Delivery: Online
Estimated Length: 40 seat hours
Price: $910
This course provides network operations center personnel with invaluable information on the coaxial distribution system and teaches the necessary AC (alternating current) electronic theory and application needed to perform in-depth troubleshooting of the broadband network. Network technicians will also learn the fundamentals of maintaining network reliability in the return path. The course concludes with a thorough exploration of the fiber-optic system, including optical node operations, design topologies, basic testing methods and restoration.
Completion Time:
The estimated completion time for this course is 40 hours. The maximum time allowed is four months from enrollment.
Benefits:
- receive credit toward NCTI Customer Care Master Representative certification
- receive credit toward NCTI Master Dispatcher certification
- receive an industry-recognized NCTI certificate of graduation
Upon completing this course, students will be able to:
- understand and apply AC electronic theory
- explain the theory of tap and passive equipment operation in the coaxial distribution system
- describe and apply the theory of operation for power supplies and RF (radio frequency) amplifiers
- describe the return path signal flow and major transmission elements
- explain the concept and effects of noise funneling on the return path
- discuss procedures for improving overall return path performance
- explain sources of return path impairments and learn troubleshooting techniques
- describe and apply the theory of operation for forward and return optical receivers
- describe and apply fiber-optic topologies and design requirements
- explain the process of fiber-optic fault location using the OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometer)
- outline both emergency and permanent optical system restoration procedures
Outline:
Distribution System Overview
Applying basic electronics to distribution systems, comparing distribution system architectures, examining distribution system transmission equipment, measuring system vital signs and faults and troubleshooting signal problems and outages
Alternating Current
Understanding AC and AC power and recognizing AC waveforms
Understanding AC Waveform Fundamentals
Examining AC waveform characteristics and expressing AC waveform values
Resistive AC Circuits
Understanding basic relationships, eddy currents and the skin effect; solving sample problems
Inductance and Transformers
Investigating induction, inductance, inductors and transformers
Capacitance
Capacitance and capacitors
RF Directional Couplers and Power Inserters
Explaining directional couplers and power inserters
Working with RF Taps
Identifying types of taps and RF tap mechanical components, examining tap electrical characteristics, understanding the theory of tap operation and considering RF tap system design criteria
Understanding Fiber Optics and HFC (Hybrid-Fiber-Coaxial) Networks
Introducing fiber optics, constructing fiber networks, the evolving HFC network and optimizing the HFC network
Transmitting and Receiving Optical Signals
Studying optical transmitters, understanding optical receivers and transmitting optical signals, using amplifiers, repeaters and regenerators
Understanding Fiber Optic Network Design
Establishing network design guidelines, analyzing the network design route and discussing network documentation
Return Path Operations Overview
Understanding signal flow in the return path, identifying common technical issues and maintaining the return path
Introducing Return Path Fundamentals
Describing the return path, investigating how the reverse path works and examining the return path in the drop system
Troubleshooting the Return Path
Describing return path test equipment, troubleshooting the return path in the drop system and using the spectrum analyzer to troubleshoot the HFC network
Maintaining Return Path Signals
Describing return path amplitude levels, setting return amplifier levels and balancing the return path
Examining Signals in the Return Path
Modulating return path signals, examining spectrum sharing technologies and analyzing return path carriers
Examining the Optical Return Path
Introducing optical return technologies, optimizing optical return path performance and introducing optical return path multiplexing
Trunk System Overview
Understanding system design symbols and architectures, constructing and powering the cable plant, examining transmission components, and verifying plant reliability
Presenting OTDR Basics
Introducing OTDRs, describing OTDR types and examining OTDR features
Planning Fiber-Optic Restorations
Explaining a fiber restoration plan, understanding causes of optical failures and planning efficiently and effectively for fiber restorations