April, 2010


In This Issue
FOA Using Social Networking Sites To Promote Fiber Optics
FOA Worldwide - Istanbul Seminar
OFS Unveils R&D on Fibers For 400 Gb/s
Achieving Fiber Optic Speed Over Copper Lines
US FTTH Connections Continue To Grow
Update on Google FTTH Program
Webinars of Interest

FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide

New Schools

Tech Topics

Q&A: Questions we've answered recently. 

Product News

Worth Reading:  Interesting things we've read.
FTTH  
Looking For Jobs 
This Month's "Tech Puzzler"
Fiber Optic Safety Poster to download and print
NEW: Sign up for the FOA eMail Newsletter

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Current Issue of FOA Newsletter

It's now CFOT®  The FOA CFOT® (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) is now a registered trademark. With over 25,000 fiber optic techs holding CFOTs and the CFOT being recognized worldwide as the foremost certification in fiber optics, the FOA realized the value of the CFOT required trademark protection. Now it's official!

Want to know more about fiber optics? Looking for specific information? Study for FOA certifications? Here's the largest technical reference on the web: The FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide.

Free Self-Study Program on "Fiber U"


FOA Home Page
Contact the FOA  



Renew your FOA certification online - plus get a discount coupon for the new FOA books and get an extra month free. Details here.






FOA Using Social Networking Sites To Promote Fiber Optics

As the FOA grows, it becomes more important to expand the links to our members and the world of fiber optics. The FOA is now adding Facebook and LinkedIn to its ways of communicating what’s going on in fiber optics. By now, everyone is familiar with Facebook which has 400 million users worldwide. LinkedIn is a similar service but aimed at working professionals that has 65 million members in 200 countries. Both Facebook and LinkedIn offer unique opportunites for The FOA and its members to communicate more effectively.

Find us on Facebook

The FOA has created an official Facebook group for anyone interested in fiber optics. Here we will post news about the industry, links to useful online resources, special training opportunities, and allow discussions of fiber optic and cabling topics online.  Anyone interested in fiber optics is welcome to join the FOA on Facebook. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fiber-Optic-Association-Inc/110217452343711?ref=mf)

FOA on LinkedIn

The FOA LinkedIn group is limited to FOA CFOTs (Certified Fiber Optic Technicians) and will be primarily oriented to connecting CFOTs with job opportunites and high-level technical discussions. If you are a FOA CFOT (and your're current - check your ID card), join us on LinkedIn.  (http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=2925670&trk=anet_ug_grppro)



FOA Worldwide - Istanbul Seminar

Today, the FOA has members and approved schools in about 30 countries worldwide. We're adding new countries all the time because our educational and certification focus helps expand the ranks of trained, certified technicians who can design and build new state of the art communications systems.
We recently visited our FOA-Approved school in Turkey, Domino Elektronik, who organized a seminar in Istanbul. Alper Pelik, Technical Manager of Domino, and his staff made arrangements for the seminar and invited members of the local technical community. About 50 attendees, representing local telecom, wireless, municipal, transportation and other organizations attended. FOA President Jim Hayes did several presentations on "What's New In Fiber Optics" and was kept busy between sessions answering questions.
What concerns communications professionals in Turkey? About the same things as in the rest of the world: designing networks properly, testing and troubleshooting systems, choosing the right components and network architectures, fiber connections for wireless, FTTH, etc. They were expecially interested in the experiences of installers and users in the US on new technology like prefab cables for FTTH and premises cabling and, as usual, asked a number of questions regarding interpreting test results, especially from OTDRs!
FOA Seminar in Istanbul April 20 2010     FOA Seminar in Istanbul April 20 2010 Domino Elektronik staff with Jim and Karen Hayes of the FOA. Alper Pelik, Technical Manager of Domino, and Hazal Aysun Pelik, Business Manager are at the right, Hasan Karaca, Trade and Planning Manager on the left. Behind is Cavit Savranlar and beside Karen is Gulsum Yildiz, Customer Service.

FOA Seminar in Istanbul April 20 2010

Istanbul is, just like every other city in the world today, concerned with modern communications and security, so the city has many kilometers of fiber connecting all the usual devices. However, as the designated "European City of Culture" for 2010, Istanbul is offering free WiFi in most public spaces, like this park in front of the famous Blue Mosque. Connecting all the WiFi access points is a big job, requiring a lot of fiber.
FOA Seminar in Istanbul April 20 2010

Another place we visited in Turkey was Troy, the legendary city famous for Helen of Troy and the Trojan horse. What do we find just outside the gates to Troy? A brand-new fiber optic cable, similar to fiber optic networks we saw throughout the country.

Fiber optics at Troy in Turkey   Fiber optics at Troy in Turkey



OFS Unveils R&D on Fibers For 400 Gb/s
OFS, designer, manufacturer and supplier of leading edge fiber optic network products, has published ground breaking research on various designs for next-generation transmission fiber for coherent optical communications at OFC/ NFOEC 2010.  Prototype OFS fibers with ultra-large effective area and reduced attenuation are featured in a live demonstration of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) coherent transmission and in three post-deadline research papers on 200 and 400 Gbps as well as ultra-high spectral efficiency transmission. Read more.


Achieving Fiber Optic Speed Over Copper Lines
Every few weeks, it seems, there is another article like this one in MIT Technology Review, showing how old phone wires can transmit data as fast as fiber to the home. This scheme uses "bonding" two pairs, "vectoring" signals, then adding a third signal using the two pairs as a "phantom" third pair, totalling three signals and requires DSP everywhere to correct all the problems caused by the copper cables. The article implies the technique is costly but fails to address the power consumption of all those DSP circuits. And it can only work if the user already has two phone line pairs connected. Wouldn't it be easier to use fiber?



