for free downloads for FOA members or for purchase from NECA. More. FOA iPad Self-Study/Reference App The FOA has just released its first APP for the iPad, a self-study version of the FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics. The FOA APP builds on the FOA basic fiber optic textbook to create an interactive learning environment that builds on the iBook electronic version of the book to add a guide to use for self-study and real-time testing that provides feedback on what you have learned and correct answers to questions answered incorrectly. The FOA APP is priced at only $9.99, same as the iBook, so the self-study program is free. Download it from the Apple APP Store with your iPad or iTunes. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/foa-guide/id434354283?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 FOA LossCalc (NEW & FREE) FOA LossCalc estimates the optical loss of a fiber optic link. This will save time for the installer of a fiber optic link needing to know whether test results are reasonable and/or make a "pass/fail" determination. It can also help the designer of a link to determine if communications equipment will operate over this link. By choosing the type of link (singlemode or multimode) and specifying the length of the fiber and numbers of connections and splices, it will calculate the end to end loss of the link. The app has default specifications for singlemode and multimode links or the user may create custom setups with specifications appropriate for any application. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/foa-losscalc/id476262894?mt=8&ls=1 FOA Video Lectures on Including lecture series on fiber optics and premises cabling, plus many "how to" videos for fiber and premises cabling Links LINKS To Other Sources of Technical Information from manufacturers, publishers, trade associations and technical societies Interested in linking to FOA webpages or reproducing FOA technical materials? Here is the FOA policy on use of our technical materials. Got feedback? Let us know how we can make The FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide better. Email us at < info @ thefoa.org >

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Table of Contents Fiber Optics, The Basics (CFOT Level) Basics of Fiber Optics Home Page   Basic overview    The jargon and the technology Basic applications and transmission systems  Fiber Optic Datalinks, Fiber Optic Transceivers for Datalinks   Optical Fiber Fiber Optic Cables  Termination and splicing    Fiber Optic Testing    Network Design  Installation About Standards Glossary of terms FAQs on Fiber Optics   See the "Fiber Optic Technology and Standards" Section below for information on networks, WDM, etc. FOA Video Lectures on FOA videos about cable preparation, termination, splicing and testing on Premises Cabling Systems (Fiber, Copper and Wireless) (CPCT Level)  Premises Cabling Home Page   Overview of Premises Cabling and Standards, About Standards  Jargon   Networks UTP Cables   UTP Terminations ,  UTP Termination (Tutorial) UTP Installation VHO  66 Block, 110 Block, Jacks, Plugs   UTP Testing,  UTP Wiremapping   Coax Cable  VHO Coax Termination   Fiber Optics in Premises Cabling Wireless Design, New T-568-C Nomenclature Premises Cabling Installation   Glossary See the "Fiber Optic Technology and Standards" Section below for information on networks, etc. FOA Video Lectures on FOA videos about cable preparation, termination, splicing and testing on Outside Plant Fiber Optics OSP Home Page   Basic Overview    The Jargon and the Technology   Basic Applications and Transmission Systems   Fiber Optic Datalinks     Optical Fiber   Fiber Optic Cables  Splicing and Termination    Fiber Optic Testing    Network Design    About Standards Installation   Additional Topics FTTH,  FTTH Architectures, FTTH PON Protocols  Fiber for Wireless Networks   Definitions of Terms   See the "Fiber Optic Technology and Standards" Section below for information on networks, WDM, etc. FOA Video Lectures on FOA videos about cable preparation, termination, splicing and testing on Applications of Fiber Optics Communications Fiber Optic Datalinks Fiber Optic Transceivers for Datalinks   Wavelength Bands Used For Fiber Optic Transmission   Specifications for fiber optic links and systems, including FTTx   Telephone, long haul, metropolitan   FTTH Overview, FTTH,  FTTH Architectures, FTTH PON Protocols, FTTx Tutorial,  FTTH Testing   Fiber for Wireless Networks   Internet   CATV   Premises Networks, LANs,  Section on Premises Networks   Data Centers     Security, CCTV for surveillance   Industrial, building automation   Consumer entertainment   