Fiber Testing

Today, fiber optics supports a large proportion of Internet, telephone and television data transmission around the world. As these networks and the number of users continue to grow, the development of standardized fiber optic testing practices becomes even more important.

The origins of fiber optic testing
The Origins of Fiber Testing

The transmission of an optical signal through a thin glass "fiber" is not a new concept. Over 100 years ago, experiments had shown that light can move through a curved glass substrate with almost no loss of its initial intensity. In the late 1960s, optical lasers, optical fibers based on silica glass and digital signals were combined to form the basis of the fiber optic communication networks we know today. Already in the 1990s, fiber optic networks could carry 100 times more information than traditional cables with electronic amplifiers.
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To be routed over optical fiber, electronic signals are converted into optical signals in the form of digital light pulses. These signals are transmitted, via fiber optic cables, to a receiver located at the end of the line, where the signals are converted so as to return to their original binary form. It is the format readable by computer systems and devices. To ensure the integrity of these optical signals over the entire length of long-distance cables and complex networks, fiber optic test processes must constantly evolve.

OPTICAL FIBER

he fiber drawing of Aix-les-Bains is carried out by Orange on its own funds and according to the schedule it has established. The operator was appointed by the State for Savoy following a call for expressions of investment intention carried out at the national level.
By 2022, the objective is to cover 100% of housing and professional premises. For the Grand Lac territory, this represents 35,000 dwellings.

Orange will inform households eligible for the connection as they go.

Update on fiber development
Launched in 2016 by Orange, in charge of this operation in the Aix conurbation, the deployment of the fiber-optic network is effective in certain sectors of the city. 100% of households should be fiber-opted by the end of 2022.

The progress of the work will, therefore, be followed in the months and years to come.
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Discover the coverage of the fiber network
To find out if your home, workplace, etc., are eligible for fiber, the operator Orange offers you the interactive map below. To search for a location, simply zoom insufficiently on the desired location or enter the address directly into the search engine.
HOW WILL FIBERIZING TAKE PLACE?
The networks are deployed in FFTH optical fiber by Orange via the existing underground infrastructures. Fiber will arrive in the streets, at the feet of houses and buildings.

Telecoms and networks technician

What does this job consist of?

Installation, commissioning and maintenance of IT or telecommunications equipment ... These are the missions of the telecoms technician who is interested in the equipment connecting the different workstations of a company and establishing the connection with the outside. The network technician is responsible for the computer network. It prepares the hardware (servers, routers ...) and software (integration of the operating system, administration software ...), then configures the installation.

Improve the system

The telephone and computer networks of a company tending to be confused, voice, images and data today pass through the same equipment. Jobs are found in installers, service companies and user companies. The activity is then more focused on the maintenance and improvement of computer networks. Armed with solid technical knowledge and able to read documents in English, the telecoms and networks technician also has facilities to communicate.

Read more @ certified fiber optic technician jobs

Self-sustaining Optical Cable: your solution for an ungrounded optical network

Today we are going to talk a little about the most searched cable on our website, the Self-Sustained Optical Cable. Available in two configurations: AS 120 and AS 80.

The Self-Sustained Optical Cable is a great option for installers. Completely dielectric, the cable prevents electrical discharges in the networks and reduces the installation cost by eliminating the grounding of the optical networks.

Get to know our Self-Sustained Optical Cable better
Used in aerial networks, the Self-Supported Optical Cable does not have metallic items to support the traction, making it totally electrically isolated. It has a compact structure with up to 12 fibers, being indicated for intermediate and final installations in rural and urban networks. In addition to being able to be launched in spans of up to 120 meters (AS 120), or in spans of 80 meters (AS 80).

Sold in wooden reels of 2,000 meters or 3,000 meters each. Orders over 30km may have personalized engraving.

