July, 2009


In This Issue
Miss us last month? We've been BUSY!

Applying For Broadband Stimulus $

Australia Opens Bids For Broadband Network

Google Sees "Window" For PC Operating System

Updated Certifications, CFOS Requirements

FOA Updates Certifications

Book From Reference Website

FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide It keeps expanding- now it will be published in book form - and "Google Custom Search"

Tech Topics: New Listings of International Standards.  See Tech Topics Below.

Q&A: Testing a hybrid military cable.

Product News:  Motorola introduces LAN based on FTTH GPON. See "Product News" Below

Worth Reading: Plenty of IT Jobs Even In A Recession? Cellular Wireless Needs More Backbone Capacity, iPTV Growing Fast. Cincinnati Bell Competes With Cable.  See "Worth Reading" below
FTTH: Verizon Ups FiOS Speeds in NY. Do-It-Yourself FTTH in Norway. All-Fiber Networks Now Reach 4.4 million Homes 
Looking For Jobs - Splicers in Canada, Instructor in San Diego. See "Jobs" Below
This Month's "Tech Puzzler"
FOA Home Page
NEW: Sign up for the FOA eMail Newsletter

The Archives: Previous Issues:
1/09,  2/09,  3/09, 04/09,  05/09,  
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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.


Contact the FOA
 


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





Miss us last month? We were much too busy to do a newsletter. FOA book

First we were working on a new FOA book,
the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics, which will be available this fall. It will be an updated book to be used in training for FOA certification and as a reference book for contractors, installers and end users of fiber optics. This book will be better organized than The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual and because we are self-publishing the book using more modern "publish on demand" technology, it will be easier to keep up to date and much cheaper!

Our second issue last month was problems with the onlline database of installers, contractors and consultants. We have had to take the database off the website while we address the problems.

So we have lots of news this month - read on!



Applying For Broadband Stimulus $$? Better Get Moving!

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the Department of Agriculture have announced two highly anticipated  broadband-related programs funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 . 
RUS will distribute $2.5 billion “to expand access to broadband services” for projects where at least 75% of the affected area is in a “rural area” that lacks “sufficient access” to “high speed broadband service” to “facilitate rural economic development”. 
NTIA’s  $4.7 billion share is for broadband initiatives that will “spur job creation, stimulate long-term economic growth and opportunity, and narrow gaps in broadband deployment and adoption”. NTIA’s the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) will be used to: deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas; enhance broadband capacity at public computer centers (e.g., schools, community centers, libraries, and other places that provide broadband access to the general public or “a specific vulnerable population”); and promote sustainable broadband adoption projects.
All this and more is contained in the “Notice of Funds Availability” (NOFA) in the Federal Register:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2009/FR_BBNOFA_090702.pdf  
Applications for funding in this first round will be accepted from July 14, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. (ET) until August 14, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.   Here is the link to the application process:
http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/
Be aware that the Federal Register notice goes on for  120 pages and the application process will be detailed and time consuming.  Have some time on you hands? Dive in and check it out – supposedly the application process is open to everyone.
Workshops are being held in July - some are still available. Presentations are online at this link, where you can see how much fiber needs to grow.
Fiber to the home



Australia Opens Bids For National Broadband Network
On July 1, 2009, the Australian government announced the first competitions for installing their national broadband network. Over 25,000 jobs are expected to be created in this program. Sounds like something we need in the USA. Lightwave.



What's Up At Google?
(cont.)
Last  month and the month before we discussed the impending entry of Google into the telephone business. This month's Google news was the announcement that Google will offer its own PC operating system next year to compete with "you know who" that will be optimized for "cloud computing" especially on netbooks, the simple, cheap portable computers. Based on Google's Chrome web browser, their operating system will be based on
using online applications instead of programs in the computer. The timing for this could be perfect for Google. When first tried over a decade ago, it was much too advanced for most users and the capability of the Internet. Now the Internet and wireless links to PCs, both dependent on backbones of fiber optics, are ready - as are many users.



Updated FOA  Advanced/Specialist Certifications
As part of the annual review process, the FOA enlists the assistance of dozens of experts to review our certifications and exams. That allows us to keep them up to date and even flag changes in our reference materials,and Online Reference Guide.
We have made some changes that should interest our FOA members and schools.
FOA CFOTs with the proper experience can now more easily apply directly to the FOA and, if qualified, take the certification exam online locally with a designated proctor.
Manufacturers' training, e.g. testing, connector or splicing training, will qualify as experience. Shorlty, you will be able to study using an online study guide. If interested, download a FOA Logbook and document your experience.
FOA schools should look at the CFOS certifications as the requirements for teaching classes has been clarified to include  classroom and lab
requirements. Now more courses will qualify for CFOS training, including, for example, OTDR training for CFOS/T or prepolished/splice connectors for CFOS/C. Check out the new CFOS page or contact the FOA for details.

What are people saying about the new FOA CPCT Premises Cabling Certification covering fiber/copper/wireless?

You have done a fine job, I found the test to be right on the money with today's need's.
Questions were geared to real world applications. 
We needed this in the industry.
This is only one of  the reasons FOA certification shines. 
This is practical instruction for our industry.


While most premises cabling certifications only cover "Cat 5" unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling, the FOA CPCT covers premises cabling the way it is being used today - not ten years ago! Now most premises networks use fiber backbones,  UTP cables to the few desktops now being used and cabling to wireless access points for laptops and other WiFi- connected devices.

