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Looking For a Fiber Optic Installer? Use the FOA Installer Database Free!

 

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

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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.

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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

 

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.

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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:

 

FOA Board Meets In California, Attends OFC

 

Photonic Crystal Fibers Shift Wavelengths

 

FOA Helps CFOTs Find FTTP Jobs @ Verizon

 

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

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Job Openings

 

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

 

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?

 

Answer below

 

 

 

 

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?

 

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

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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

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

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(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.