Optical power measurement

A power measurement is a test of the signal strength from the transmitter after the system is activated. An optical photometer displays the optical power received on its photodiode and can be directly connected to the output of the optical transmitter or to where the optical receiver would be located on a fiber cable. The unit of measurement for optical power is dBm, with “m” representing 1 milliwatt and “dB” referring to decibels.

Test the optical fiber to measure optical losses
To measure the optical losses of a fiber, you must connect to a source with a continuous power level using a starter coil to perform the reference. A photometer at the opposite end of the circuit measures the optical source with and without the fiber to be tested in order to quantify the loss in dB of the fiber itself.
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Other methods of optical loss testing use a starter coil and an end coil connected to the photometer. This type of method is the standard for optical loss testing on a wired installation and includes loss measurements at both ends of the cable under test. This is why, it is important to check that all the optical connectors are of impeccable cleanliness.

Deployment of optical fiber:

Deployment of optical fiber: how to connect a building to optical fiber
To connect a building to fiber optics, you must have the approval of the co-ownership trustee. This kind of decision is taken during the general meeting of co-owners, which takes place, generally, once a year. When the decision is made, an agreement is signed with an operator. The latter will then deploy the fiber in the common areas vertically and propose to the residents of the building the installation of optical sockets thus making it possible to connect their housing. The operator who deployed the fiber then has a temporary monopoly.

To benefit from fiber optic internet, it is necessary to have an optical outlet installed by a technician in its housing.

Deployment of optical fiber: how to connect a house to optical fiber
If most of the housing connected to fiber optics is in buildings, houses can also be connected to fiber optics. Indeed optical fiber is deployed in more and more districts. Thus a house is connected to optical fiber as soon as a technician establishes a fiber link between the home and the optical connection node which is located in the district. This connection can be made, according to eligibility directly by fiber optic cables (FttH), or via a termination by coaxial cable (Fttla) or copper (Fttdp).
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What is the profile of a fiber optic technician?

Required Skills
There are no prerequisites for becoming a fiber optic technician . Even if a technical profile and an interest in optical technologies is an asset. The skills training for careers in fiber is sufficient to acquire the skills necessary for various operations of deployment and connection.

Applicants must simply have their B license and be comfortable with the computer tool.

Qualities sought
Organization, respect for the rules, absolute rigor, concentration, skill and precision are the qualities required of a future fiber optic technician . The profession involves enjoying outdoor work, being mobile and flexible. Travel and on-call duty are frequent.
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How to become a fiber optic technician?
To become a fiber optic technician , you can

•      you form alternating with a contract of apprenticeship or vocational training contract ,

•      choose an initial training if you have just obtained your Professional Bac or BTS with a qualification in electrical engineering,

•      opt for continuous training adapted to the needs of businesses.

The profession is growing and there are many evolutions in the sector. If you are interested in becoming a FTTH technician , browse the Actual job offers online. Or go to your agencemploi to talk about it with your advisor!

OPTICAL DIELECTRIC CABLE FOR UNDERGROUND APPLICATION IN DUCT OR SPINED AERIAL (DD ):

Set consisting of single-mode or multimode graded-index optical fibers, coated in acrylate, protection element (s) of the basic unit (s), dielectric traction element (s), any fillers; and core resistant to moisture penetration and protected by a thermoplastic material coating.

 OPTICAL TERMINATION CABLE (CFOT):

Set consisting of basic units of optical cords, optical elements or optical fibers, dielectric traction element, possible fillers, dry core and protected by an external layer of flame-retardant thermoplastic material.

SELF-SUPPORTING AERIAL DIELECTRIC OPTICAL CABLE FOR LONG SPANS (LV):

Set consisting of single-mode or multimode optical fibers graded-index coated in acrylate, protection elements of the basic unit, dielectric traction and support elements, possible fillers, core resistant to the penetration of moisture, and protected by a thermoplastic material coating.