US FTTH Connections Continue To Grow
US Connected FTTH homes
According to a just released FTTH Council Report prepared by RVA, FTTH connections continue to grow in North America - 99% of which are in the US, but growth seems to be slowing, probably a consequence of the current economy. Much of the FTTH deployment in the US has been due to Verizon's $23 billion investment in FTTH, but the report noted that FTTH is now being deployed by more than 750 service providers across North America. Most of these service providers are small, independent telephone companies that are replacing their copper lines with end-to-end fiber to ensure their future competitiveness as broadband providers. Of the service providers not yet offering FTTH, a majority say they are likely to soon. You can download and read the entire report from the FTTH council website. http://www.ftthcouncil.org/sites/default/files/RVA.FTTH_.Apr10.040712Final.pdf



Update on Google FTTH Program
Remember Google's interest in building gigabit FTTH systems in several communities to showcase what can be done with "real broadband?" (FOA Newsletter 2/10) Well, 1100 communities are vying for the 2 or 3 prizes. Stay tuned to find out who wins!

Webinars of Interest

Broadcast Engineering Magazine - Fiber Optic Testing
FOA President Jim Hayes presents an overview of fiber optic testing for all applications. Available on Demand. Sign up here.

Multimode Fiber Trends from TIA's Fiber Optics LAN Section
Ryan Chappell, Draka Communications, looks at the evolution of multimode fiber, examines its current usage and shares predictionson its future Available on-demand at: http://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/7182/play

OSP Magazine Webinars
OSP Magazine (OSP as in outside plant telco) is now offering a number of interesting webinars that cover fiber topics, including network design and specialized components.  http://www.ospmag.com/events/web/


What Should A Fiber Optics or Cabling Tech Know and What Skills Do They Need?
The FOA has been updating its lists of KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities) for fiber and cabling techs. The updated list is now on the website for your information and comments - as fiber and cabling KSAs evolve as new technologies develop.
KSAs for fiber and cabling techs.



It's Now A Lot Easier To Find A FOA-Approved Training OrganizationFOA-Approved School Map Zoom to CA
Most phone calls we get regarding finding a FOA-Approved training organization want to know two things: what school is closest to me or what school offers the certifications I need. That can be difficult, since the FOA has almost 200 training organizations we have approved worldwide!
We've been looking at ways to make it easier, and we think we've got a good solution. In fact we have two solutions.
First we have added a sortable table of all the FOA-Approved schools.
You can also use our FOA Google Map Application to find FOA-Approved schools.

Here are links to the sortable table of all the FOA-Approved schools and  FOA Google Map.


New  FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics available for only $24.95. FOA book
That's FOA President Jim Hayes, the guy behind the new book, reading a copy.
 Order  from the FOA eStore or Amazon.com for only $24.95.

FOA Reference Guide to Premises Cabling
And The New FOA Reference Guide to Premises Cabling textbook is only $19.95 -  Now available from the FOA eStore or Amazon.com
"..very nice job.  It's really important that the techs get usable info in a language they understand."
 




FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide

The FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide has become very popular - perhaps the most popular technical website ever, typically with over 30,000 users monthly! We continue updating materials regularly, keeping it as up to date as possible.
We already updated the Premises Cabling sections in preparation for the next FOA Textbook and are now focused on outside plant applications (OSP.) We've already added a new page on chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarization-mode dispersion (PMD). Next we're working on cables for OSP applications and splicing.

Find What You Want Using "Google Custom Search
custom searchThere's so much information on the FOA Tech Topics and Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide that even a well-organized Table of Contents isn't enough and when the material is always changing, an index is impossible to maintain. So the FOA is using the latest technology in search, Google Custom Search, which will allow you to search just the FOA Tech Topics and Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide for any topic you want to find more about. Try it!  

Go to  The FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide.


Featured Schools:

New Outside Plant Emergency Restoration Training Course
The Light Brigade announces a new two-day technical training course for Outside Plant Emergency Restoration. This course, which is available only as a custom course, places heavy emphasis on fault location, troubleshooting, and test equipment. It culminates in a second day of hands-on practices that simulate actual field restorations for retrievable and non-retrievable slack scenarios.
Whether the fiber cable network is above or below ground, inside or outside a building, the words “emergency restoration” strike fear in any network or outside plant manager. Network outages can cost ten of thousands of dollars every hour your system is offline. When (not if) a problem occurs, it is critical not only to have a recovery program in place, but to have staff that is trained to deal with the emergency in timely, cost-efficient manner.

The Light Brigade - FOA Approved School #241

Find a listing of all the FOA-Approved schools here.



Good Question! Tech Questions Worth Repeating

Connector or "Connection" Loss?

Q: Isn’t the loss in the standard for a connector pair and not a single connector?

A: Yes, it is. All connector losses are for a mated pair. We've been trying for years to say "connection loss" instead of "connector loss" but most everybody still says "connector loss" and we fall back into that often ourselves.

Here's what is in the FOA online reference guide at http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/basic/term.html :

"Connector and Splice Loss
The primary specification for connectors or splices is loss or the amount of light lost in the connection.

When we say connector loss, we really mean "connection" loss - the loss of a mated pair of connectors, expressed in "dB." Thus, testing connectors requires mating them to reference connectors which must be high quality connectors themselves to not adversely affect the measured loss when mated to an unknown connector. This is an important point often not fully explained.  In order to measure the loss of the connectors you must mate them to a similar, known good, connector. When a connector being tested is mated to several different connectors, it may have different losses, because those losses are dependent on the reference connector it is mated to."

