Delivery: Online | College Credit: 3 Credit Hours | Est. Length: 24 Seat Hours | Price: $650.00
Course Overview
The NCTI Delivering Broadband Services course is the comprehensive handbook for the modern cable technician. It bridges the gap between network theory and practical field application.
While many courses focus solely on the “how,” this course explains the “why.” Students will trace the lifecycle of a signal—from the Headend through the Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) network, all the way to the customer’s equipment. The curriculum covers the essential “Triple Play” services (Video, Voice, and High-Speed Internet) and provides detailed instruction on Aerial and Underground Drop installations.
Who Should Attend:
- Broadband Technicians (Install/Repair)
- Network Maintenance Staff
- Technical Operations Support
- Dispatchers requiring technical depth
What You Will Learn
Upon completion, students will be able to visualize the network architecture and perform safe, regulation-compliant installations at the customer premises.
Core Competencies:
- Signal Flow: Explain how RF and optical signals travel from the headend to the home (and back) via the HFC network.
- Triple Play Delivery: Master the intricacies of Digital Video formats, VoIP call handling/PacketCable, and Cable Modem provisioning.
- Fiber Optics: Describe the function of fiber nodes and the safety procedures required when handling optical cables.
- Installation Mastery: Execute proper routing and connection procedures for both Aerial (strand attachment) and Underground (tap connection) drops.
- Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Identify causes of signal outages, perform signal leakage monitoring, and utilize proper test equipment.
- Safety & Compliance: Adhere to government regulations (FCC) and personal safety codes (OSHA/NESC) while on the job.
Certification and Benefits
Build a Solid Career Foundation
This course provides 3 hours of college credit, making it a high-value investment for technicians looking to advance their education.
Additional Benefits:
- Certification Pathways: Credits apply toward NCTI Customer Care Master Representative and Master Dispatcher certifications.
- Industry Recognition: Receive the NCTI Certificate of Graduation.
- Holistic Knowledge: Gain a complete understanding of the plant, from the satellite receiver at the headend to the set-top box in the living room.
Course Outline
Module 1: Technology & Network Architecture
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum and electronics basics.
- The Headend: Microwave, satellite, and signal processing.
- HFC Networks: Fiber optics, nodes, and network optimization.
Module 2: Installation Practices
- Aerial Drops: Safety standards, strand attachment, and routing to the premises.
- Underground Drops: Cable placement, routing, and tap connections.
Module 3: Service Delivery (Triple Play)
- Video: TV standards, formats, and digital services.
- Voice (VoIP): Evolution of cable telephony and PacketCable.
- Data: Provisioning modems and managing the network.
Module 4: The Customer Premises
- Connecting Consumer Electronics (Audio/Video).
- Routing cabling within the home.
Module 5: Maintenance & Regulation
- Routine maintenance programs and signal leakage.
- Regulatory Issues: FCC rules and technical performance standards.
- Safety: Ensuring job site safety and code compliance.