September, 2008
In This Issue
New FOA "Premises Cabling" Certiifcation

Tech Topics: New "Installation" Tech Bulletin. See Tech Topics Below.

Product News:  Corning promotions, another cleaning kit. See "Product News" Below

Worth Reading: Lennie On OTDRs.  See "Worth Reading" below
FTTH: Would you believe FiOS at 175 Mb/s? Verizon to offer FiOS in DC.
Looking For Jobs - several this month, including manufacturing engineering, Instructors for a FOA-approved school, Splicers in Canada, fusion splicer sales, production and engineering. See "Jobs" Below
This Month's "Tech Puzzler"
FOA Home Page
NEW: Sign up for the new FOA eMail Newsletter

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Current Issue of FOA Newsletter




Looking For a FOA-Certified Fiber Optic Installer? Use the FOA Installer Database  Free! Almost 1000 CFOT's listed. 
CFOT's register online to create your listing.


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




New Pemises Cabling CertificationPremises cabling

The FOA has added a new certification for our schools and current CFOTs, CPCT for "Certified Premises Cablilng Technician."

Premises cabling, sometimes called structured cabling, is a standardized cabling system designed to carry voice, data and video signals in a commercial or residential environment. Traditionally, premises cabling has focused on what the majority of users still call “Cat 5” unshielded twisted pair cable (although it has been superceded by newer cabling versions) as used in Ethernet networks, but network architectures are changing. Since these cabling standards were first developed around 1990, networks have increased in speed 1,000 times, from 10 Mb/s to 10 Gb/s promoting the use of fiber, especially in backbone networks and workstation connections. And a new generation of users has become accustomed to “mobility” – using the latest generation of wireless networks, usually WiFi, with laptops, personal digital assistants and smart phones, to avoid being tethered to a desktop.
As a result, the technician looking to become trained in the proper installation of premises cabling must now know about three closely-related technologies: UTP copper, fiber optics and wireless. The FOA has many CFOTs already working with premises cabling, so the FOA has adopted the certification program of the Structured Cabling Association which already covers all three technologies, fiber, copper and wireless, and is offering a Specialty certification in premises cabling.
Unlike some training in premises or structured cabling, the FOA CPCT specialist will focus on understanding the technology and processes involved in fiber, copper and wireless, rather than focusing on the rote memorization of the industry standards. These standards, developed by the TIA in the US and ISO internationally, are primarily written for manufacturers, not installers or contractors, and it becomes the duty of those manufacturers to develop products and inform their customers about their proper usage. Contractors and installers need to focus on the components and how they are used to build premises network cabling systems properly.
FOA CPCT Certification is available through FOA-Approved Schools and directly for CFOTs. If you have a CFOT and wish to add a CPCT to your certifications, contact the FOA for information on how to study for and take the CPCT exam.

Design certification training is starting at FOA-approved schools.


Fiber Optic Lighting

fiber optic lighting

The FOA generally focuses on communications fiber optics but we get lots of questions on lighting. So we've created a Tech Topics Tutorial on Fiber Optic Lighting to inform those interested about using fiber for lighting, how it works and some advice on what can be done. If you are interested in using fiber for lighting, installing it or just becoming knowledgeable about another fiber optic application, read this.



Sneak Preview

Tech Topics on iPhone

What's this all about? Well, first of all, the FOA has kept it's website simple - no fancy graphics, javascripts, cookies, etc. so it turns out most of our Tech Topics are easily read on a web-enabled mobile device like this iPhone. That means that if you are looking for some info on fiber, link to http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ on your portable device and you may find the answer.
And if you are a current CFOT or student at a FOA-Approved school, you'll soon have the largest reference website about fiber optics at your disposal - from your computer or
web-enabled mobile device.

Stay tuned!





A New Dark Fiber Locating Service from IGI Consulting and Amesbury Consulting
IGI consulting (IGIC) announced a joint venture with Amesbury Consulting to provide a new Dark Fiber Location Service in any city in the U.S.  
FIBERSHOT is a service that provides  the  location of dark and lit fiber in any city in the U.S for a  one time fee.
The new service provides three views or levels  of fiber optic maps for one fixed price:
Site View (an address or cross street)
Street View (or city)
Metro View
GPS MapInfo database of 100+ carriers in 120+ metro markets.
city map
Contact:
Guy J. Ashton
Amesbury Consulting
22 Arlington Street
Amesbury, Massachusetts 01913-1704
978.388.5464 direct
978.609.7284 mobile
guy@amesburyconsulting.com



Worth Reading:

Lennie On OTDRs: For a dozen years now, Lennie Lightwave's Guide To Fiber Optics has been the most popular website for those getting started in fiber optics or wanting to look up some basic information. Now Lennie has added a new "virtual hands-on" tutorial on using OTDRs, based on the VDV Works OTDR simulator. Not only will it help you understand how to use an OTDR properly (not just turn it on and hit autotest, which may be your downfall!) but you can download a demo of the OTDR Simulator to try it yourself.