Military   Media Conversion: Converting copper or wireless to fiber, etc. Attenuating Power In Overloaded Datalinks   Non-Communications Applications Sensors Fiber Optic Lighting (TT) Inspection/ Viewing Using Fiber Optics Fiber Optic Technology and Standards About Standards  Wavelengths of Light Used In Fiber Optics Wavelength Bands Used For Fiber Optic Transmission   Specifications for fiber optic links and systems, including FTTx Wavelength-Division Multiplexing How Fiber Amplifiers Work TIA/EIA and ISO/IEC Standards  TIA-568 Premises Cabling Standard for Fiber Optics Fiber Optic Components See the Testing Section for more information on how components are tested. Optical Fiber Optical Fiber Singlemode Fiber Nomenclature Multimode Premises Cable Plant Nomenclature (OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, etc.) Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) How Optical Fiber Is Manufactured Bend-Insensitive Fibers   Cable Fiber Optic Cables  Basic cable (Tutorial) Fiber Optic Cable Jacket Color Codes Cable Preparation: VHO:   Cable preparation     Videos on Air-Blown Fiber    Patchcords – selection, testing, management Connectors & Termination Splicing and Termination   Identifying Fiber Optic Connectors   Connector Names and Nomenclature Standards For Connector Intermateability, FOCIS   Effects of Alignment and Fiber Geometry on Fiber Optic Connector Loss   Reflectance Testing   Basic termination including testing connectors  (Tutorial) Adhesive/polish connectors VHO:  Epoxy/Polish, Videos on   Anaerobic,   Hot Melt Prepolished/splice connectors  VHO: PPS termination   Videos on    Prefabricated cable systems   Singlemode fiber termination: VHO:  SM termination      Termination Times For Various Methods and Connector Types   Splices Splicing and Termination   Basic splices   (Tutorial) Mechanical splices VHO: Mech splice  Videos on Fusion splices - VHO: single fiber and VHO: ribbon Videos on Estimates of Splicing Times for Various Cable Configurations   Transmission Equipment Fiber Optic Datalinks Fiber Optic Transceivers for Datalinks  Specifications for fiber optic links and systems, including FTTx Wavelength Bands Used For Fiber Optic Transmission Designing And Manufacturing Fiber Optic Systems (for Manufacturers) (PDF, 0.2 MB) The OSI Model of Networks  Attenuators for adjusting receiver power levels   Designing Fiber Optic Networks  Network Design, OSP Network Design, Premises Cabling Network Design Designing Fiber Optic Networks, a reference guide for users, contractors, installers, etc. (PDF, 1.3 MB) Network User's Guide, covers design through maintenance. (PDF 0.1 MB)(TT) About Standards Specifications for fiber optic LANs and Links Link Loss Budgets  Polarity in Fiber Optic Networks Fiber or Copper? Overview and Fiber LANs FTTx Online Tutorial  Estimating Fiber Optic Installations  Mismatched Multimode Fiber Losses   Planning For Restoration (PDF, 0.1 MB) Also included in the design pages for Basic and OSP  Project Paperwork (SOW, RFP, RFQ and contracts)   FOA Video Lectures on Installation of FO Cable Plants See the Testing Section for more information on how installed cable plants are tested. Installation  Overview Installing Fiber Optic Cable Plants - FOA Tech Bulletin, (PDF 0.2 MB) basis of the ANSI/NECA/FOA-301 Installation Standard   Getting Training Installation Checklist - step by step installation planning The Role of the Contractor Planning the Installation Safety procedures     Video on safety on    Tools and Equipment Cleaning Fiber Optic Connections  Receiving cable and components onsite Installing Cable - General Guidelines , Air-Blown Fiber    Installing a Swivel Pulling Eye on Cable   Polarity in Fiber Optic Networks   Maintenance   Outside Plant (see the complete OSP section) Digging Safely - call before you dig Laying, placing or pulling  OSP cable How To "Figure 8" Cable For Intermediate Pulls Splicing OSP cable Termination (splicing on pigtails, PPS, preterminated) Patchcords – selection, testing, management Testing requirements Transmission Equipment – power requirements - using attenuators as needed Special methods (Air-Blown Fiber , prefab/preterminated cables) Premises Cabling (see the complete Premises Cabling section) Premises Site Preparation Laying or pulling cable Termination (adhesive polish, PPS, preterminated) Patchcords – selection, testing, management Testing requirements Transmission Equipment – power requirements - using attenuators Special methods (Air-Blown Fiber , prefab/preterminated cables) Testing & Troubleshooting Fiber Optic Systems Fiber Optic Testing    Fiber Optic Test Instruments  Visual tracing & fault location Measuring Optical Power, Units