Fiber Characterization - Intro. (Online)

Objectives

This course will allow students to:

• Learn about the tests that are required for fiber characterization
• Learn about transmission limits as a function of bit rate and application
• Learn about the effects of chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion on high speed signals such as 10G, 40G, and 100G
• Learn about OTDR theory and bi-directional splice characterization
• Learn about ORL and the consequences of high ORL

Summary

This online course will provide students with an introduction to fiber characterization and allow students to effectively communicate and interpret issues found during testing of optical infrastructure. Students will learn about the theory behind PMD, CD and attenuation profiling, and how to interpret the results obtained during testing.

Course Type

Brief Course Synopsis

1. Introduction to Fiber Characterization
   • What is Fiber Characterization?
   • Why is it needed?
   • Legacy Networks and Today's Networks
2. Fiber Optic Basic Review
   • Transmission Basics
   • Light Propagation
   • Causes of Optical Loss
   • Types of Fiber
3. Inspection and Cleaning of Fibers
   • Inspection Tools
   • Proper Cleaning Practices
   • Inspection Assessment
4. End to End Loss
   • Connector Loss
   • Splice Loss
   • Power Budget Calculations
   • Test Methodologies
   • OTLS Functionality
5. Optical Return Loss
   • Consequences of High ORL
   • ORL Limits
   • ORL Test Tools
   • ORL Testing
6. OTDR
   • How an OTDR Works
   • Reflectance
   • Dead Zones
   • Setting up an OTDR
   • Manual Measurements
7. Chromatic Dispersion
   • Causes of Chromatic Dispersion
   • Limits of Chromatic Dispersion
   • Chromatic Dispersion Testing
   • Compensation
8. Polarization Mode Dispersion
   • Causes of PMD
   • Mode Coupling
   • PMD Limits
   • PMD Testing

Target Audience

This course is designed for network engineers, system managers, application engineers, designers, and supervisors.

No prior experience is necessary for the Fiber Characterization Basics course.

Benefits

After taking this course, students will have a basic understanding of detailed OTDR configuration, cause and effect of trace events, and other advanced trace analysis techniques including bi-directional splice characterization and optical return loss testing.

Course Components