Tech Topics: Design, Restoration, Users, more new tech info. See Tech Topics Below. Product News: Connectors, cleaners, more. See "Product News" Below Worth Reading: FOLS newsletter, Time is Here For FIber, How To Tap Fiber, Who is George Glider? See "Worth Reading" below
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| Fiber At The Races, Part 2 Last month we told you about a on-board data system for racecars that used POF. This month, it's a photo of a coil of cable supporting TV feed at the recent Long Beach Grand Prix. And you thought MIL-grade cable was only for the battlefield!  AT&T Pushes Fiber Service for Small Businesses According to PC World and reported in the Washington Post, small businesses can get fiber connections from AT&T as fast as 10 Mbps downstream for $100 per month, and receive a Wi-Fi gateway and Wi-Fi hotspot access as the cherry on top. The AT&T U-Verse for Businessservice includes 10 Mb/s down, 1.5 Mb/s up service for $100 per month including a free WiFi access point and free access to AT&T-run WiFi hotspots. The service is offered in 40 of AT&Ts markets. From the descriptions, we believe they mean FTTC (fiber to the curb, which is AT&T's norm.) It's good for fiber optics, of course, and could be good for your small business if you are in an AT&T service area. More: http://smallbiz.att.com/businessuverse Meanwhile, Verizon Speeds Up FiOS The Boston Herald reports that Version is boosting the speed of its FiOS fiber to the home service. The fastest FiOS Internet service, for $139.95 per month, will provide downloads at 50 megabits per second and uploads at 20 megabits per second, up from 30 mbps downstream and 15 mbps upstream. Slower plans are being upgraded as well. According to the Herald article, FiOS is available to 10 million homes, and Verizon plans to cover 18 million homes by 2010. From people we talked to on a trip back East recently and discussions with FiOS customers here in California, AT&T might want to rethink their fiber to the curb strategy. FiOS customers are the most satisfied technology users I have ever met, bragging about how good their HDTV is, how fast their Internet is, and how all that is due to their all-fiber connection. JH Certification News: Design certification training starting at FOA-approved schools. Coming next: premises cabling certification. CFOT Training In Bagdad  The
FOA recently helped a group of Marines in Bagdad set up a fiber optic
training program. We worked with them on the setup and provided them
with a FOA Starter Kit for curriculum. Our contact, Sgt. Garcia, was
experienced and an enthusiastic instructor. After his first class, he
sent us these photos to show the training classes in Badgad. We're
proud of these guys for their great job and welcome our new CFOTs! More photos. Worth Reading: FOLS latest newsletter. The latest news from FOLS including a standards update and access to their premises cabling cost model. http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs084/1101864571210/archive/1102123447786.html The Time is Here for Fiber-based Communications by Peter Neill, Senior Vice President of Wholesale Markets Group for Level 3. "Why Now? The accelerated interest in fiber-based communications is a result of an across-the-board need for data traffic optimization as applications drive bandwidth needs beyond the capabilities of legacy copper infrastructure." http://www.convergedigest.com/bp/bp1.asp?ID=534&ctgy=Intelligence Verizon Business expands ULH network to Asia-Pacific Think Verizon is Just FTTH? Not so, as they run Ultra-Long Haul networks worldwide. Read more in Lightwave. Ezine Articles On Fiber Bob Ballard, RCDD, CFOS/I of BDI DataLynk, an FOA-Approved schools, has posted several technical articles about fiber and customer applications on Ezine. Here are the current published articles. http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bob_Ballard How To Tap Fiber and How To Detect Tapping We get an occasional call of how to tap fiber or detect tapping. A google search turns up this government document that tells you how to do it! http://www.ncs.gov/library/tech_bulletins/2000/tib_00-7.pdf Who is George Glider and Why Is He Important In The Fiber Optic Business? (MIT Technology Review) "Gilder argued that just as the microprocessor had introduced previously unimaginable processing power, so the fiber-optic construction boom would usher in a world of instantaneous communication and infinite bandwidth: the telecosm. He predicted that it would make "the CPU ... peripheral, the network central," and that it would enable anyone to launch a product, company, or political movement." Glider got blamed for both the telecom boom and the bursting of the bubble. More than $500 billion was lost in just a few years and between 2001 and 2004, 216 telecommunications companies went bankrupt. Like it or not, Glider was certainly partially responsible for the fiber optic industry we know today. And worth watching: Robot Chicken   FOA Co-Sponsors POF 2008The 17th International Conference on Plastic Optical Fibers will be held from Monday, August 25th, to Thursday , August 28th, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, California. The conference will be combined with POFWORLD 2008, thus guaranteeing a larger attendance compared to the last two