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

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This is the Fiber Optic Association's online Reference Guide To Fiber Optics. It includes materials from the basics to advanced topics that are to be used as reference materials for studying for FOA Certifications, references 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 on fiber optic communications systems. There is a tremendous amount of information on this website, so if you want an organized tour or a self-study guide, go the appropriate "Study/Use Guide." This website will be constantly changing as new information is added. Suggestions regarding the content are welcomed. Send suggestions to  ref@thefoa.org . A printed version of the basics of fiber optics from this website, the FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics, is now available. Order From Amazon.com. 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.  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. Detailed Directions For Using This Website Interested in linking to FOA webpages or reproducing FOA technical materials? Here is the FOA policy on use of our technical materials. 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! FOA Reference Books     We have created three new FOA books to be used in training for FOA certifications and as reference books for contractors, installers and end users of fiber optics. Available printed or in eBook formats (coming soon.) New FOA Videos on

Quick Jump To Reference Topics In This Table of Contents Fiber Optics, The Basics( CFOT)    Premises Cabling Systems   Outside Plant Fiber Optics - NEW!   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 New FOA Videos on Fiber Optic Study Guides and Website Use Guides Detailed Directions For Using This Website Fiber U - "Fiber University" Online Training is back! Free online self-study programs and tutorials at Fiber U. CFOT 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 Study Guide for the AFOT Certification Exam   CPCT Study Guide for the CPCT Premises Cabling Exam   CFospT - Coming Soon! Instructors For Instructors: Teaching a CFOT Course Using This Website      Links        LINKS To Other Sources of Technical Information        from vendors, publishers, trade associations        and technical societies Got feedback? Let us know how we can make The FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide better - email us at < ref@thefoa.org >

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Table of Contents Fiber Optics, The Basics (CFOT Level) Basic overview    The jargon and the technology Basic applications and transmission systems  Fiber Optic Datalinks, Fiber Optic Transceivers for Datalinks   Optical Fiber Cables Fiber Optic  Termination and splicing    Testing    Network Design  Installation Standards Glossary of terms FAQs on Fiber Optics   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,  FTTH Architectures, FTTH PON Protocols Internet CATV Premises Networks, LANs,  Section on Premises Networks   CCTV for surveillance Industrial, building automation Consumer entertainment Supporting wireless 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 Sensors Fiber Optic Technology and 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 Fiber Optic Standards  TIA-568 Premises Cabling Standard for Fiber Optics Fiber Optic Components Optical Fiber Singlemode Fiber Nomenclature Multimode Premises Cable Plant Nomenclature (OM1, OM2, OM3, etc.) Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) How Optical Fiber Is Manufactured Cable Basic cable (Tutorial) Fiber Optic Cable Jacket Color Codes Cable Preparation: VHO:   Cable preparation     Videos on Air-Blown Fiber Connectors & Termination Identifying Fiber Optic Connectors   Connector Names and Nomenclature Standards For Connectors, FOCIS   Basic termination including testing connectors  (Tutorial) Adhesive/polish connectors VHO:  Epoxy/Polish, Videos on   Anaerobic,   Hot Melt Prepolished/splice connectors  VHO: PPS termination Prefabricated cable systems   Singlemode fiber termination: VHO:  SM termination      Splices Basic splices   (Tutorial) Mechanical splices VHO: Mech splice  Videos on Fusion splices - VHO: single fiber and VHO: ribbon  Hardware 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 (TT) Designing Fiber Optic Networks  Designing Fiber Optic Networks, a reference guide for users, contractors, installers, etc. (PDF, 1.3 MB)(TT) Network User's Guide, covers design through maintenance. (PDF 0.1 MB)(TT) Specifications for fiber optic LANs and Links  (TT) Link Loss Budgets (TT) Polarity in Fiber Optic Networks Fiber or Copper? Overview and Fiber LANs (TT) FTTx Online Tutorial (TT) Estimating Fiber Optic Installations (TT) Mismatched Multimode Fiber Losses   Planning For Restoration (PDF, 0.1 MB) (TT) Installation of FO Cable Plants Installing Fiber Optic Cable Plants - FOA Tech Bulletin, basis of the NECA/FOA-301 Installation Standard (PDF 0.2 MB) (TT) Getting Training Installation Checklist - step by step installation planning The Role of the Contractor Planning the Installation Safety procedures (TT) Tools and Equipment Cleaning Fiber Optic Connections (TT) Receiving cable and components onsite Installing Cable - General Guidelines Installing a Swivel Pulling Eye on Cable   Polarity in Fiber Optic Networks   Outside Plant (see the complete OSP section) 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 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, preterminated) Testing & Troubleshooting Fiber Optic Systems Fiber Optic Test Instruments  Visual tracing & fault location Measuring Optical Power, Units of Measure (dB, dBm)  Fiber Loss Testing and Multimode Modal Control Modal Distribution Effects on Multimode Fiber and Cables Measurements Reference Cables Special Applications/Hybrid Cables   Mismatched Multimode Fiber Losses Installed Cable Plant Testing (OFSTP-14)  VHO Insertion loss testing, What Loss Should You Expect? Patchcord or Single Cable Testing (FOTP-171) Testing cables with different types of connectors. Loss by Cable Substitution - when other methods will not work Connector and Splice Loss Testing (FOTP-34) Data Link or Network Testing OTDR testing  VHO Using an OTDR Microscope Inspection of Connectors   Testing long haul networks (CD, PMD, Spectral Attenuation)   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       Using fiber optic systems User's Guide To Fiber Optic Networks  Choosing, Installing and Using Fiber Optic Products For Users (TT, FOA Tech Bulletin, PDF 0.1 MB) Maintenance Restoration (planning & implementing) Upgrading Premises Cabling Systems (Fiber, Copper and Wireless) (CPCT Level)  Overview of Premises Cabling and Standards   Jargon   Networks UTP Cables   UTP Terminations ,  UTP Termination (Tutorial) UTP Installation VHO  66 Block, 110 Block, Jacks, Plugs  Videos on UTP Testing,  UTP Wiremapping   Coax Cable  VHO Coax Termination   Fiber Optics in Premises Cabling Wireless Design, New T-568-C Nomenclature Glossary 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    Testing    Network Design    Installation   Definitions of Terms   FOA Tech Bulletins (Printable Reference Documents) 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 - a reference guide for contractors, designers, installers and users and the reference for the FOA CFOS/D Design Certification (PDF, 1.3 MB). New: 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)   Home: The FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics

 

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