Delivery: Online | Est. Length: 40 Seat Hours | Price: $910.00
Course Overview
The NCTI Operations Center Technical Support III course is the capstone training for Network Operations Center (NOC) personnel. While previous courses covered network reliability, this course delves into the complex physics of the Coaxial Distribution System and Fiber Optic Plant.
This advanced curriculum provides the necessary AC Electronic Theory to perform in-depth troubleshooting of power supplies and RF amplifiers. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the Return Path—teaching technicians to combat noise funneling and impairments that kill upstream performance. Finally, students will master the Fiber-Optic System, covering optical node operations, network design topologies, and critical Restoration Procedures using OTDRs.
Who Should Attend:
- Senior NOC Engineers
- Headend Technicians
- Plant Maintenance Supervisors
- Technical Support Leads
What You Will Learn
Upon completion, students will be able to apply AC theory to distribution architectures, optimize return path performance, and execute emergency fiber restoration plans.
Core Competencies:
- AC Electronic Theory: Analyze Alternating Current (AC) waveforms, resistive circuits, inductance, capacitance, and transformers to understand power distribution.
- RF Distribution: Explain the theory of operation for RF Amplifiers, Directional Couplers, Power Inserters, and Taps within the HFC network.
- Return Path Mastery: Identify sources of Return Path Impairments (noise funneling) and apply techniques to balance amplifiers and troubleshoot the drop system.
- Optical Systems: Describe the operation of forward/return Optical Receivers, transmitters, and repeaters.
- Fiber Design & Restoration: Establish network design guidelines and apply OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) basics to locate faults and plan restorations.
- Trunk Systems: Construct and verify the reliability of the cable plant, understanding system design symbols and architectures.
Certification and Benefits
Master the Physics of the Plant
This course provides the deep engineering knowledge required to maintain the backbone of the broadband network, ensuring reliability from the headend to the node.
Additional Benefits:
- Certification Pathways: Credits apply toward NCTI Customer Care Master Representative and Master Dispatcher certifications.
- Industry Recognition: Receive the NCTI Certificate of Graduation.
- Advanced Troubleshooting: Learn to use spectrum analyzers and OTDRs for precise fault isolation.
Course Outline
Module 1: AC Electronics and Power
- AC Theory: Waveforms, Resistive Circuits, and Skin Effect.
- Components: Inductance, Capacitance, and Transformers.
Module 2: RF Distribution Systems
- Architecture: Distribution system transmission equipment and architectures.
- Components: RF Directional Couplers, Power Inserters, and Taps.
- Trunk Systems: Design symbols and plant reliability.
Module 3: Return Path Operations
- Fundamentals: Signal flow, noise funneling, and drop system interaction.
- Troubleshooting: Using Spectrum Analyzers and balancing return amplifiers.
- Optical Return: Return path multiplexing and optimization.
Module 4: Fiber Optics and Restoration
- HFC Networks: Optical transmitters, receivers, and network optimization.
- Design: Establishing guidelines and analyzing routes.
- Restoration: OTDR types, features, and planning for optical failures.