We were discussing this recently with another person who has a spec which calls for a loss for the mating adapter! We had to help him explain to the spec writer that each connector and the mating adapter contribute to the loss but one cannot apportion the loss to each component separately!

Low Water Peak Fibers

Q: One of the issues on which vendors try to differentiate themselves is "zero" and "reduced" water peak fiber.  Is there anything in Fiber U or the FOA that addresses this?

A: Low water peak fiber is done to allow coarse WDM. It's very expensive to do and not very worthwhile unless you want to do CWDM. See http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/testing/test/CD_PMD.html for details.

OTDR Gainers

Q: Why do we see a “gain” in some OTDR measurements? How can there be a gain?

A: Gainers are caused by differences in the backscatter coefficient of the fibers being spliced. Not only does that cause gainers, but in the opposite direction it causes the loss to be shown as greater than it actually is and it affects the measurement accuracy of any loss measurement with an OTDR. We have a tutorial on OTDRs that covers what we call "gainers" on the FOA Online Reference Guide: http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/testing/OTDR/OTDR.html


Troubleshooting a Short SM Network
Q: We are trouble shooting a 10 gig network. So here is the gist!
Single mode 10 gig network.
The MDF is pint a at the main building of the school.
The net work ends in an Identical switch 3222 ft  at the student center
from each switch, the connection is an LC UPC and an SC APC meets the distribution box and connects the 3162ft backbone.
The problem is that after 2 years the users suddenly complained of masive problems with the net work. Users going down, or unable to access, etc.
The IT manager isolated Masive collision activity as the problem.
Sounded like dirty connectors so we went in and cleaned everthing and the problem seemed to go away. Except school was out and when everyone came back the problem still existed.
We went back and found a kink in one of the jumpers showing a slight crack or fracture ( with a VFL) and replaced it.
The system still exhibits the simptoms but to a far less degree and is manageable.
Oh! and yes the laser modules were replaced.
The bit errors are only in the outbound direction but not on the return path. ( MDF out)
This is a redundent back up system and the problem is on both outbound paths. No issues on the return.
I am going back with a new jumper and move everything over to a set of spares on the backbone.
However I believe the problem points to this. Since the problem exists only on the outbound path of both lines there may be a problem with power distribusion to the laser module or voltage stability to the module. Dirty connectors only exasperated the problem.

A: We've seen a number of instances of similar problems to this on short SM links.
On short SM links like this, the problems are typically 1) Reflectance or 2) excess power at the receiver.
Have you checked the power at the receiver? It may be overloading the receiver on such a short link and it may need an attenuator. You can test this by making a stressed-fiber attenuator near the receiver. Wrap 5-10 turns of a patchcord around a pencil and see if the transmission improves. That is typically 3-6 dB added loss with no reflectance. If that helps, find some non-reflective attenuators.
Reflectance causes several problems. It can interfere with lasers causing distortion if it's close to the transmitter, as in a patchcord connecting to the system. But a more complex problem is now getting attention in international standards groups - multipath interference. This is caused by a large reflectance sending a substantial amount of light back up the fiber which is then re-reflected back to the other end and  may repeat several times. Think of ghosts in OTDR traces. In the best case, it adds to the background noise (yep, optical noise) which can affect BER (digital) or S/N (analog). Worst case is the reflectance is high enough to distort pulses.
We HIGHLY recommend APC connectors on short SM links or at least UPCs. And all terminations must be made by fusion splicing on pigtails (or the new fusion splice prepolished connectors from AFL or Corning.)
Cleanliness is obviously very important but may not be enough!

Update on this question: Sometimes you find really unusual problems. Power  testing showed the receiver power was low, not high. After inspecting and cleaning all the connectors, special cleaning swabs were used to clean the laser module receptacles and the power was back at spec. Several the laser modules came from the manufacturer with dirt in them - even though they all had dust caps. As we often say, dust caps are called dust caps because they often contain lots of dust!


Mizing APC and UPC connectors?
Q: I'm doing hd sdi video using single mode upc connectors. Can I use upc on the fiber/rx and apc on the patch panel?

A: You can use APCs for patching as long as both connectors are APC. So make the patch panel APC and use a hybrid patch cord, APC on the patch panel end and UPC on the equipment end. Since they are color-coded, the APCs are all green, you can keep the ends straight.


Fiber Cleaning
This is a topic we keep reminding everybody about, and here is why:
From a contrator in the Middle East: Here some samples of the connectors for SM fiber already installed in the system we were testing.
dirty connector   dirty connector
As you can see, the dirt is large compared to the size of the fiber (dark gray), and the core (not visible here) is only 9/125 of the overall diameter of the fiber! See Product News below for links to vendors of fiber cleaning products.



Measurement Uncertainty: Everyone testing fiber optics should understand that every measurement has some uncertainty - whether you are measuring loss, length, wavelength, power, etc. Knowing that uncertainty is very important to interpreting the measurement. It's worthwhile to read and understand the issue of measurement accuracy covered in this page of the FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide.


Worth Reading:


Fiber Optic Safety Poster
We've had numerous requests to reprint our guidelines on safety when working with fiber optics, so we have created a "Safety Poster" for you to print and post in your classroom, worksite, etc. We suggest giving a copy to every student and installer.

TIA FOLSFREE Web conference hosted by the TIA's Fiber Optics LAN Section!
Multimode Fiber Trends
Presented by Ryan Chappell, Draka Communications
In this presentation, Chappell will look at the evolution of multimode fiber, examine its current usage and share predictions based on research by CRU, IEEE, Penwell, Cisco, IBM, Mathew Burroughs, and Alan Flatman.
The Webconference is available on-demand at: http://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/7182/play
To download a PDF copy of the presentation please visit our Website, www.fols.org.