SELF-SUSTAINING DIELECTRIC AERIAL OPTICAL CABLE (AS):

Set consisting of single-mode or multimode graded-index optical fibers coated in acrylate, dielectric traction and support elements, possible fillers, with protection elements of the basic unit (s) and core resistant to moisture penetration, and protected by a thermoplastic material coating.

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INTERNAL OPTICAL CABLE (CFOI):

Set consisting of optical cords, optical fibers or single-mode or multimode graded-index optical elements coated in acrylate, dielectric traction elements, dry core and protected by an external layer of flame-retardant thermoplastic material.

For you to choose the appropriate fiber optic cable for your application it is important to understand the nomenclature found in the cables, because only then will you be able to identify important characteristics such as:

- Quantities of Fiber

- Whether the use is internal, external or underground

- If the fiber is Singlemode or Multimode

- Core Type

- Type of coating

You can find the nomenclatures of optical cables printed on the cable itself and also on the product's Technical Sheet.

Administration, address and documentation

The documentation of the wiring of a plant is a fundamental part of the design, installation and maintenance process of the fiber optic network. Performing the installation documentation correctly will facilitate installation, allow for better planning for an update, simplify testing and future movements, additions and modifications.

Unless otherwise specified by the user, the documentation of a plant's fiber optic cabling should follow the ANSI / TIA / EIA-606 standards for telecommunications infrastructure in commercial buildings. 

The fiber optic cables, particularly those used for the backbone network ( backbone ) may contain fibers that connect different connections that go to different places with interconnections in patch panels or splice closures. The exact path followed by all fibers in each cable, also intermediate connections and all types of connectors should be documented. The documentation should also include information on insertion losses and optionally, the layout of the OTDR. 

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Procedure to install the swivel links:

Strip the cable jacket and cut all the fibers to the end of the jacket, leaving only the aramid reinforcement elements.

Separate aramid yarn into two groups and pass them through the link in opposite directions.

Tie knots in each of the groups on the link and put the resistance members back into the cable jacket.

Tape the resistance elements along with the jacket and to the swivel hitch.

How to make a “figure of 8” on a cable for intermediate trawls in external plant facilities

In long-term cable runs in an external plant of about 4 kilometers, it may be necessary to use an automatic cable puller at one or more intermediate points for a continuous run or drag from the middle to both ends (intermediate drag- midspan ). When resting fiber loops on a surface while making a run, use cable loops in figure 8 to avoid twisting the cable. The figure of 8 locates half of a turn of the cable on one side of the 8 and takes the other half on the other side, avoiding folds. 

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Fiber optic communications systems use much less power

Fiber optic communications systems use much less power. First, most of the sources used in the optical fiber are controlled at an adjusted modulation rate, not at maximum power. Internal wiring with multimode fiber and LED sources to have low power levels, too low to be dangerous. High-speed internal connections use vertical-cavity laser and surface emission (VCSEL), which still have low power levels and are generally not harmful.    Most telecommunications companies use laser connections with slightly higher power levels than VCSELs.

There are two types of connections that have high power, up to 100 times more than other telecommunications systems, which are cable television or video connections at 1550 nm and long-distance telecommunications connections that use DWDM (division multiplexing dense wavelength). Cable television connections or video connections used in fiber to the home (FTTH - read more) can use amplifiers (read more) that increase power to really high levels, potentially dangerous to the eyes.  DWDM telecommunications connections are used in very long-distance connections (read more). Not only do they use fiber amplifiers to increase power, but they also have many different signals operating at different wavelengths on the same single-mode fiber. Any wavelength would not be a problem, but the sum of 16, 32 or 64 individual wavelengths can be very powerful. 