POF Conferences. In addition, the organizers, Information Gatekeepers Inc. (IGI) and the International Cooperative of Plastic Optical Fiber (ICPOF), plans to promote the event as holiday venue for attendees because of the large number of cultural and family oriented locations in the silicon valley and surrounding areas. The main conference program will be held from Tuesday, August 26th, to Thursday , August 28th, with exhibits open during the conference. Tutorials will be organized covering a wide range of POF topics on Monday, August 25th. "East Meets West" - a POF design workshop - will be held the week before POF2008, August 20-22 in the same location. Read more: http://pof2008.com/New Reference Guide For “Fiber Optic Network Design” The FOA has published another one of our "Technical Bulletins" on the FOA Tech Topics Website that covers fiber optic network design. It's a comprehensive overview of the design process, breaking it into 16 individual topics that total 30 pages of mostly text. The organization of this document has been chosen to cover topics in order of the actual design process, from getting started - like deciding if you want to use fiber - through selecting routes, choosing equipment and components, choosing contractors and installers, managing the job, documentation and maintenance. We suggest you download and print a copy for reference. And give us feedback on how to make it even better! Download "Designing Fiber Optic Networks" now. (1.3 MB PDF file) New Tech Bulletin On Fiber Optic Network Restoration We've also just added to the FOA Tech Topics Website a Tech Bulletin on "Fiber Optic Restoration." Fiber optic restoration is more than fixing a cut cable in a panic mode - it starts with the network design stage where one plans for an eventual emergency restoration, creates a plan and documentation, stores supplies and has people trained and ready to respond. Using fiber optics? Download and read this now! Download Guide To Fiber Optic Network Restoration now. (88 kB PDF file)
 AFL Fiber Optic One-Click Cleaner With Innovative Push-to-Clean Design The One-Click Cleaner is an easy-to-use option for cleaning connectors in adapters. Simply insert the One-Click Cleaner into an adapter and push until an audible “click” is heard. The One-Click Cleaner uses the mechanical push action to advance an optical grade cleaning tape while the cleaning tip is rotated to ensure the fiber end-face is effectively, but gently, cleaned. The One-Click Cleaner is a must-have for field technicians. Small enough to fit in a shirt pocket and a great addition to cleaning kits. http://www.afltele.com/products/cleaning_supplies/dry_cleaning_solutions/One-Click-Cleaner.html Recommendations For A Connector Supplier From An FOA School Instructor Will you please put a piece in both the FOA CFOT Newsletter AND the Instructor's Newsletter about P-T Fiber Optics. I have been using their SC and ST connectors for the past 5 years and they offer the highest quality epoxy/polish ceramic ferrule in the industry. I have found them to be the lowest cost supplier of these connectors and their Bare Fiber Adapters. Your schools and technicians can contact either Vladimir or Lisa at (805) 640-6424. http://www.vcnet.com/perspective/ Corning Offers Ribbon Unicams A user brought this to our attention. It's how you terminat MTP ribbon connectors in the field. http://www.corningcablesystems.com/web/library/litindex.nsf/$ALL/LAN-421-EN/$file/LAN-421-EN.pdf http://www.corningcablesystems.com/web/privnet/privnet.nsf/ehtml/unicammtp
By Mike Robuck, CedMagazine.com - June 11, 2008 Despite the sluggish economy, Verizon isn‚t backing off of the gas pedal when it comes to building out its fiber optic FiOS network. Verizon plans on having FiOS in more than its previously stated goal of 18 million homes by the end of 2010, according to Reuters. Verizon President and COO Denny Strigl said that the company would continue to expand its FiOS network to the tune of more than $20 billion, while doing so at a faster rate than the original plan called for. Verizon‚s FiOS rollout was initially slower than expected due to a lack of equipment, such as set-top boxes, as well as the regulatory approval process in the states where the telco wanted to rollout the triple-play service.
From the Philly.com web journal. http://www.philly.com/philly/business/15917457.html
The Fiber Optic Association User's Guide To Fiber Optic System Design and Installation
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Digging Safely 
The old story (not a joke!) about the most likely fiber optic communications system failure being caused by "backhoe fade" reminds us that digging safely is vitally important. The risk is not just interrupting communications, but the life-threatening risk of digging up high voltage or gas lines. There is a website called "Common Ground Alliance" that focuses directly on this issue. Here is how they describe themselves:
Of special interest is their "Best Practices" Manual, available for downloading. If you do OSP installs, please get yourself a copy and read it. http://www.commongroundalliance.com/ There is a new toll-free "call before you dig" number: 811 See www.call811.com for more information National Fiber Optic Protection Summit: By the "811" group. March, 2008 in Vegas.