FOLS latest newsletter. The latest news from FOLS including a standards update and access to their premises cabling cost model.
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs084/1101864571210/archive/1102123447786.html

What's the biggest security problem most organizations face? The answer might surprise some of you - it's disgruntled employees. Read "San Francisco Case Shows Vulnerability Of Data Networks" to see what we mean.





FOA Tech Topics - 


New Tech Bulletin On Fiber Optic Installation
The FOA has always used the NECA/FOA-301 standard Installing And Testing Fiber Optic Cables as its reference guide for CFOT certification and of course a reference for installers in the field. Requests for a similar reference document online led to the creation of an FOA Tech Bulletin on Installing Fiber Optic Cable Plants. It's a small PDF file so it's quick to download and print. We think you'll find this one most useful. Download It Now.

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.
Designing and manufacturing fiber optic communications products for manufacturers.
Choosing, installing and using fiber optic products for network users.
Designing Fiber Optic Networks
Installing Fiber Optic Cable Plants
Troubleshooting fiber optic cable plants and communcations systems.
Fiber Optic Restoration


Online Videos
We continue expanding the Tech Topics section and have added some videos. These videos, in a format familiar to the "You Tube" users among you, cover cable prep, termination with epoxy/polish connectors, mechanical splicing and insertion loss testing.
You need Quicktime to view these videos which you can download free here from the Apple website.
More....
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
Updated link specs for fiber optic networks - now includes 10G Ethernet.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on General Topics and Testing
Fiber Or Copper? Making decisions, overview and LANs
How do you clean connections?
 

Product News

Corning "Summer of Value" Promotion
Corning is offering a special promotion for buyers of Unicam kits, Optical Testers and OptiSplice Fusion Splicers. Buy a Unicam kit and get free connectors, testers and get a free cleaning kit and a splicer and get a splicing tool kit. Ask your Corning rep or distributor for details.

Since clean fiber optic connectors are extremely important, we want to bring another cleaning kit to your attention.

Fiber Solutions Inc. is proud to announce a new all-in-one Fiber Optic Cleaning Kit:  FS Cleaning kit
CS-CKIM-CÅ®$85.00

Includes:
(1) QbE Cleaning Platform
(1) Electro-Wash Precision ES810 Cleaner
(1) 2.5mm Foam Fiber Optic Swabs
(1) Lint Free Wipes 6704F
(5) Electro-Wash MX Universal Cleaner Wipes CP421
(1) Set of Detailed Instructions
(1) Rugged Bag with Carabiner Attachment


Have you read the FOA Tech Topics on Cleaning?

More links on cleaning:


Westover 
AFL

ITW Chemtronics

Cleantex Alco Pads

MicroCare 

 


 
FTTH Notes:
It's mostly about Verizon, as the stumbling economy has many private companies and municipalities reluctant to invest in long term projects.
Verizon FiOS
Verizon connects their 2 millionth FiOS home.

Verizon Strikes Deal to Bring Fios Service to the District of Columbia: Washington Post, 8/8/08
Verizon ramping up FiOS build out
By Mike Robuck, CedMagazine.com - June 11, 2008
Despite the sluggish economy, Verizon isn‚t backing off of the gas pedal when it comes to building out its fiber optic FiOS network.
Verizon plans on having FiOS in more than its previously stated goal of 18 million homes by the end of 2010, according to Reuters. Verizon President and COO Denny Strigl said that the company would continue to expand its FiOS network to the tune of more than $20 billion, while doing so at a faster rate than the original plan called for.

Verizon‚s FiOS rollout was initially slower than expected due to a lack of equipment, such as set-top boxes, as well as the regulatory approval process in the states where the telco wanted to rollout the triple-play service.

Verizon to invest $86 million to expand FiOS TV in Rhode Island (Lightwave)
The $86-million investment will extend Verizon's FiOS TV service to an additional 10 communities and expand its Providence-based Fiber Solutions Center, where at least 50 more union-represented technicians and customer service representatives will be hired, say Verizon representatives.