Those who have experience in the field of premises cabling, even if they do not have a CFOT, can apply for the CPCT certification directly to the FOA. To facilitate preparing for the CPCT exam, the FOA has created the Premises Cabling section on the Online Reference Guide and created a
 CPCT Study Guide for the exam.



FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide


New Book Based on the 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! Websites are great because they are  available free to everybody and easily updated, but since many teachers need a printed textbook and others want a book to have for reference, we've created the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics, a printed version of the techical materials on the website, organized for training and keyed to FOA curriculum materials. Based on lots of feedback from trainers at FOA-Approved schools and FOA members, we think you will agree this is the best FO reference for trainers, students, installers, contractors, and users ever.
Coming Fall 2009.

Wanted: Links To Technical Materials
Next, we're soliciting links from fiber optic manufacturers and other organizations that have created technical materials that would be of interest to our readers. If you have technical websites you want to share, go here for our guidelines for submission.



FOA Offers "Google Custom Search  to Tech Topics and Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide

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 School: 




Good Question! Tech Questions Worth Repeating

Followup:

Q:
We've got a hybrid military cable assembly with a multipin 38999 connector on one end and SCs on the other. How do we test it? The manufacturer gave us a SC to "pin probe" with a mating pin as a reference cable.

A: Here a picture is worth at least a thousand words. The trick involved is to use two tests, one for each end of the cable, resetting the "0 dB reference" for each test. You need a meter or OLTS with adapters on the detector  unless, as in this case, the pin is a 2.5 mm ferrule just like the SC, so a universal adapter will work.



MIL cable testing


OTDRs vs Fusion Splicing Machine Readings

Q: When we  fusion splice, the fiber  machine  shows  splice  losses of  0.00 to 0.04  dB, but tests with an otdr shows  splice losses of   0.2   to  0.3 dB. Why? 

A: There are several issues involved. The splicer uses a profile alignment system (http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/termination/fusion.html ) that estimates the losses based on software estimates of how well the fibers are aligned. It's just an estimate, as it cannot actually measure the loss, and issues like differences in the mode field diameters or  backscatter coefficients of the two fibers can make a big - and directional - difference in the losses measured by an OTDR (http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/testing/OTDR/OTDR.html).
With the OTDR you should measure both ways with the OTDR and average. I suspect the larger losses could be directional issues with the OTDR and if you measure the other direction you will get lower losses.


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:

Plenty of IT Jobs Even In A Recession?
It seems that way.  An article in the Washington Post points out the needs for skilled IT workers as spending especially in energy and healthcare are strong. The bad news is salaries are down. More.

Cellular Wireless Needs More Backbone Capacity, iPTV Growing Fast
Backbone build-out is urgently needed to keep pace with demand for video and other bandwidth hungry services. Growth of 15.2 percent is expected in 2009 alone. IPTV revenue will nearly quadruple from $5.3 billion in 2008 to $20.8 billion in 2012, a 40.8 percent compound annual increase. Overall voice, data and video revenue will reach $1.7 trillion in 2012, growing at a 5.9 percent compound annual rate.. TIA. TIA ICT Market Report.

Cincinnati Bell Competes With Cable
Cincinnati Bell Inc. is extending its ability to bring more than 250 TV entertainment channels and faster Internet service into apartment and condominium complexes across Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky at light speed. More.

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, 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

    Motorola Introduces LAN Based on FPON FTTH Network
    Motorola’s Passive Optical LAN (POL) system derives from the vendor’s experience supplying gigabit passive optical network (GPON) equipment for Verizon’s fiber-to-the-premises network. Motorola’s POL is an all-fiber enterprise LAN connecting any stationary Ethernet-based device or system across the enterprise into the wide area network. It supports cabled and wireless connections and is certainly something anyone looking to upgrade a LAN should consider. (One would assume that supplying millions of pieces of hardware to Verizon means they have gotten the price low!)
    Motorola PON LAN
    Read more from CED.



    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:

    Verizon Ups FiOS Speeds in NY
    Verizon is offering faster FiOS speeds in NY and even getting into the TV biz with a local channel. Telephony.

    In Norway, You Might Have To Bury Your Own Cable To Get FTTH!
    A Norwegian triple-play provider has a unique solution to the pesky problem of digging up consumers' yards to bury fiber-to-the-home. Lyse Tele, an overbuilder that launched its fiber-based all-IP solution in 2002, installs the fiber right to the edge of a customer's lawn, then gives the customer instructions on how to bury their own fiber cable to the house.
    Read More From Telephony.
       
    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

    Splicers - Canada (7/09)
    My company - Telco Direct Services Inc. Is currently under contract in Vancouver and the lower mainland and I require fiber splicers for approx 3 months possibly longer term. Rate of pay will be $40-50 depending on experience.
     
    Contact:  telcodirect@shaw.ca
    Jeff Bondon - 647-892-6901
    CEO
    Telco Direct Services Inc.
     

    Instructor/San Diego (6/09)
    "Private College looking for an Instructor to teach Cabling and Fiber Optic Classes".  Part and Full time positions available.  Campus located in San Diego, Contact Gary at 619.234.2181, Ext. 312



     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
    What's the difference between these two OTDR traces of the same fiber event?
    OTDR comparison

     
     
    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


    (C)1999-2009, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.


    Tech Puzzler:
    The two traces are taken with different wavelengths, 850 and 1300 nm in multimode fiber. At 850 nm, the fiber has much higher attenuation coefficient so the slope is much greater. See here for more information.