New Report : FTTH connections continue to grow in North America
You can download and read the entire report from the FTTH council website. http://www.ftthcouncil.org/sites/default/files/RVA.FTTH_.Apr10.040712Final.pdf

Testing FTTH
JDSU shows how to test a PON with an OTDR: http://www.jdsu.com/other-literature/PON-OTDR_fop_an_ae.pdf

Data Centers: Preparing for 40/100 Gb/s
Data centers are probably the fastest growing application for fiber. Many are already using 10 Gb/s links and 40/100 Gb/s is in the planning stage. Read Corning's article on what this means for cabling.
https://www1.vtrenz.net/imarkownerfiles/ownerassets/1139/LAN-1102-EN.pdf

Fast Optical Switching
We often quote science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke's "sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic" to describe some of the developments in our field. Here's a good one: Molecules that allow lasers to switch fiber optic signals. Read it at MIT Tech Review: http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/24688/?nlid=2792&a=f


The lost souls of telecommunications history
If you like techie history, you will enjoy this one. Arstechnica  

JDSU Reference Guide to Fiber Optic Testing – Volume 2 PublishedJDSU Fiber Optic Testing Volume 2
The second volume of the JDSU series on fiber optic testing has been published.  Volume 1 focused on Basic Fiber testing and Volume 2 is geared toward fiber optic installers, project managers, telecom technicians and engineers who need to understand fiber networks. Volume 2 also covers Chromatic Dispersion, Polarization Mode Dispersion, Attenuation Profile and Fiber Link and Network Characterization. A 3rd volume, a glossary of fiber optic terms, is also available for download.
This is a "MUST HAVE" for all fiber optic techs. Download your free copies here.
We used this book as one of our references in creating a new page in the FOA Online Reference Guide on chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarization-mode dispersion (PMD).

Top 10 Telecom Forecasts for 2010
Download the Forecast for Free!
Information Gatekeepers Inc. (IGI) has just announced the availability of its forecasts for 2010.  Every year, Clif Holliday, author of IGI’s Lightwave report series, prepares his view of the most significant events likely to underpin telecommunications for the coming year. While Clif likes to take a somewhat lighthearted approach to this forecast (its title is “Holliday’s Holiday Horoscope,”) his accuracy has been exceptional! He is one of the few New Year’s prognosticators who always precedes his new forecast with a review of the accuracy of last year’s forecast. This gives the reader a sense of how much creditability to put in the forecasts for the coming year.
We are also offering you a similar opportunity to comment on the upcoming 2010 forecasts.  Click here to download the Top 10 Telecom Forecasts for 2010 now.

Careers in Fiber Optics: Brian Smith. A 1998 book on fiber optic jobs is a bit dated, but a free overview is on Google Books and worth a look at it online.

2009 sets new record for malware with 25 million new strains, 92% of emails are SPAM. (eChannelline)

Managing the Wireless Data Deluge (Business Week)
The surge in data usage on cell phone networks (AT&T has reported a 7000% increase - 70X - since the introduction of the iPhone) has created a giant market for fiber optics!
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2009/tc20091223_992099.htm

Tellabs Joins Motorola, Verizon and SAIC is offering Passive Optical Lans ( POLs.)
Passive Optical Lans (POLs), based on FTTH PON networks are getting more interest in enterprise networks. (Lightwave)

New IGI Active Optical Cables Market Report Forecasts 48 Million Units by 2014
AOCs (electrical-fiber link-lectrical) cables are expected to grow fast as computer peripherals require higher bandwidth connections. (IGI)  


Dirt!
As much as 70% of the problems associated with deploying fiber to the home result from something as simple as dirty connectors according to JDSU. Telephony Online.


Tanks And Ships
GB Ethernet and fiber Upgrades. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms got a contract to supply a custom version of its Gigabit Ethernet switch to rumble around inside the US Army's Abrams tank. The US Navy recently awarded Boeing contract to upgrade and support the Gigabit Ethernet networks it is building on its guided missile destroyers.   From Network World.


Good Technical Websites

American Polywater (http://www.polywater.com/) has one of the best technical website for cable installers. Here is a rundown on some new material on their site.

Cable Installation using "Push" or "Push/Pull"
Polywater's new Pull-Planner™ 3000 Software allows a "pushing force" variable in pulling tension calculations.  Read a White Paper that quantifies the push contribution and compares calculation results to field experience. --
http://www.polywater.com/pushing.pdf

Pulling Cable Through Water?
Read a Product Spotlight on Polywater® + Silicone™, Polywater's new generation underground lubricant.  Continued reduction of friction when pulling through water is only one of the unique features of this lubricant. --
http://www.polywater.com/NNNBSL.pdf

Check out their website, especially “Videos,” “Engineer’s Corner” and  “Calculators.” http://www.polywater.com/NNNBSL.pdf



HOTS



" Heard on the Street" is a monthly online newsletter from Frank Bisbee of Communications Planning Corporation  that covers the telecommunications and cabling businesses. Each month includes news from manufacturers, trade associations and professional societies like the FOA. You can read the current issue and back issues online.




JDSU Webinar series
JDSU has announced the See the Light webinar series, a four-part program designed for anyone involved in the installation, maintenance, and repair of fiber optic systems. It begins with fiber inspection and cleaning and then covers the basics of fiber testing. The webinar series then continues with the more advanced optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) and fiber local area network (LAN) testing challenges. More information on the series.