The next problem is to focus on the light of fiber in your eye. The light within an optical fiber propagates in a cone shape, whose angle is defined by the characteristics of the fiber transmission determined by the numerical aperture. As your eye moves away from the end of the fiber, the amount of radiation it receives is inversely proportional to the square of the distance; that is, at twice the distance, the power is reduced by 1/4, ten times the distance reduces the power to 1%. It should not be so far to reduce power levels to low levels not harmful.   
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As the beam of light that comes out of the optical fiber does it conically, the eye cannot focus it on the retina. This does not happen with the typical laboratory laser or laser pointer, which emits a narrow and directed beam of light, which does not spread; a beam that can easily focus on the retina and cause temporary blindness.

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checking the termination kits

When checking the termination kits, particular attention must be paid to the condition of the tools. Of course, those missing tools will require replacement, but hopefully this must have been done at the end of the last job, upon verification. However, tools such as cable peelers, fiber peelers or precision cutters can be worn or damaged, so it is important to verify their proper functioning with some sample fibers.   

It is mandatory to verify each piece of equipment that is intended to be taken to the work area to ensure its proper functioning and allow installation personnel to become familiar with its operation again. This process must be carried out with sufficient time, to be able to repair or replace the part or replace other supplies. It is also evident that a team that has had problems in the work area should never be stored. What needs to be done is to replace it or send it for repair so that it is ready for the next job.

It is necessary to mention another problem that has been observed lately with the tools. There have been recent complaints about the poor quality of the tools, especially fiber cutters, which leads us to think that imports of low quality tools are becoming very common. In one case, the tools seemed to be false, but with the brand of a well-known American company. We suggest acquiring the tools in reliable places and inspecting them upon receipt to ensure that they work properly. 

Finally, once the equipment has been verified and is ready to be used, make sure it is together with the appropriate safety equipment.  Anyone who works with fibers needs clean, scratch-free safety glasses that will help you see fine fiber threads more easily. A black work cloth for splices and terminations also helps to see the fibers and find the fiber remains for easier cleaning.

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Before starting the installation:

Before starting the installation:

·      All permits must be available for inspection

·      Prepared places, with electricity

·      All components in place, inspected, with 24 hour security, if necessary

·      Contractor available

·      Relevant notified staff

·      Safety standards attached to the workplace (s) and reviewed with all supervisors and installation personnel



During the installation:

·      Monitor the quality of work at all times

·      Daily review of the process, progress and test information

·      Immediate notification and solution of problems, faults, etc.



When completing the wiring installation:

·      Monitor the quality of work

·      Review the wiring test information

·      Mount and test the communications system

·      Update and complete the documentation

·      Update and complete the restoration plan

·      Save the restoration plan, documentation, components, etc..

P repair for the installation of the optical fiber in internal plant

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Equipment for restoration

Testing and troubleshooting

To be able to solve the problems of a cable network and carry out its restoration, it is essential to have the appropriate testing equipment. An OLTS must also have a power meter to test the power of the signals and thus determine if the problem is in the electronic system or in the cable network. A total failure in all the fibers of the cable network means a break or a cut in the cable. In the case of cables in the internal plant, the location is usually simple if there is a visual fault locator or VFL,

For longer cables, it will be useful to have an OTDR. External plant networks must use the OTDR to document the cable network during installation. Thus, during a restoration, a simple comparison of the installation date with the current paths will be sufficient to find the problems. OTDRs are also capable of detecting problems of lesser severity, such as those that arise when a cable is twisted or strained and generates a greater loss, which can also cause network problems.

Tools and components

Once the problem is detected, it must be repaired. For this, it is necessary to have the right tools, supplies, and trained personnel available. In addition to the necessary testing equipment to solve the problems, tools for splices and terminations are required, including a fiber optic fuser for cables in the external plant. Components will also be needed to make the joints. At each installation, a reasonable additional amount of cable and installation hardware must be separated and stored for future restorations. Some users store supplies for restorations along with a documentation in a sealed container ready to be used. It should be noted that the connection cables( fiber optic patchcord) that connect the electronic system to the cable network, may also be damaged, but are not considered repairable. Only have the spare parts available.
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