FiOS Rollout In Philadelphia
From the Philly.com web journal.
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/15917457.html
Verizon is now deploying GPON in its network in new developments in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Texas. GPON offers more bandwidth than the BPON currently used, allowing more features for FiOS TV for example. See this Lightwave article for more info. 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.

 
 


 Digging Safely

The old story (not a joke!) about the most likely fiber optic communications system failure being caused by "backhoe fade" reminds us that digging safely is vitally important. The risk is not just interrupting communications, but the life-threatening risk of digging up high voltage or gas lines.

There is a website called "Common Ground Alliance" that focuses directly on this issue. Here is how they describe themselves:

Damage Prevention is a Shared Responsibility
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is a member-driven association dedicated to ensuring public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of services by promoting effective damage prevention practices.    In recent years, the association has established itself as the leading organization in an effort to reduce damages to all underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

Of special interest is their "Best Practices" Manual, available for downloading. If you do OSP installs, please get yourself a copy and read it.

http://www.commongroundalliance.com/

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
 

 
Now In Spanish: FOA Textbook & Text For FOA Advanced Certifications
The FOA's textbook, The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual, is used by our approved schools around the world to teach fiber optics. Book Details: Manual Del Technico De Fibra Optica, Published by Thomson Delmar Learning, ISBN 1-4180-6121-2
If you are getting started in fiber optics and Spanish is your native language, you can download an introduction to fiber optics in Spanish here.
 
Eric Pearson's book that is used for the CFOS/I reference book, Successful Fiber Optic Installation, is also now available in Spanish.
 
Contact the FOA for more information.
 
 
 
 

 

Job Openings

Manufacturing Engineer, MIL Fiber Optics (8/08)

Linden Photonics is a small company that develops packaging and cable technology.  Specializing in fiber optics and using novel extrusion/molding techniques for thermoplastics, Linden focuses on military and other harsh environment markets.
 
We are looking for a part time manufacturing engineer to help set up our in-house manufacturing and quality procedures as well as assist in the design/set-up/and usage of specialized in-house equipment related to optical technology and cable winding and spooling.
 
The ideal candidate will have a mix of manufacturing and mechanical experience.  Experience with ISO type record keeping is desired and fiber optics experience is a plus.
 
5 to 10 years experience in manufacturing and a BS in an engineering or equivalent technical degree is desired.
 
For more information on Linden Photonics, check us out on the web at <http://www.LindenPhotonics.com>www.LindenPhotonics.com
 
Please send resumes to Stephen O’Riorden, Director of Business Development at <mailto:so@lindenphotonics.com>so@lindenphotonics.com
 
Best regards,
Stephen O'Riorden
Director of Business Development
Linden Photonics, Inc.
so@lindenphotonics.com
c:978-799-1719


Fiber Optic Instructors (7/08)
Can You Teach? Would you like to?
Go to the "Teaching Opportunity " on the BDI DataLynk,LLC Web Site or call: 512-785-9024 for more information.
 
Bob Ballard, RCDD, CFOI
BDI DataLynk, LLC
www.bdidatalynk.com
Ph: 512-785-9024


Product Marketing Manager-Fiber Optic Unit (7/08)
Industry: Technology / Telecommunications / Software
Compensation: $100-125K
Geography: Northeast U.S.
Preference given to someone who has recently worked in product marketing for a company making fiber optic cable, connectors or patchcords.

Responsibilities
Position open for a Product Marketing Manger for our Fiber Optic product line. Reporting to the VP/General Manager, the Product Marketing Manager is responsible for managing the P&L for the Fiber business. This manager is responsible for the product portfolio, new product development, pricing, go-to-market strategies, and marketing communications.
 