IGI is offering a series of webinars on topics of interest to those in the communications industry. You can join them live ir download from the archives. IGI WEBINAR ARCHIVES UP AND RUNNING - VISIT TELECOMBRIEFINGS.COM TO DOWNLOAD!
 
IGI, a major market research and technology reporting company (the "Active Optical Cables" below)  is offering a a free one year subscription to one of our fiber optics newsletters to FOA members.  All they have to do is to send IGI an e-mail stating which newsletter they would like to get. See http://www.igigroup.com/nl.html for a listing of IGI Newsletters.



FOA Tech Topics - 
The new FOA reference website is now online. New sections have been added on fusion splicing and mechanical splicing.  Check out the current Table of Contents

Coming soon to a network near you  - 40 and 100 gigabit/sec Ethernet!
The IEEE is already working on specs for 40 and 100 gigabit/sec Ethernet and have approved a number of new PMDs (that's standards-speak for Physical Medium Dependent - i.e. cabling). A summary of the proposals is on the updated list of network specs at http://www.thefoa.org/tech/Linkspec.htm
FOA Technical Bulletins
How do you design and manufacture fiber optic systems? Choose and install one to serve your communications needs? Troubleshoot problems? The FOA Fiber Optic Technical Bulletins will provide step-by-step guidelines to help you. All are PDF files you can download, print and use.
Testing Update
Are there really 5 different ways to test optical fiber cabling after installation? Why so many? How do the measurements - and more importantly the measurement results - differ? What are the advanteages and disadvantages of each method?
Why are there 4 ways (maybe 5) to test fiber optic cables?
Do OTDRs and OLTS tests give the same results?
 
 
New Tech Topics
Industry standards updated to include international standards
Updated link specs for fiber optic networks - now includes 10G Ethernet.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on General Topics and Testing
Reference Guide sections on fusion splicing and mechanical splicing.
  •  

  • Product News

    Bend-Insensitive Fiber Becomes Corning's Standard 50/125 Fiber -
    But it means changes in the way you test with it!
    Corning announced that effective April 1, 2010, ClearCurve® multimode optical fiber will become its standard 50-micron multimode fiber product offering. "ClearCurve multimode fiber is the world’s first laser-optimized, high-bandwidth, multimode fiber to withstand tight bends at 7.5 mm radius with substantially less signal loss than traditional multimode fibers. ClearCurve multimode optical fiber was first introduced by Corning in Jan. 2009 and has been validated through broad customer acceptance of the product.
    Traditionally, when an optical cable experiences tight bends, some of the light can escape from the fiber core and part of the signal can be lost.  Corning ClearCurve multimode fiber is designed to keep the light in the fiber core, even under tight bends, and better maintain the integrity of the optical fiber signal.
    “Corning’s 50-micron multimode fiber customers will now benefit from superior bend performance. This will result in faster and more efficient optical cable routing and installation, and significantly higher spare operating margin, at no additional cost,” said Martin J. Curran, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Optical Fiber.
    Corning ClearCurve multimode fiber meets or exceeds the OM2, OM3 and OM4 industry standards for high-bandwidth, laser-optimized multimode fiber. Corning will demonstrate the performance of ClearCurve multimode optical fiber from March 23-25, 2010, at OFC/NFOEC in San Diego. Detailed product specifications are available at www.corning.com/clearcurve."

    When You Test...
    Most standards call for a "mandrel wrap" mode conditioner on your launch cable. The Corning announcement made us wonder what happens with this bend-insensitive fiber if you wrap it around a standard mandrel - it should not act the same as regular 50/125 fiber. We contacted our friend the Marketing Manager for the product at Corning and he confirmed our suspicions. The difference in the bend sensitivity of the fiber requires a much smaller mandrel, only 6 mm in diameter, to have the same effect.
    This is detailed in Corning Application Engineering Note "Multimode Fiber Considerations for Test Jumpers,  AEN 131, Revision 2" available from Corning.


    Another Fusion Splice-On Connector
    Seikoh Giken joins the companies offering prepolished connectors to fusion splice onto fibers for termination. They use OFS fusion splicing technology combined with Seikoh Giken connector design. This seems to be the new standard way to provide fast terminations with low loss. http://seikohgiken.net/enews/documents/LC.pdf

    Cable Organizers
    Nothing is more difficult than organizing lots of cables. Here's a simple solution: http://www.quicksnapusa.com/  
     
    For Sale: Used Fujikura FSM-50S Fusion Splicer
    The FSM-50S Fusion Splicer sets the standard for core alignment fusion splicers. The FSM-50S is the fastest field splicer available, and completes a splice and tube heat in a total of 44 seconds. Special features include its small size and weight and the legendary ruggedness Fujikura is known for. The FSM-50S also includes user-friendly features such as calibration-free arc adjustments, automatic fiber type identification and reduced operational steps. The FSM-50S also offers increased flexibility for various splicing tasks with user-selectable front and back monitor positioning.
    This unit is the best deal I've seen in the last 10 years:
        1] it is fourth generation [FSM-50s, current generation is fifth, FSM-60s]
        2] it is the first generation with the ability to function faster than the splicing person [9 sec splice time, 35 second heating time]
        3] it has low splice count [2346 arcs and 12 since last electrode replacement]
        4] it is a profile alignment splicer so it compensates for differences in the fibers
        5] Has a CT-20 cleaver with spare blade, battery pack, spare electrodes.
    $8900 plus shipping
    Eric R. Pearson, CFOS
    President
    Pearson Technologies Inc.
    4671 Hickory Bend Drive
    Acworth, GA 30102
    fiberguru@ptnowire.com
    770-490-9991


    Cable Trailers Can "Figure 8" Fiber For Pulling
    Larson Cable Trailers has a Figure 8 Device that has been tested and approved by a majority of the Fiber Optic Cable manufacturers as a safe way of Figure 8'ing cable with a "machine".  Familiar with "Figure 8'ing cable? Find out about it on the FOA Online Reference Guide

    Bend-Optimized Multimode Fiber by OFS
    Aimed at dense premises applications like data centers. More.

