Fiber Optics 101

(adapted for TVPPA members)

taught by Denise Frey, Fiber Planners Inc.

First day

Basics of fiber and a little theory

8:30 AM until noon

1. Introduction to fiber optics

• how the light actually travels through the glass fiber
• explanation of the difference between multimode & single mode fiber
• how glass fiber is manufactured
• wavelengths used
• fiber characteristics, which ones to keep an eye on
  • attenuation
  • bandwidth
  • dispersion
  • operating wavelengths

2. Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)

3. Splicing Basics

Where and Why are Fiber Optics used?

1:00 PM until 4:00 PM

4. Basics of how a phone works.

• analog versus digital
• copper versus fiber

5. Capacities available

6. Electronics for growth

7. System Link Loss Budgets

Second day

How to use fiber optics in your world

8:30 AM until noon

8. Transmission versus Distribution.

9. Which cable design fits your needs?

• Buried cable
• Duct cable
• Aerial cable lashed to a messenger
• All Dielectric Self Supporting cable
• Sky Wrap™ cable
• Optical Ground wire

10. Uses for the fiber ‘in house’, i.e. SCADA, T1’s, security

Money Issues and How to put the pieces together

1:00 PM until 4:00 PM

11. Revenue generating fiber capacity

• Leasing dark fiber or a joint venture partner
• Internet, 911 service, telephone circuits (T1’s),
• teleconferencing, tie-lines and more

12. What advantages you offer a customer as a power and fiber optic provider

13. Money an issue? Find a dance partner

14. How to estimate a budget for a fiber optic project

15. Does my town need fiber optics? How can I tell?

16. Cable installation basics

• ADSS
• OPGW
• lashed cable

17. Crowded poles - power versus communications regions

18. Taking the first steps to own a fiber optic system

• Outside plant design
• Cable, installation and splicing/testing specifications

Course contents and material ©1998-2002 Fiber Planners Inc.

• Sample board workshop outline: Where can fiber take your community?

 

• Sample course outline: Fiber 101 (TVPPA version)