of Measure (dB, dBm), Setting & testing attenuators, Calibration of Fiber Optic Power   Fiber Loss Testing and Multimode Modal Control Modal Distribution Effects on Multimode Fiber and Cable Measurements, Encircled Flux    Reference Cables Special Applications/Hybrid Cables   Mismatched Multimode Fiber Losses Installed Cable Plant Testing (FOA-1, OFSTP-14),  FOA Standard FOA-1,  What Loss Should You Expect?, VHO Insertion loss testing Patchcord or Single Cable Testing (FOA-2, FOTP-171), FOA Standard FOA-2 Testing cables with different types of connectors. Loss by Cable Substitution - when other methods will not work Connector and Splice Loss Testing (FOTP-34) Reflectance Testing   Data Link or Network Testing OTDR testing  VHO Using an OTDR, Frequently Asked Questions about OTDRs Microscope Inspection of Connectors   Testing long haul networks (CD, PMD, Spectral Attenuation)   FTTH Testing   FAQs on Fiber Optic Testing   Technical Issues For Testing 5 different Ways To Test Fiber Optic Cables According To International Standards Accurately Testing Fiber Optic Cables Differences in OTDR and insertion loss measurements The Math of Insertion Loss Testing - Reference Methods   Calibration and Uncertainty in Fiber Optic Power Measurements   FOA Video Lectures on Also See FOA Standards For Testing Using Fiber Optic Systems User's Guide To Fiber Optic Networks  Choosing, Installing and Using Fiber Optic Products For Users (FOA Tech Bulletin, PDF 0.1 MB) Maintenance Restoration (planning & implementing)   Also included in the design pages for Basic and OSP  Upgrading FOA Tech Bulletins (Printable Reference Documents) All updated Sept 2011 Designing and manufacturing fiber optic communications products for manufacturers of products using fiber optics . (PDF, 0.2 Mb) Choosing, installing and using fiber optic products for communications network users. (PDF, 0.1 Mb) Designing Fiber Optic Networks - for contractors, designers, installers and users and the reference for the FOA CFOS/D Design Certification (PDF, 1.3 MB). Installing Fiber Optic Cable Plants. (PDF, 0.2 Mb) Troubleshooting fiber optic cable plants and communications systems. (PDF, 0.1 Mb) Fiber Optic Restoration - how to plan ahead and restore networks quickly. (PDF, 0.1 Mb) Below is a list of the current lectures (plus there are 28 hands-on videos too!). We're looking for ideas for topics for future lectures. Send your ideas to <info@thefoa.org>. FOA Lecture 1: Fiber Optics & Communications  FOA Lecture 2: Safety When Working With Fiber Optics  FOA Lecture 3: Optical Fiber  FOA Lecture 4: Fiber Optic Cables  FOA Lecture 5: Splices and Connectors  FOA Lecture 6: Fiber Optic Splices  FOA Lecture 7: Fiber Optic Connectors  FOA Lecture 8: Fiber Optic Installation  FOA Lecture 9: Fiber Optic Network Design, Part 1 FOA Lecture 10: Fiber Optic Network Design Part 2  FOA Lecture 11: Fiber Optic Network Design Part 3  FOA Lecture 12: Fiber Optic Testing Overview  FOA Lecture 13: Testing Fiber Visually  FOA Lecture 14: Testing Optical Power  FOA Lecture 15: Five Ways To Test Fiber Optic Cable Plants  FOA Lecture 16: Insertion Loss Testing  FOA Lecture 17: OTDR Testing  FOA Lecture 18: OTDR Setup  FOA Lecture 19: OTDR Measurement Uncertainty  FOA Lecture 20: Other Fiber Optic Tests  FOA Lecture 21: Visual Fault Locator Demonstration  FOA Lecture 22: Mode Power Distribution in Multimode Fibers Demonstration  FOA Lecture 23: Total Internal Reflection in Optical Fiber Demonstration  FOA Lecture 24: Copper, Fiber or Wireless?  FOA Lecture 25: FTTx  FOA Lecture 26: Loss Budgets  New: Ten More YouTube Videos – Lectures On Premises Cabling The FOA has added 10 more videos to our YouTube Channel, thefoainc. These are an introduction to premises cabling, covering applications, types of cabling, standards and installation practices for copper (UTP and coax), fiber and wireless. Like our lecture series on fiber optics, these provide a comprehensive introduction to the subject in short videos, typically 5-10 minutes in length, on each subject. Watch for more. Here is a list of the Lectures now on YouTube. Premises Cabling Lecture 1: What Is Premises Cabling?  Premises Cabling Lecture 2: Applications  Premises Cabling Lecture 3: Standards  Premises Cabling Lecture 4: Cable Types  Premises Cabling Lecture 5: Installing UTP  Premises Cabling Lecture 6: Terminating UTP  Premises Cabling Lecture 7: Testing UTP  Premises Cabling Lecture 8: Coax Cable  Premises Cabling Lecture 9: Fiber Optics  Premises Cabling Lecture 10: Wireless   View all  the FOA YouTube videos.     Home: The FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics

 

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