    Cell Phones Bring Down 10Gb/s Cat 6A Networks?
    According to this Tyco Electronics report, cell phones and walkie-talkies can cause enough interference in UTP cables to bring down network transmission. Wouldn't happen with fiber, but they're also selling shielded copper.

    Add OCC to the list of cable manufacturers offering "bend-tolerant" cablesDraka too.(Lightwave)

    AFL Introduces 3 new Noyes OTDRs(Lightwave)
    Remember the SMA Connector?
    They're still being used for high power laser delivery - up to 80.100W! Seikoh Giken has even introduced some new ones.

    Used Test Equipment – Buy or Sell
    http://www.testequipmentconnection.com/


    Have you read the FOA Tech Topics on Cleaning?

    More links on cleaning:

  • Westover 
  • AFL

    ITW Chemtronics

    Cleantex Alco Pads

    MicroCare 

     Seiko-Giken


     
    FTTH Notes:

    New Report : FTTH connections continue to grow in North America
    You can download and read the entire report from the FTTH council website. http://www.ftthcouncil.org/sites/default/files/RVA.FTTH_.Apr10.040712Final.pdf


    Fiber-to-the-Home Council to Offer Professional Certification
    Program to Support Growing Need for FTTH Professionals
    The Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council - a trade association of more than 200 companies and organizations dedicated to expanding the deployment of all-fiber, next-generation networks - has announced that it is developing the first-ever certification program aimed specifically at professionals who design, administer, and manage FTTH systems.
    This complements the FOA CFxT Certification aimed at installers of FTTx programs and should provide a service provider with complete assurance of personnel competence. More.

    Verizon To Complete FiOS System in 2010, Looks for 40% FiOS penetration
    This year Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) plans to complete the fiber-to-the-premises network it started in 2004, and it is focusing harder on customer penetration.
    “We’re averaging just under 30% [FiOS penetration] for the whole property,” Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg told investors recently. “My people think they can get to 34%. They’re not going to get paid very much if they don’t get to 40%. The question is how quickly we can get there.” (Connected Planet)

    Consumer Reports Says FTTH Providers Top-Rated
    FTTH systems, led by Verizon FiOS, get top ratings from users over other Internet connections. (Lightwave)


    David Chaffee's FTTH Prism Newsletter is Online
    (archives are at bottom of the linked page)
    Where is Verizon offfering FiOS service? See this map.
     
    Want To Learn More About FTTx?
    The FOA has created a special FTTx resources section of our website with a FTTx links page with lots of links to news, market reports, technical articles and vendor technical and product information. Here is a great place to start learning more about FTTx.
    FOA's CFxT FTTx Certification Program Explained
    Read the Broadband Properties article about the FOA FTTx certification program. Read the article about FOA President Jim Hayes being honored for his work promoting FTTH.

     

    What Is The FOA?

    Hear FOA President Jim Hayes tell the FOA Story in a 2-part interview by Sound & Video Contractor Contributing Editor Bennett Liles. It tells about the FOA history, goals and achievements.
    Part 1: http://svconline.com/podcasts/audio/fiber_optic_association_part1/index.html.  
    Part 2 http://svconline.com/podcasts/audio/inside-fiber-optic-association2-0924/index.html.




     Digging Safely (Read the FOA Tech Topic)

    There is a new toll-free "call before you dig" number: 811

    See www.call811.com for more information

    National Fiber Optic Protection Summit: By the "811" group. March, 2008 in Vegas.


      

    Download This!
     
    There are tons of technical application notes and videos on the web, and occasionally we recommend some you should download. The JDSU fiber testing guide is really worthwhile, as are the ADC FTTx book and Westover video on fiber inspection and cleaning, linked below.
     
    JDSU Testing Book
    JDSU offers a free download of their Testing Guide from the Lightwave website. This is one great book which explains some basic fiber technology, but the real value is the last half which deals with OTDR testing. Not only does it give the usual info, but it covers important topics like measurement uncertainties and anomolies like ghosts and gainers.
     
    I was in the testing business for 20+ years at Fotec and think this book is one of the best fiber optic testing texts available. It's complete but comprehenisble! I used to believe that premises techs did not need OTDR training, but now OTDR manufacturers are pushing their use in premises networks. Unfortunately, the limitations of OTDRs in premises applications can cause extreme problems for those who are not aware of their limitations. So knowing hows OTDRs work is essential information to every tech. 
    JH
     
    Download yourself a copy and read it! http://lw.pennnet.com/whitepapers/wp.cfm?id=665
     
    Westover Application Notes And Cleaning Video
    Westover has several application notes on inspecting and cleaning fiber optic connectors. The video is a big file (50+MB) but a good tutorial.
    Download page: http://www.westoverfiber.com/Support/downloads.php
     
    ADC's Book On FTTx
    ADC has an excellend book on FTTx. Here is a link to request a copy: http://www.adc.com/productsandservices/productsolutions/fttp/book/index.jsp

    Job Openings


    Jobs Created As Part of Stimulus-Funded Projects
    The federal government is spending 7.2 billion dollars on the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.  This money is working it's way into the economy and hopefully will provide jobs.  You can track recovery dollars and look for job opportunities on this website: www.recovery.gov  Go to "opportinities" link then "jobs".  You will see a section “find recovery jobs” – enter “fiber optic jobs California” or wherever you are and review what comes up.



