COM2023 - Basic Fiber Optic Theory and Hands-On Training

Course Description

This course starts with basic fiber optics theory. You will learn about the components found in fiber optics networks and where to find fiber optic reference materials. Not to be overlooked are the essentials of fiber safety. Building codes, construction techniques, cable routing, and design are among the many topics covered in fiber network engineering.

After basic theory and network engineering, you will move on to basic fiber optic network testing methods. You will have an opportunity to complete hands-on power meter and light source testing and also test for loss measurement. You will also learn the essential skills of terminating fiber optic cables with hands-on connectorizing and testing labs.

This hands-on course also covers the two major categories of field splicing methods, fusion splicing and mechanical splicing. Within mechanical splicing, single fiber mechanical (capillary and polished ferrule) and mechanical multiple fiber array are included. This unique opportunity to splice and test provides key components of learning to work with fiber.

You will learn about the three basic types of field testing used for customer premises systems. They are continuity testing, insertion loss/return loss testing, and Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) testing and troubleshooting. All methods are taught with hands-on learning in the fiber optics lab environment. This course is well suited for the technician who will complete hands-on jobs as well as for supervisors and managers wanting an overview of fiber optics.

Effective February 4, 2009, BICSI recognizes Basic Hands-On Fiber Optic Training for 21 BICSI Continuing Education Credits (CECs). At the end of this course, the student will be able to identify components of a fiber optics network; Identify fiber optic reference materials; Demonstrate fiber optics safety; Design, implement and manage a fiber optics network; Identify fiber optics building codes; Demonstrate fiber optics construction techniques; Route fiber optics cable; Test, troubleshoot and repair basic fiber optics networks; Test fiber optics networks using power meters and light sources; Terminate fiber optics cables; Demonstrate fusion splicing and mechanical splicing techniques.

Certification exams offered by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA) recognize the value of certifications in today's job markets. By offering certifications that are developed by a board of industry experts, the FOA provides an independent means to judge potential and current employees. The Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) for basic fiber optics exam is administered on the last day of Basic Fiber Optic Theory and Hands-On Training. It is the logical culmination of your training, to demonstrate your knowledge and competencies by taking this certification exam.

Course Outline

Learner Outcomes

At the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Identify components of a fiber optics network
• Identify fiber optic reference materials
• Demonstrate fiber optics safety
• Design, implement and manage a fiber optics network
• Identify fiber optics building codes
• Demonstrate fiber optics construction techniques
• Route fiber optics cable
• Test, troubleshoot and repair basic fiber optics networks
• Test fiber optics networks using power meters and light sources
• Terminate fiber optics cables
• Demonstrate fusion splicing and mechanical splicing techniques