May, 2006
Previous Issues: 4/06, 3/06,
2/06, 1/06,
12/05,11/05,
10/05, 09/05,
08/05, 07/05,
6/05, 5/05,
4/05, 2/05,
01/05, 12/04,
10/04, 9/04,
8/04, 7/04,
6/04, 5/04,
4/04, 3/04,
1/04, 12/03,
11/03 10/03
9/03, 8/03,
7/03, 6/03,
3/03, 10/02
, 8/02, 5/02
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- Looking For
a Fiber Optic Installer? Use the FOA Installer
Database Free!
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- CFOTs - Register Now On The
FOA Searchable Database of Installers, Contractors and Consultants.
Go to the FOA
Installer Database to register. Looking For Jobs? See
Below
- FTTx Means More Home Networking
- And Opportunities For Phone Companies?
- We all know the level of activity
on FTTx is increasing, with the FOA working with companies installing
FTTx to help certify and recruit workers. But an article
in Light Reading indicates that FTTx may create more job
opportunites for telco personnel. Once homes are connected to
high speed Internet, new services become available that require
more sophisticated connections inside the home. Forward-thinking
cities like Loma Linda, CA (see last
month's FOA Newsletter) are already rewriting building codes
to require structured cabling inside homes and even fiber in
the home may become popular for HDTV as video and HDMI links
become more popular.(see FOANL February,
2006).
- But who will install these home
networks? The telcos want to be competitive here, as they have
experience in home cabling for telephones, but success will depend
on their learning how to install all these new cabled and wireless
networks.
- 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
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- Reading these will help you
understand what each FOA certification covers and how to prepare
for them.
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- 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.
- And Why Else Is Fiber Becoming
More Popular?
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- Internet 2 Upgrade Using
WDM To Reach 100 Gb/s
- The Internet is, of course,
totally fiber-based. The latest version uses a 10 Gb/s backbone
that has been tested to 8.8 Gb/s actual transmission, but even
that is proving too slow for the expected onslaught of IPTV.
As a result, WDM - wavelength-divison multiplexing - is being
used not for more channels of backbone capacity, but to increase
the speed beyond 10 Gb/s. MIT
Technology Review says that WDM at 10 wavelengths is being
used to increase the speed to 100Gb/s. Plans are in place to
try 80 wavelengths in the future.
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- OFC New Products
- 3M introduced two new products
based on the Fibrlok splice. One, the Fibrlok Splice Holder 2539
is a hand-crimped version of the Fiberlok splice that requires
no fixturing - the fiber is stripped, cleaned, cleaved and inserted
into the splice, then the "Actuation Button" is simply
pressed down to crimp the fiber in place. The SC Plug 8800 is
3M's entry into the prepolished/splice connector market, again
using the well-proven Fibrlok splice to hold the fiber in place.
See the 3M
website for more details.
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- Last
month in the FOA
Newsletter:
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- FOA Board Meets In California,
Attends OFC
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- Photonic Crystal Fibers Shift
Wavelengths
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- FOA Helps CFOTs Find FTTP Jobs
@ Verizon
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- Loma Linda and FTTH/P
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- New: 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.
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- Verizon
Looking For Fiber Installers In NE US
Here is the information from
Verizon. Contact them at the website below for applications.
Video/Cable/Fiber Installers
US-MD-Silver Spring/Gaithersburg
US-MD-Laurel/Hanover/Annapolis/Rockville
US-MD-Capitol Heights/District Heights
US-VA-Fairfax/Falls Church/Reston
US-DC-Washington
DO YOU:
Have a desire to work in a
growing industry with the leader in Fiber to the Premises technology?
Have a background in the Video/Cable
Installation industry (cable splicers/installers)?
Want a Full Time opportunity
to grow in a company that values diversity and a desire to succeed?
If so, Verizon is having
an invitation only information session on February 11th to provide
information and qualify candidates for the over 100 positions
currently available in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Basic Qualifications:
Must have Video/Cable splicing/installation
industry experience, basic computer literacy, and/or an equivalent
education in Fiber Optics and Video/Cable.
Must successfully complete Verizon's pre-employment testing. Physical
Requirements: Must meet Verizon medical standards for the job.
Ability to perceive differences in wire and cable colors. Must
meet weight restriction to comply with OSHA/Company safety standards.
Where a Commercial Driver's License is required, the applicant
must pass an alcohol and drug test.
Must have ability to remove ladder from installation truck; carry,
raise, climb and descend ladder, and place ladder on truck.
A valid state driver's license is required and must have ability
to drive vehicle with manual gearshift.
Background check will be conducted on all employees.
This is a Full-Time, regular
position with outstanding benefits! The pay range for these positions
is $569.50/week to $1,103.50/week. Wage credit may be considered
based upon work experience, education, and training. Paid Training
is included.
Apply online at http://www.verizon.com/fiberjobs
Verizon is an equal opportunity
employer and supports workforce diversity M/F/D/V
- Job
Openings
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- Title: Fiber Optic Technician
(and others)
- Location: Carlsbad, CA
L-3 PHOTONICS, a division of L-3 Communications, is a worldwide
leader in the development of optical data link systems for defense
and aerospace applications. Our 30 years of experience in developing
advanced technologies have aided the company in building well-established
customer relationships with branches of the U.S. Armed Forces,
Government agencies and leading companies in the aircraft industry.
L-3 PHOTONICS history of demonstrated growth and profitability
have created outstanding career opportunities.
- Responsibilities:
We are seeking an Technician who will assist in the design, assembly
and test of precision fiber optic components instrumentation.
