SC268 Hands-on Workshop on Outside Plant Splicing, Testing and Troubleshooting for FTTx Networks

Monday, March 23, 2009
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Larry Johnson; Light Brigade Inc., USA
Level: Advanced Beginner (basic understanding of topic is necessary to follow course material)

Course Description

Fiber to the X, whether it is fiber to the home (FTTH), to the building (FTTB) or to the user (FTTx), has long been a goal of the fiber optic industry. Since the issuance of the ITU-T G.983 Passive Optical Networks (PON) standard, the installation of FTTx networks has exploded, creating opportunities and challenges for those involved with network design, installation and operation. This course discusses what the fiber optic craftsperson must know (and address) for FTTx systems to operate effectively. The course features both classroom and hands-on content including splicing and testing demonstrations. The classroom portion provides an overview of the PON topology and architecture, with a focus on how to splice and test optical splitters, and cable spans from the optical line terminal (OLT) to the optical network terminal (ONT). This includes how fiber distribution hubs (FDH), fiber access terminals (FAT), fiber distribution units (FDU, and fiber optic splice closures are integrated with trunk, feeder, distribution and drop cables. The course covers the three options for the termination of FTTx drop cables. Hands-on content includes fusion splicing, OTDR, optical loss testing, fiber and cable handling. A selection of typical OSP closures and cable management products will be used to familiarize the attendee with the disciplines and challenges of each. The attendee will be able to apply the knowledge gained for use in testing attenuation levels at 1310/1490/1550nm. Two techniques (CO to FDH or the OLT to ONT) are taught, along with the challenges and test equipment required. Additional techniques will be shown for how to measure reflection levels of passive components and how to optimize your OTDR for testing optical splitters.

Benefits and Learning Objectives

This course should enable you to:

  • Describe the OSP portions and components of an FTTx network.
  • Identify the test points and locations of an FTTx installation.
  • Test and troubleshoot an FTTx OSP installation.
  • Test an optical span using an OTDR.
  • Determine the best of three options for terminating drop cables.
  • Measure the reflectance of passive optical components used in PON networks.
  • Explain the differences between PON and telephony fiber counts and the impact on splicing and records.
  • Explain attenuation characteristics of optical splitters.

Intended Audience

This course is intended for those who design, plan, install, splice and test OSP fiber-to-the-home networks. Since next generation FTTx systems may include DWDM and ROADM (reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexing) technologies and products, it is essential to consider the fiber selection, cable management products and OSP testing and test equipment. This course will address these topics and then apply them in hands-on demonstrations.

Biography

The Light Brigade (TLB) has been a leader in fiber optic training from manufacturers to end users since 1987. The company philosophy is to work with all companies with a technology aspect providing an unbiased perspective. The staff of TLB consists of many veterans of the fiber optics, telephony and premise industries. TLB has developed fiber optic courses, computer-based training and fiber optic DVDs for FTTx since 2002 and has worked with the OSA since 1990 for a variety of tasks at OFC/NFOEC.