Requirements
Key responsibilities include:
Business Planning and Execution
- Lead the development and implementation of a 3-year strategic product-marketing plan for the Fiber Optic product line. Effectively communicate and lead the implementation of this strategy throughout the organization.
Product Portfolio Management and Execution
- Lead development of a 3 year product roadmap that optimizes Quality, Delivery, Cost and Innovation while addressing key solution gaps outlined in the Market plans through internal product development, partnering and/or acquisitions.
- Coordinate development of future innovative products and technologies in line with strategic goals.
Marketing Communication – Increase sales and the product line through innovative integrated Marketing, PR and advertising plans.
Channel / Customer Business Development
- Work with sales team to develop integrated business plans and sales strategies that are aligned with the annual and 3 year plans.
- Lead the development of price targets and product positioning.
Specific requirements for this position include:
· Senior level product marketing fiber optic experience.
· Process and measurement oriented
· Business or Technical undergraduate degree
· MBA is preferred
 
 
Other
They should have experience:
1) Analyzing the product line income statement, analyzing margin mix,
analyzing channels to markets and customers, analyzing pricing,
recommending and taking actions as needed to maximize margins and revenue.
2) Product Road mapping: Long-term product planning - where we take the
products, which markets, pricing, etc. including the business case for new
products and recommendations for product lifecycle.
3) Developing business case for new products or investment going into new
markets
4) Marketing Communications
5) Control of all pricing including in-depth, sophisticated modeling,
competitor analysis, and positioning.   

Contact:
Celeste Christ
Vice-President/Owner
Amber Systems Group, LLC
104 S. Main St. Suite 513
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-322-9011 Phone
920-3229013 Fax
celeste@ambersystemsgroup.com



Account Manager, Optical Fibers                              
Location:        Open
Reports To:     Director Marketing and Sales
 
Position Goals:           Provide direct sales representation and technical assistance, as related to the Company’s Specialty Optical Fibers worldwide
 
Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Present and sell company products and services to current and potential customers through customer visits and direct customer interaction
Prepare action plans and schedules to identify specific targets and to project the number of contacts to be made
Follow up on new leads and referrals resulting from field activity, trade shows, advertisements, etc.
Identify sales prospects and contact these and other accounts as assigned
Prepare presentations, proposals and sales contracts
Maintain current knowledge of all products, including technology, pricing, and sales strategies, and able to quote, close, process and support a sale as part of the sales team
Establish and maintain current customer and potential customer relationships
Prepare paperwork to activate and maintain contract services
Manage account services through quality checks and other follow-up
Identify and resolve customer concerns
Prepare a variety of status reports, including activity, closings, follow-up, and adherence to goals
Communicate new product and market opportunities, special developments, information, or feedback gathered through field activity to appropriate company staff
Coordinate company staff to accomplish the work required to close sales
Other duties as assigned

 
Additional Responsibilities:
Participate in marketing events such as seminars, trade shows, and telemarketing events
Follow-up for collection or payment
Coordinate shipping schedules and delivery of products and services

 
Education and Required Skills:
Four (4) year degree, preferably in Engineering
At least Five (5) years direct experience in sales of fiber optics, optoelectronics or photonics
Self motivator with the ability to plan, meet deadlines and work symbiotically with peers, customers and supervisors

 
Compensation and Benefits:
Competitive base salary plus commission/bonus
Medical and dental
Long term disability
Life insurance
401K participation with company match

 
Interested applicants may send their resume to: jpagano@fiberguide.com
http://www.fiberguide.com




Senior Process Engineer- ADC Corp.
(7/08)
LOCATION: Bennington, VT


ABOUT THE COMPANY:
ADC provides the network infrastructure equipment and professional services needed to deliver voice, video, Internet and data communications around the world.  Wireline, wireless, cable, enterprise and broadcast network operators rely on ADC‚ADC's offerings to deliver bandwidth intensive, high-speed services to residential, business and mobile subscribers. ADC (NASDAQ: ADCT) has sales into more than 140 countries.
 

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Provide technical support to the manufacturing operation that enhances quality, improves delivery, and reduces costs through product/process improvement, operator training, equipment selection/installation, and product development.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Ensure existing and new products can be manufactured on robust and cost-effective processes by optimizing process settings, tooling, and procedures.
Monitor equipment, and work with vendors to reduce costs.
Troubleshoot and resolve short term and long term manufacturing problems that impede quality or cost effectiveness.
Develop and administer training on new and existing equipment and products for manufacturing personnel to ensure product/ process consistency.  Identify, document, and effectively communicate all critical process parameters, tooling, and materials. Development and maintain documentation.
Manage capital projects and provide technical support for the specification, design, purchase, installation, and commissioning of new equipment, retrofits, and tooling.
Manage Product Development projects as assigned to ensure successful release of commercial products in terms of reliability, cost, and manufacturing.
Work with vendors, Marketing, and Operating personnel, Product Management, Sales and/or Customers to meet product requirements.
Develop, improve and implement production/processing methods and business processes that positively impact cost, quality and safety objectives.
Initiate and develop Lean process improvements.
 Lead and participate in constructive discussions with management and operating personnel regarding quality/ process problems, cost reduction projects, and training issues. Provide reports as needed.
Ability to influence cross-functionally.