Selected candidates will work along side experienced engineers
and scientists who will share their diverse technical expertise.
The position offers a competitive salary and benefit package,
along with an excellent chance for advancement and job enrichment.
- Requirements:
-Prior experience supporting electronic, mechanical, or optical
systems.
-High school diploma and 2+ years of experience. Mechanical,
electronic or fiber optic experience beyond high school including
relevant military experience is considered a big plus.
-Hands-on experience using standard lab equipment.
-Only US citizens eligible for a security clearance will be considered.
- L-3 PHOTONICS is proud to be
an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace
and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing and background
checks. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security
investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access
to classified information.
- If you are interested in
learning more about career opportunities, please contact:
- Dawn Dreyer
Recruiter
L-3 PHOTONICS
5957 Landau Court
Carlsbad, CA 92008
www.l-3com.com
dawn.dreyer@l-3com.com
0) 760-431-6800, ext. 3442
F) 760-931-2241
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- Position: CABLE REPAIR TECHNICIAN
- Location: Onshore in Houston,
Texas and offshore
- No sector of the oil and gas
service industry benefits greater from the advance of technology
than companies operating in the geophysical services sector.
On the cutting edge of that technology is VERITAS DGC Inc.,
offering the oil and gas industry a comprehensive suite of integrated
geophysical services designed to manage exploration risk and
enhance drilling and production success worldwide. These services
include seismic survey planning and design, seismic data acquisition
in all environments, data processing, data visualization, data
interpretation, reservoir characterization, data archiving and
extensive non-exclusive seismic data library surveys worldwide.
With over 36 years of operating experience, more than 3,000 employees
in 19 countries on six continents, Veritas is one of the world's
leading providers of advanced geophysical technologies.
- We currently have an opportunity
for a Cable Repair Technician to work in our new onshore facility
in Houston, Texas.
- Responsibilities
Performs damage assessment,
troubleshooting and repair of solid streamer sections and associated
equipment.
Produces accurate and complete reports / logs of all repairs
completed.
Maintenance of handling equipment for Solid Streamer Sections.
- Qualifications and Abilities:
AS Degree or a minimum
of 2 years in-depth knowledge of geophysical cable repair techniques
or their manufacture (land, marine or ocean bottom).
Technical knowledge and experience with Optical, Mechanical and
Electrical equipment.
Must be proficient with electrical/optical test equipment.
Experience with MS Office Suite and other desktop applications.
Excellent time management and motivational skills.
The ability and willingness to travel, if required.
- Application Instructions:
- Interested candidates may
send their resume by email, fax or mail, to;
- Trena Gipson
Human Resources
10300 Town Park Drive
Houston, TX 77072
E-Mail: vgohr@veritasdgc.com
- Fax: (832) 351-8721
- Visit our website at http://www.veritasdgc.com.
Veritas is an equal opportunity employer.
-
- Check Recent Job Openings
In Previous Issues of The FOA Newsletter
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- 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.
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- Tech Puzzler
- On WDM networks, is each wavelength
carrying an independent signal or one signal split up on a number
of wavelengths?
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- Answer
below
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New Tech
Topics
Does
Glass "Flow"? Is it really a liquid?
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
on General Topics and Testing
Fiber Or Copper? Making decisions,
overview and LANs
What
Happens When You Mate Mismatched MM Fibers?
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- New PowerPoint Presentation
Introduces Fiber Optics - in English or Spanish!
- The FOA has created a short
PowerPoint presentation that introduces you to fiber optics and
talks about job opportunities in the field. It was intended for
instructors to introdcue studnets to the field, but it's a good
introduction for anyone. It's about 3 meg file so it takes a
while to download and you need PowerPoint to view it. See http://www.thefoa.org/ppt/
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- FOA Certification Top Choice
The FOA CFOT and CFOS programs continue to gain momentum in fiber
optics. Over 15,000 CFOTs have been certified by over 120 schools
as the FOA completed its 10th 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 125+ organizations, welcoming new additions like the Joint
Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the International Brotherhood
of Electrical Workers, Corning Cable Systems 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. If you forgot to renew, use the
online application
form or the FOA
online store 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
info@thefoa.org
- Officers and
- Board of Directors
- Jim
Hayes, President, Treasurer
- Eric Pearson, Director of Certification
- Tom Collins, Gateway Comm. College
- Bill Graham
- Karen Hayes
-
- FOA Staff:
Jim Hayes, newsletter, website editor
- Karen Hayes, Administration
Administration:
- The FOA is managed under contract by:
VDV Works LLC
- 1119 S Mission Road, # 355
- Fallbrook, CA 92028
- Telephone: 760-451-3655
- Fax: 781-207-2421
- email: info@vdvworks.com
|
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- FOA Board of Advisors
Elias Awad, Clerk, Director of Education
Tony Beam
Dave Chaney
F. Douglas Elliot, Past President
William H. Graham
Jim Hayes, President, Treasurer
John Highhouse, Past President
Danny S. Lyall
Eric Y. Loytty
Bob Mason
Eric Pearson
Paul Rosenberg, Past President
Dan Silver
Richard James Smith
- Dominick Tamone
Tom Collins
- Van Ewert
Elias Awad
|
Want to write for the FOA
Newsletter? Send us articles,
news, anything you think might be interesting to the rest of the
membership!
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to The FOA Home Page
(C)1999-2006, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.
- Tech
Puzzler: Either - or both.
WDM can be used to share fiber with many signals operating on
separate wavelengths, or if bandwidth is limited, splitting a
signal into several bit streams of lower bit rate and transmitting
it on several wavelengths, then reassemblying it at the receivers.