Home
Tech - Needed To Take Advantage of FTTH Once a home has a broadband connection, which we hope is fiber to the home, but could be DSL or Cable Modem, the usage of all that bandwidth depends on distribution within the home. The in-home connections can be UTP or Coax copper, wireless or fiber. But architects and home builders must learn how to build homes to take advantage of broadband connections. The FOA, in conjunction with the Structured Cabling Association, have started working with home builders to bring them up to speed. You can see the first tutorial we have jointly developed at the SCA website. FOA & SCA Helps California Homebuilders Understand High Tech Homes
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Contractors For "On-Call Restoration" I am in need of at the present time is an individual that can assist my clients as needed. He or she could be called at any time, and there is a 4 hr response time. We’ll pay a decent rate along with a Truck Roll Allowance for the drive. Some of these locations could be up to 200 miles away, but we try to find technicians as close to the location as possible. George L. Smith, Technical Recruiter Intellys Corporation 621 W. College Pkwy Grapevine, TX 76051 Office: 972-929-9000 ext. 513 Toll Free: 877-468-3559 Fax: 817-796-1208 <http://www.Intellys.com> Splicers Needed in Canada (6/08) Need 2 - 4 splicers immediately Job is in Calgary ( A Telus Job) Way paid out to the job. Air Fare home every 8 weeks Truck and tools supplied $35.00 per Hr + overtime $175 per day living allowance Contact Gord Smith, Phone: 416-678-7235 CERTIFIED NETWORK INSTALLERS, STRUCTURED CABLING (6/08) Looking for two individuals or two staff from a private firm for inside premise (ISP) install of CAT6 and Fiber Optic cables. The primary site is a large data center with adjacent offices, all currently under construction. Desire individuals with BICSI or FOA certifications, industry certifications or equivalent experience. Experience with testing CAT5/6 and Fiber desired. This will be a six-month assignment in a safe and friendly foreign country with living conditions equal to the US. All travel and relocation expenses paid. Housing in two-bedroom furnished townhouse close to work site. Cell phone, Internet, cable TV, utilities, medical insurance and vehicle provided. Salary in US dollars with a bonus at completion of project. Employer is a large multinational design and build firm. Desire US installation and NEC code experience. Please send contact information along with resume or qualifications to: Kevin Love, <mailto:admin@aasda.com>admin@aasda.com
Sales Manager position: Sales of Fitel Fusion Splicer Products for the Northeast region of the USA and possibly Canada. This person will be responsible for managing a network of manufacturing representatives and distributors. The Sales Manager will make product presentations/demonstrations and participate in industry tradeshows, participate in negotiations, and support maintaining positive customer relations. All interested in candidates should send their resume and cover letter to the following e-mail address: HR@furukawaamerica.com Project Engineer (PE) (6/08) Fiberoptic Components, LLC is a leader in the design and manufacture of fiber optic cables and sub-assemblies. Growth within medical device markets have provided us with expansion plans in multiple disciplines within the organization. We are currently seeking a Project Engineer (PE) with the following qualifications: The PE generally works independently under supervision from the Engineering Manager. Design fiber optic cables and sub assemblies for new products from concept through release to production. Responsibilities include: a) solid understanding of customer design requirements, b) product/process introduction, production troubleshooting, or individual measurement and analysis projects, c) performing measurements, creating engineering designs, and preparing time and cost estimates for projects. Requirements B.S. Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical Engineering ; 3-5 years of experience with mechanical design ; basic understanding of fiber optic technology Proficiency with Solid Works 3-D Platform Computer literacy; MS Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint and Access experience necessary Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with a willingness to take ownership of projects and tasks as needed. Familiarity with ISO processes and procedures To find out more about our company, visit our website at: <http://www.lightguides.com/> We offer a competitive benefits package. All interested candidates should submit resume with cover letter & salary requirements to: Lawrence Kosiba, President--email: lkosiba@lightguides.com PRODUCTION MANAGER - Fiber Optic Cable Assembly Experience (6/08) Our client located in the Tampa Bay area has enlisted our assistance to recruit for a Production Manager with a strong fiber optics background. Description The Production Manager will provide leadership to related production teams and ensure that the planned production capacity, produced units to the right quality specifications. The Production Manager will plan and realize process optimization and management of the production projects, operate under the realization of TQM and GMP guidelines prepare and release work orders and machine operation plans and manage low volume production scheduling. Requirements, qualifications and experience: Bachelors' Degree or equivalent in Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering or like discipline and professional experience in an industrial environment working in Manufacturing with fibers, fiber optics, catheters or composite materials. A minimum of 5 years of experience in the following areas; leadership business, and production planning. Proven knowledge in production planning systems. Fluency in English. The Production Manager will be a contributor in the following competencies; business focus, managing change, customer focus, applying and managing resources, taking