REQUIREMENTS:
Four Year Degree in Engineering ME/MET, IE/IET
ISO9001:2000 knowledge, ERP familiarity, MS Suite of products, TL9000 QMS
Four-year engineering degree and 7+ years of related process engineering experience in a cable manufacturing environment.  Specific experience in polymer extrusion and optical fiber cable is desired
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated teamwork, cooperation skills.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations- respond to questions.
Ability to utilize logical and scientific thinking in a variety of circumstances.
Focus on continuous quality improvement.
Ability to understand and follow all safety guidelines.
Flexibility to changing priorities, sensitivity to others feelings, viewpoints.
Ability to take calculated risks.
Travel up to 5% possible.

REASONS TO WORK FOR ADC:
We‚re Growing
Competitive Compensation and Benefits
Opportunities for Advancement
Fast-Paced and High Energy
Global Company
Innovative Products and Technology
We Give Back to the Community
Committed to Customer, Quality, Innovation, Teamwork and Integrity

BENEFITS:
INSURANCE: Health and Dental is effective the first day of employment
PAID TIME OFF (PTO): 20 days for Full-Time, 10 days for Part-Time
PAID HOLIDAYS: 8 days with floating holidays
BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Two times your base annual earnings
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: $5,250 per calendar year of eligible expenses
401K MATCH PLAN
EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLAN

HOW TO APPLY: Apply directly on-line at <http://www.adc.com/careers>

ADC is an Equal Opportunity Employer



Contractors For "On-Call Restoration" (6/08)
I am in need of at the present time is an individual that can assist my clients as needed.  He or she could be called at any time, and there is a 4 hr response time.  We’ll pay a decent rate along with a Truck Roll Allowance for the drive.  Some of these locations could be up to 200 miles away, but we try to find technicians as close to the location as possible.

George L. Smith, Technical Recruiter
Intellys Corporation
621 W. College Pkwy
Grapevine, TX  76051
Office: 972-929-9000 ext. 513
Toll Free: 877-468-3559
Fax: 817-796-1208
<http://www.Intellys.com>


Splicers Needed in Canada (6/08)
Need 2 - 4 splicers immediately
Job is in Calgary  ( A Telus Job)
Way paid out to the job.
Air Fare home every 8 weeks
Truck and tools supplied
$35.00 per Hr    +  overtime
$175 per day living allowance

Contact  Gord Smith, Phone: 416-678-7235






CERTIFIED NETWORK INSTALLERS, STRUCTURED CABLING (6/08)

Looking for two individuals or two staff from a private firm for inside premise (ISP) install of CAT6 and Fiber Optic cables. The primary site is a large data center with adjacent offices, all currently under construction. Desire individuals with BICSI or FOA certifications,  industry certifications or equivalent experience. Experience with testing CAT5/6 and Fiber desired. This will be a six-month assignment in a safe and friendly foreign country with living conditions equal to the US. All travel and relocation expenses paid. Housing in two-bedroom furnished townhouse close to work site. Cell phone, Internet, cable TV, utilities, medical insurance and vehicle provided. Salary in US dollars with a bonus at completion of project. Employer is a large multinational design and build firm. Desire US installation and NEC code experience.

Please send contact information along with resume or qualifications to:

Kevin Love, <mailto:admin@aasda.com>admin@aasda.com






Careers at Verizon: https://www22.verizon.com/about/careers/careers_index.html

 


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

 



 
Tech Puzzler
Myth or Truth?, see below.
The light in a fiber will burn your eyeball! 
 
 
 
Answer below
 
 
 

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.
 


 
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 23,000 CFOTs have been certified by over 200 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 160+ organizations, welcoming new additions like the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Corning Cable Systems and AFL 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.

 


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!

 


 

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




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



Return to The FOA Home Page


(C)1999-2008, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.


Tech Puzzler:
Myth: The light in a fiber will burn your eyeball! 
Most fiber carries light at power levels that is not harmful to the eye. Exceptions are 1)DWDM systems, 2)fiber amplifiers in CATV or 3) viewing a hot fiber in a high power microscope. See http://www.thefoa.org/tech/safety.htm
See the Lennie Lightwave for a complete tutorial and more.