This is the Fiber Optic Association's Guide To Fiber Optics & Premises Cabling. It includes hundreds of pages of materials from the basics to advanced topics on fiber optics and premises cabling that are intended 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 directly 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.
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Table of Contents
Jump To Reference Topics
Complete Tutorials
- Fiber Optics, The Basics( CFOT)
- Premises Cabling Systems (CPCT)
- Outside Plant Fiber Optics (CFOS/O)
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 YouTube Videos
FOA Standards For Testing
Self-Study Programs
Additional References - Books and Apps
LINKS To Other Sources of Technical Information
Linking And Use of The FOA Guide Materials
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, OLANs (Optical LANs)
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, FTTx Installation , Aerial FTTH drops
- 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, Wavelength-Division Multiplexing
Specifications for fiber optic links and systems, including FTTx
Telephone, long haul, metropolitan
FTTH Overview, What is FTTH?, FTTH Architectures, FTTH in MDUs, FTTH PON Protocols, FTTH Installation, FTTH Testing , FTTx Tutorial
Fiber for Wireless Networks
Internet
CATV
Premises Networks, LANs, Section on Premises Networks
OLANs (Optical LANs)
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
FOA Standards For Testing
- 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
FOA Standards
- Fiber Optic Components
See the Testing Section for more information on how components are tested.
Optical Fiber
Optical Fiber
Singlemode Fiber Nomenclature, Choosing G.xxx fiber types (PDF)
Multimode Premises Cable Plant Nomenclature (OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, etc.)
Plastic Optical Fiber (POF)
How Optical Fiber Is Manufactured
Bend-Insensitive Fibers
Macro- And Micro-Bending Of Fibers
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- 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
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- 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
Repairing Connectors By Polishing
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- 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
Splicing different types of SM Fiber (PDF)
- 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
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- Designing Fiber Optic Networks
Designing Fiber Optic Networks, a reference guide for users, contractors, installers, etc. (PDF, 1.3 MB)
Network Design, OSP Network Design, Premises Cabling Network Design
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.
Installing Fiber Optic Cable Plants - FOA Tech Bulletin, (PDF 0.2 MB) basis of the ANSI/NECA/FOA-301 Installation Standard
Installation Overview
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)
Aerial FTTH drops
- 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
QuickStart Guides to Fiber Optic Testing
Cable Plant and Patchcord Testing
Optical Power in Communications Systems
OTDR Testing
Test Topics
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-7 & 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
Fiber Characterization and 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
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting fiber optic cable plants and communications systems. (PDF, 0.1 Mb)
FOA Video Lectures on
Also See FOA Standards For Testing
Testing Insertion Loss of Installed Fiber Optic Cable Plant (FOA-1)
Testing Loss of Fiber Optic Cables or Patchcords (FOA-2)
Measuring Optical Power (FOA-3)
OTDR Testing of Fiber Optic Cable Plants (FOA-4)
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- 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)
FOA YouTube Videos
The FOA has many videos on YouTube, including Lecture Series on Fiber Optics and Premises Cabling, Hands-On lectures on both and some other informational and instructional videos. For all the videos, go to the FOA Channel "thefoainc" or use the direct links below.
Below is a list of the current lectures and hands-on videos. We're looking for ideas for topics for future lectures. Send your ideas to <info@thefoa.org>.
About the FOA
FOA Standards
Fiber Optics Lecture Series Videos
Premises Cabling Lecture Series Videos
Hands-On Fiber Optic Videos
Using an OTDR
Visual Inspection of Connectors With A Microscope
Fiber Optic Connector Polishing Technique
Prepolished Splice Connector Termination (Unicam)
The Fiber Optic Tester In Your Pocket (Cell Phone)
Insertion Loss Testing
Fusion Splicing
Mechanical Splicing
Fiber Optic Termination, Part 1, Setup & Tools
Fiber Optic Termination, Part 2, Jacketed Cable Prep
Fiber Optic Termination, Part 3, Adhesive Prep
Fiber Optic Termination, Part 4, Stripping Fiber
Fiber Optic Termination, Part 5, Connector Attachment
Fiber Optic Termination, Part 6, Polishing
Fiber Optic Termination, Part 7, Inspection
Fiber Optic Termination, Part 8, Distribution Cable Termination
Fiber Optic Cable, Part 1 Introduction
Fiber Optic Cable, Part 2, Zipcord
Fiber Optic Cable, Part 3 Distribution Cable
Fiber Optic Cable, Part 4 Breakout Cable
Fiber Optic Cable, Part 5 Loose Tube Cable
Fiber Optic Cable, Part 6, Armored Cable
Hands-On UTP Cabling Videos
UTP "Cat 5" Cabling, Part 1, Tools
UTP "Cat 5" Cabling, Part 2, The Training Board
UTP "Cat 5" Cabling, Part 3, UTP Cable
UTP "Cat 5" Cabling, Part 4, 66 Block Punchdown
UTP "Cat 5" Cabling, Part 5, 110 Block Punchdown
UTP "Cat 5" Cabling, Part 6, Jacks
UTP "Cat 5" Cabling, Part 7, Testing
UTP "Cat 5" Cabling, Part 8, Plugs and Patchcords
FOA Instructor Training and Certification
FOA Instructor Training - Part 1 -Introduction
FOA Instructor Training - Part 2 - About The FOA
FOA Instructor Training - Part 3 - FOA Approved Schools
FOA Instructor Training - Part 4 - Instructors
FOA Instructor Training - Part 5 - Curriculum
FOA Instructor Training - Part 6 - Teaching A Course
FOA Instructor Training - Part 7 - Hands-On Labs
FOA Instructor Training - Part 8 - FOA Resources
View all the FOA YouTube videos including over 30 "hands-on" examples.
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
CPCT (Premises Cabling)
Study Guide for the CPCT Premises Cabling Exam
CFOS/O (formerly CFospT, Outside Plant Fiber Optics)
Study Guide for the CFOS/O Exam
Instructors
For Instructors: Teaching a CFOT Course Using This Website
FOA YouTube Videos
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 App (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
- Links
- LINKS To Other Sources of Technical Information
- from manufacturers, publishers, trade associations and technical societies
Linking And Use of The FOA Guide Materials
Got feedback? Let us know how we can make The FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide better. Email us at < info @ thefoa.org >
- Home: The FOA Guide To Fiber Optics And Premises Cabling
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