initiative, managing others, communicating effectively, developing and applying skills and knowledge, working in teams. Be sure to forward a Word version of your resume along with 3 Professional references to be considered! Brian McNally bmcnally@mcgrathsystems.com 888-763-5149 Process Engineer (MTS), Undersea Optical Cables (6/08) The candidate for this position will lead and assume responsibilities of Assembly and Process engineering for a product line in undersea repeater sub-systems manufacturing. RESPONSIBILITIES Support TICS and Tyco Telecom EH&S Policies. Maintain Strong Process Understanding in the Area of Responsibility: Complex parts, assembly and fixture drawings. Electro-Optic, fiber-optic, and electronic assembly processes (Fiber handling, Splicing, and Soldering). Shop Control and Quality Systems. Environmental, ESD and clean room requirements. Training/Certification/qualification Requirements. High quality/high reliability manufacturing. Process Development, Implementation and Control: Design work flow, assembly stations, and associated equipment. Estimate process yields and intervals and provide support to achieve goals. Define process capacity and capability. Identify, procure, and install required equipment, jigs, and fixtures. Set-up, Prove In, and Transfer Equipment and Fixtures to Shop Control. Facility planning, shop floor process flow and capacity analysis. Write process work instructions and inspection check lists. Develop BOMS and ROUTES. Develop Training and qualification criteria including supplies & equipment. Train the trainer and/or conduct training. Develop and Document Certification Criteria. Identify Critical Process Parameters. Establish quality measures. Define process for collection of defect data. Specify and/or perform defect analysis and CA process. Analyze product and process quality data and take preventive and corrective action as required to reduce cost, interval, process variation, increase process yield, and quality. Supports cost reduction initiatives through design modifications or process improvements. Develop new mfg. processes and methodology to improve production quality, production and performance. Provide cost estimates of tools and schedules. Analyze various mfg. problems, perform FMA, and recommend solutions. Provide technical assistance necessary to solve production problems and track yields. Respond to corrective actions and insure implementation into production. Actively participates in RFD/MRB activities. Has experience with newer mfg. methods, materials and process. Provide solutions utilizing latest state of the art engineering developments and philosophies available. Provides other related duties as assigned. · Interface with: All Tyco Telecommunications Newington functional organizations, Tyco Telecom. Design & Reliability team and External Suppliers. · Support Non-conforming Product Disposition. New Product Introduction. Production Support. Qualification of Design Changes. Support Repair and Returns. Continuous Process Improvement. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: BS/MS in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering (Emphasis on fiber/fiber optics preferred). Experience: Minimum 3-5 Years of experience in Electronic, Electro-Optic and/or Fiber Optic manufacturing. Skills Required: Knowledge and/or experience in manufacturing of electro-optic assemblies, shop aids and work instructions, fixtures, engineering change control, quality control, process improvement, and workmanship standards. High quality and high reliability manufacturing. Knowledge of fiber, splicing, Data Base, data analysis, shop control system (Oracle). Excellent knowledge of equipment preventive maintenance procedures. FMA analysis. Strong communication skills, team leadership skills and ability to provide technical leadership. Strong ability to work with Design, suppliers, Manufacturing engineers and shop employees. Experience in new product introduction. Highly self motivated, organized, with excellent attention to details especially in documentation, and data analysis. Knowledge of Pro-E and/or AutoCAD, Documentation control software (DOCS OPEN). REPLY TO: Abdallah Alhamdan ENG. MANAGER 603-373-4206 aalhamdan@tycotelecom.com SALES REPRESENTATIVE / SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (6/08) The client is a leader in Fiber Optics product manufacturing. They are well established, profitable and experiencing significant growth. They are dedicated to providing total manufacturing solutions for fiber optic cabling systems to the telecommunications industry that requires Telcordia standards. They are in need of an experienced and successful Sales Representative from the Fiber Optics market who is looking for THE right career move. The company is currently enjoying significant growth. If you are looking for a great opportunity and have the skills to help drive growth and success, you should explore this opportunity. For more information, please contact: al@bratlandcareers.com or terri@bratlandcareers.com. Or, send a resume / cover letter to: resumes@bratlandcareers.com. APPLY ONLINE directly here.
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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! |
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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. You must be a current FOA member and CFOT to participate in our online database of installers, contractors, technicians and consultants. If you forgot to renew, use the online application form to renew NOW! |
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JDSU offers a free download of
their Testing Guide from the Lightwave website. This is one great book
which explains some basic fiber technology, but the real value is the
last half which deals with OTDR testing. Not only does it give the
usual info, but it covers important topics like measurement
uncertainties and anomolies like ghosts and gainers. 
Now In Spanish: FOA Textbook
& Text For FOA Advanced Certifications 
FOA Logo Merchandise
