FTTx Basics

The seemingly unquenchable demand for higher data speeds by consumers seems never-ending. Fiber-to-the-“x” or fiber-to-the node, curb, business, home, premises, etc., is one way to quench this demand. Many broadband companies have dabbled with FTTx, in particular FTTH (fiber-to-the-home), and this trend is increasing in part due to competitive pressures. A company with technicians trained in FTTx is poised to take advantage of the growing demand for speed through fiber. The FTTx Basics course describes overall fiber-optic network architectures and provides in-depth step-by-step instructions for connecting a customer with a fiber-optic drop.

Completion Time:

The estimated completion time for this course is two hours. The maximum allotted time is four months from enrollment.

Benefits:

• understand the process for fusion splicing fiber-optic cable
• be able to effectively connect fiber-optic cable at the premises
• become knowledgeable of passive optical networks (PON) architecture and equipment
• understand the Radio frequency over glass (RFoG) standard
• be able to complete fiber-to-the-home installations
• receive an industry-recognized NCTI certificate of graduation

Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

1. describe the different “fiber-to-the-x” topologies used in broadband cable networks
2. describe a passive optical network
3. identify the different categories of fiber-optic cable that are used in a passive optical network
4. recognize the different topologies used in passive optical networks
5. explain how the radio frequency over glass (RFoG) standard operates with any passive optical network
6. identify the elements of a passive optical network
7. describe different applications for optical splitters
8. identify multiple fiber strands after a splitter on an OTDR trace
9. identify various connectors used with fiber-optic drops
10. sequence the steps to prepare drop fiber for splicing
11. describe pigtails used for optical fiber terminations
12. describe the procedure for fusion splicing a drop fiber to a pigtail
13. identify the typical sources of failure in the outside plant
14. specify which fiber-optic test sets are used to troubleshoot common troubles
15. identify recommended fiber-optic restoration activities

Outline:

Operational Procedures

Introducing FTTx network topologies, describing passive optical network topologies, examining the elements of a passive optical network (PON), installing at the optical network unit (ONU) and troubleshooting FTTx installations