Fibre Optics – Advanced

This course will allow learners to gain more knowledge in the fibre optics field including optical networks such as Passive Optical Networks and Active Optical Networks. Furthermore, advanced fibre optic installations will also be covered.

This is a 35 hour course. Lessons are held as indicated on the prospectus and website.

This course may include one or more on-site visits to fibre-optic installation sites run by major industry players. While every effort will be done to include such visits in the syllabus these are subject to the availability of the hosting organization. The eventual time and dates of these visits will also be different from the time of the normal lectures.

Learning Outcome 1: Outline procedures and standards that are relevant in fibre optics

Content

                Networks

• Networks, nodes and node security
• Introduction to installation of optical cables

?     micro and macro bends

• Cable technology and types of cable (Fibre Connectors)
• Ducts
• Installation methods
• Link budget for a FTTX-Network
• Standards and methods

?     Standards and methods refer to the fibre and cable standards, i.e. all the ISO and ITU standards.

Learning Outcome 2: Recall various optical networks that can be found in today’s markets

Content

Optical Networks

• Passive Optical Networks
• Active Optical Networks

Learning Outcome 3: Follow the appropriate procedure to distribute fibre optics cables

Content

Optical Fibre Distribution

• ODF (Optical Distribution Frame)
• Revision of correct splicing techniques
• Setting up an ODF correctly
• Troubleshooting problems in an ODF installation
• Measuring power loss in ODF
• Wall-mount fibre optic distribution panel
• Direct Buried Fiber Optic Splice Closure

Learning Outcome 4: Test optic fibres using Optical Time Domain Reflectometer

Content

OTDR

• Measuring attenuation, length and splice losses
• Analysing the display presented on the OTDR
• Localisation of faults using OTDR
• Documentation of fibre links

The following are the suggested pre-requisites and/or entry requirements needed;

Entry Requirement:

• Have attended the ‘Fibre Optics – Introduction’ course

Course participants may be awarded either an MCAST Certificate of Attendance or an MCAST Certificate of Achievement.

MCAST Certificate of Attendance

• An MCAST Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to those candidates who attend at least 80% of the lessons.

MCAST Certificate of Achievement

• An MCAST Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to those candidates who satisfy the 80% attendance criteria and also choose to sit and pass the course assessment/s.

• Students who opt not to sit for the assessment or fail (the assessment/s) will however be awarded the MCAST Certificate of Attendance provided that they fulfill the minimum attendance criteria as stated above.

If the student intends to obtain a Certificate of Achievement, she/he is required to sit for an assessment/s.  Assessment/s may take various forms such as a home assignment, class assignment, practical test and time constrained test.  However, the assessment/s is not compulsory and an applicant may choose not to sit for it.

Learners should buy the following Consumables: Connectors of cabling, cleaning devices and cleaning material.