    Inside Sales Application Engineer

    The Inside Sales Application Engineer will have some experience of technically supporting customers in the Defense, Telecommunication, Industrial and Medical markets.  The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5+ years of relevant industry experience, extensive industry knowledge and an established contact base. We would consider less experience with the right candidate. The position is located at EM4’s headquarters in Bedford, MA.

    EM4, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary EM4 Defense, designs, develops and manufactures state-of-the-art, optoelectronic components for the Defense, Broadband and Industrial markets. We offer both Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) optoelectronic modules, subsystems and unique Optoelectronic Design and Manufacturing Services (ODMS). We are ITAR registered and US-based.

    Key Responsibilities

    Seek new opportunities promoting new technical concepts, applications and/or new product and services. Conduct general inquiries with potential customers to keep abreast of new developments and technology in the Defense and Industrial markets. Support in-coming calls for technical and application questions by interacting with engineering group. Write and maintain application notes for all products. Work with the Quality and Engineering groups regarding testing, written reports and communication of results to customers for RMA (Returned Material Authorized) devices.  Work with Customer Support to provide quotes, follow-up of quotes and closing of  sales. Represent the sales group in weekly meetings regarding production schedules, forecasting, quality control and custom projects. Work with IT to keep data sheets and other information updated on the company web page.
     Key Qualifications

    Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration or related field plus a minimum of 5+ years related sales and/or engineering experience within the industry. Ability to communicate in an appropriate manner with contacts at all levels of individuals within the Company and Customers. Good organizational, time management and attention to detail skills. Motivated team player with a positive attitude who can work independently.
    Contact:

    Edward McCartin
    Sales Director
    EM4 Inc.
    7 Oak Park Drive
    Bedford, MA 01730
    781-275-7501 x 283
    508-525-9534-Cell
    emccartin@em4inc.com



    Cable Techs - Cat 5 - 3/22
    Retail Echelon is a small business that manages the installation and service of retail traffic counting systems.  We are the providers for several companies and cover the US and Canada.  We are also currently moving to handle sites in South America, Europe, and Asia.
    The systems consist of various sensor types installed at the entrances of retail sites.  The sensors are connected via CAT5 to a data collector.  The data collector is connected to either the network or POS.
    We are continuously seeking technicians across the country to handle our jobs.  I was wanting to inquire about joining any job placement programs that you may have or partnering with your group to get work to graduates.
    Please note that these systems currently operate with CAT5.
    Allen D. Johnson
    Vice-President of Operations
    RETAIL ECHELON INSTALLATIONS GROUP INC.
    3583 Blue Ridge Blvd.
    Blue Ridge VA 24064
    Phone:  336.404.7562
    Fax:        866.766.5720
    adjohnson@retailechelon.com
    www.RETAILECHELON.com


    Splicing Contractor - 3/22
    We are looking for a company that can splice a fiber optic cable onto a connector onsite.  The cable carries both video and audio signals.  Need a company in the Los Angeles area.
    Stan Jacobs
    sjpl@mac.com


    Network Maintenance - Fiber Optics   - 3/22
    Looking for Certified Fiber Optic Technicians for a 24/7 maintenance contract that we have. There are 48 regions spread across the United States. Can you provide me with any leads or companies that would be interested?
    Ryan Faulkner
    Intellys Corporation | Global Infrastructure Services
    Email: rfaulkner@intellys.com   |   Phone: 972.929.9000 ext 102
    Toll Free: 877.468.3559 ext 102   |   Cell: 972.741.3215   |   Fax: 817.796.1208
    LAN | WAN | DATA | Mobility | VOIP | Security
    Deploying Secure, Uninterrupted Airspace - Not Simply AP's.



    Strategic Sales - Egypt, 3/22
    One of my clients, Alcatel-Lucent, is looking for a Strategic Sales Lead (Optical) for their MEA operations. The position will be based in Egypt with travel across the MEA region. Please send me your updated CV to hemant.h@snsconsultancy.com if you're interested and if not please recommend your friends / colleagues that might be interested.

    Hemant Harisree
    Delivery Team Leader
    SNS FZ LLC, Dubai, UAE
    (In Partnership with Networkers MSB, UK)
    Office: +971 44 291 342
    Mobile: +971 50 174 0756 , +971 50 653 9299
    hemant.h@snsconsultancy.com



    Sr. Business Development Leader (1-25)

    ADAPTIVE OPTICS ASSOCIATES
    Join Innovative Leaders in the Design, Development & Manufacturing of Electro-Optical Systems 
    Northrop Grumman Adaptive Optics Associates 
     
    Northrop Grumman Adaptive Optics Associates (AOA) designs, develops and manufactures a wide
    variety of standard and custom electro-optic and opto-mechanical products. Since its inception, AOA
    has steadily expanded its engineering and manufacturing capabilities to provide its customers with
    the highest quality products, systems and services. For more information on AOA, please visit: 
    http://www.as.northropgrumman.com/businessventures/aoa/index.html
     
     
    Job Title: Sr. Business Development Leader
     
    Job Description: 
     
    The role of Sr. Business Development Leader is to obtain new business opportunities by providing
    technical and engineering support to customers leveraging AOA’s processing capabilities and
    technical expertise. The Sr. Business Development Leader will engage customers with sound
    technical consultation and will define, support, close, monitor, and report on development-related and
    new business opportunities, programs, contracts and agreements. Through their technical leadership,
    the Sr. Business Development Leader will develop and grow the business relationship between AOA
    and our customers, increasing our revenue and profitability. The responsibilities include: establishing
    and leading a successful business development team; developing new business in Custom Electro-
    Optical (E-O) Systems Design and Mfg, and Customized Optical Measurement Solutions, focusing on
    industrial companies with significant U.S. domestic operations, defense contractors, and U.S.
    government agencies; creating marketing and sales goals, as well as developing and executing
    formal plans to reach these goals; training, and coordinating the activities of (to-be-hired) regional
    representatives.
     
