Fiber Optic Testing, Lesson 6: Components, Networks and Troubleshooting
Objectives: From this self-study lesson you should learn:
- What networks may require special testing.
- What other fiber optic components need testing?
- How does on test a complete fiber optic network?
- Why is troubleshooting so difficult-or is it?
- What do you need to remember most about fiber optic testing?
So
far, we've mainly concentrated on testing the fiber optic cable plant.
However, other components and systems require testing also. Patchcords,
for example, are often a source of problems in connecting and operating
networks. If you work with communications systems, it's important to
learn how to troubleshoot the active electronics too. In labs, you may
be faced with testing fibers, connectors or splices. All these are
straightforward testing issues and will see how they are similar to what
you have learned before.
The course leads you to read online or printed
materials (with an emphasis on the online using the FOA Guide), watch
FOA YouTube Videos, complete some activities and take the quizzes. Each
lesson plan will be self-contained. Lesson plans open in new pages so
the course overview page stays open to lead you to the next lesson or
you may use the link at the bottom of the page.
Student Assignment
Read the references, watch the videos and take the quizzes (Test Your Knowledge)
Videos
FOA YouTube Videos,
FOA Lecture 20: Other Fiber Optic Tests (This video covers reflectance, bandwidth, PMD and CD for long haul SM systems and spectral attenuation for WDM systems.)
FOA Lecture 39 Maintaining Fiber Optic Networks (Not what you think!)
Online FOA Reference
FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics
Connector and Splice Loss Testing (Lab tests, not field, used for R&D or component qualification.)
Reflectance Testing (How one measures the reflectance from connectors and optical return loss from a cable plant.)
Data Link or Network Testing (While many installers never test a system, end users and those troubleshooting systems need to know this.)
Fiber Loss Testing including Multimode Modal Control (This is a major effect in measurement uncertainty when testing multimode fibers.)
Reference Textbook
FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optic Testing, Chapters 8, 11,
Testing is also covered in these FOA textbooks in a more abbreviated form:
FOA
Reference Guide to Fiber Optics, Chapter 8
FOA
Reference Guide to Outside Plant Fiber Optics, Chapter 8
Test Your Knowledge
Online Quiz
Extra Credit Reading & Certification
Assignments beyond the basics required for the course will be listed as extra credit.
Read everything in the FOA Online Guide about test.
If you have a CFOT and appropriate experience, this course will prepare you for the FOA CFOS/T specialist certification.
Next Lesson: #7 Fiber Characterization
|