The internal configuration of the Self-Sustained Optical Cable
Self-supporting Optical CableThe internal configuration of the cable consists of the tying of two FRP (plastic reinforced fiber) together with a  loose tube. The loose structure consists of intubating the naked optical fibers together with a protective jelly that keeps the fibers away from moisture. AS cables can contain 2, 4, 6, 8 or 12 fibers. (1 and 10 fibers on request).
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The outer cover of the Self-Sustained Optical Cable is made of thermoplastic material with anti-UV protection, which will prevent degradation of the cable exposed to the weather. It is worth mentioning that this cable is only suitable for outdoor aerial installations and does not have flame retardant additives (NR standard).

Labeling and documentation

Usually, the installer who terminates the cable has the job of labeling each termination point. Ideally, the label has been created as part of the design of the cable network and that the installer only has to attach the color codes of the fibers to the label and, if not yet attached, paste the label on the panel Connection in the right place. This is an important process since the designation of each fiber will be used to record the test information, the connection to the equipment and will continue during future movements, additions, and modifications.  The doors of the connection panels should have signed with the specifications of use and warnings about the person authorized to enter.

Cleaning the work area

After termination or splicing of the cables, the installer should carefully clean the work area and leave it as clean as he found it, preferably cleaner than he found it. All remains, especially fibers, which should be sealed in disposable containers, must be removed from the area. 


Storage of leftover components

Any component that must be saved for future use. The connectors and cables can be stored together with the wiring documentation so that in the event of restoration in the future, compatible components are available for use in splicing or terminating the cables.

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All equipment and cables should be stored

All equipment and cables should be stored in a clean and dry place, protected from harsh environments such as extreme cold or heat. Because of the value of the cable and the possibilities of theft, all components must be stored in a secure warehouse with guards at the time or place that is necessary.

General lines for fiber optic cable installation

Fiber optic cables are installed in so many different ways that generalizing how fiber is installed is very difficult, which is why this book will try to cover all matters of universal interest and will mention specifications when appropriate. 

The fiber optic cable can be installed inside or outside, using different installation processes. Outside, the cables can be straight, pulled or blown into corrugated ducts or subducts, or installed overhead on poles. Indoor cables can be installed in cable channels, in cable trays above roofs or under floors, pulled into underground ducts or corrugated subducts, or blown into special ducts with compressed gas. The installation process will depend on the nature of the installation and the type of cable used.   

The installation methods for copper cables and fiber optic cables for telecommunications are similar. Fiber cables are designed to be pulled much harder than copper cables if done correctly, but too much tension in the cable can damage the fibers, which can potentially cause eventual failure. Particular care must be taken in the installation to prevent exceeding the radius of curvature or the folds of the cable as they can damage the fibers. 
Also Read: Fiber optic engineer salary

Learn how new equipment is used

Some of the equipment necessary for fiber optic installation is complex and it can be difficult to learn how to use it without proper training on that particular equipment. Examples include automatic fusion splicers, especially for fiber fusion splicers type ribbon ( ribbon ), handles cable or trailers and OTDR.

Some of these devices are quite complicated and have other peripheral devices that must be used together to achieve the expected results. The fiber fusion splicers for ribbon type ( ribbon ), for example, use printing ribbon and cutting precision, both essential to achieve quality splices. All automatic fusers have unique programming features, so one has to learn how to operate the fuser and also how to make splices using it. 

OTDRs are also complex devices and learning how to use them covers two phases: learning how to operate the OTDR with all its options and learning how to interpret the information required to test a fiber (called plotting or graphic signature). Although all OTDR manufacturers offer “ automatic check” options , one cannot rely on these in all uses, as they can be confused with unwanted “ghost” effects. The user must always manually check the OTDR line to draw the appropriate conclusions from the test report. 

One should be trained on the type and model of equipment of interest in question, since each manufacturer produces different products or different models that may have unique characteristics.  To be effective, the training must include two stages: how to assemble and operate the equipment and how to complete the processes for which it is intended.   In general, manufacturers who provide training for the use of these products and independent instructors use the same equipment or are willing to train using their equipment if you have already purchased it.

Also Read : Fiber optics jobs