    Basic Qualifications: 
     
    Bachelors degree in Marketing or related field (engineering degree desired).
    Minimum 8 years combined technical and business development experience required. 
    Minimum 2 years experience with electro-optical systems and/or optical systems design and
    manufacturing.
    Experience developing high-level marketing strategy and implementing Sales/Marketing performance
    tracking tools.
    Experience working with senior management to achieve results.
    Demonstrated ability identifying new business opportunities and securing profitable business
    relationships.
    Up to 50 percent travel necessary.
    Demonstrated written and oral presentation skills interfacing with customers.
     
     
     Assets (Preferred qualifications): 
    Existing Rolodex of pertinent industrial companies, people, and key contacts and decision-makers.
    Experience marketing to government agencies and industrial companies.
    Experience marketing customized engineering design and/or manufacturing services.
     
    More about Northrop Grumman AOA:
     
    Northrop Grumman AOA benefits are among the most competitive in the industry. While salary is a
    major component of your compensation, you also receive a competitive benefits package including:
     
    401K
    Medical, Dental and Life Insurance
    STD and LTD
    Vacation
    Purchased Vacation Program
    PTO (sick / personal time)
    Holiday Pay
    9/80 Work Schedule
    Tuition Reimbursement
    Employee Referral Program
    Professional Development Opportunities
    Employee Incentive Plan
     
    An Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V
     
    Interested applicants should apply at: www.careers.northropgrumman.com
     





     Do listings in the FOA Newsletter Work? Here's feedback:

    "We did great!  We have over 15 interviews next week."

    Thanks,
    David Swales, Jr.





     
    Also Check Recent Job Openings In Previous Issues of The FOA Newsletter

     



     
    Tech Puzzler
    If an OTDR trace shows a gainer in one direction, what would it show if the joint is tested from the opposite direction?



     
     
    Answer below
     
     
     



     
    FOA Logo Merchandise
    FOA has arranged with EmbroidMe to provide FOA logo merchandies. Identify yourself as a FOA-certified tech or instructor. The lab coats are super impressive for either cabling techs and instructors. Check out the selection.
     

     
    FOA Certification Top Choice

    The FOA CFOT and CFOS programs continue to gain momentum in fiber optics. Over 27,000 CFOTs have been certified by over 230 schools. Since our founding in July, 1995, we have dedicated ourselves to promoting fiber optics and professionalism in fiber optics personnel, focusing on education and certification. We are continuing to add new schools and more CFOTs as users of fiber optics learn that a CFOT is the indication of a professional, well-trained fiber optic technician. Now with FTTH (fiber to the home) finally taking off, demand for CFOTs is rising and schools are responding by expanding programs rapidly.
    The FOA now has approved programs at 200+ organizations, welcoming new additions like the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Corning Cable Systems and AFL (and their new acquisition "The Light Brigade" for their installation training programs) and NASA's Goldstone Tracking Station. The complete list of FOA-Approved schools is at http://www.thefoa.org/foa_aprv.htm.

     

    Understanding FOA Certifications
    To answer questions on FOA certifications, we've created several new web pages:
    Overview of FOA certifications
    CFOT
    CFxT
    AFOT
    CFOS
    Training Requirements - What Schools Are Teaching
     
    Reading these will help you understand what each FOA certification covers and how to prepare for them.
     

    Your Name, CFOT - It pays to advertise!

    The FOA encourages CFOTs to use the logo on their business cards, letterhead, truck or van, etc. and provides logo files on this site for that purpose. But we are also asked about how to use the CFOT or CFOS certifications. Easy, you can refer to yourself as "Your Name, CFOT" or "Your Name, CFOS/T" for example.

    Feel free to use the logo and designations to promote your achievements and professionalism!

     


    Remember To Renew Your Certification !

    Remember to renew your FOA certification. All current CFOTs have a ID Card with their certification data and we keep a database of current CFOTs to answer inquiries regarding your qualifications if needed. You must be a current FOA member and CFOT to participate in our online database of installers, contractors, technicians and consultants. If you forgot to renew, use the online application form to renew NOW!

    You can now renew your FOA certification online - and get an extra month free. Details here.

     


     

    To Contact The FOA:
     
    The Fiber Optic Association
    1119 S Mission Road, # 355
    Fallbrook, California 92028 USA
     
    Office Hours 10AM-5 PM Pacific Time, Monday to Friday
    Telephone: 760-451-3655
    Fax: 781-207-2421
    info@thefoa.org

    You can now renew your FOA certification online - and get an extra month free. Details here.




    Want to write for the FOA Newsletter? Send us articles, news, anything you think might be interesting to the rest of the membership!
    info@thefoa.org



    Return to The FOA Home Page




    Tech Puzzler:
    If the OTDR shows a gainer in one direction, it means the backscatter coefficients of the fiber are higher after the joint, causing an increase in backscatter level. Shot in the opposite direction, the fiber after the joint will have a lower backscatter level, making the trace show a higher splice loss than the actual loss. Averaging the two directions will give a better estimate of splice loss.
    See http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/testing/OTDR/OTDR.html for more details.




     See the FOA Reference Guide for more info.

    (C)1999-20010, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.