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The
FOA is an international non-profit educational
association that is chartered to promote
professionalism in fiber optics through education,
certification and standards. FOA is also an
internationally recognized certifying body. Read
more.
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GDPR) FOA Policy on use of its intellectual property
It's
A New Year, so it's time to review the past year and think about the
year ahead. We note the FOA reached a new milestone - 90,000 certified
techs - and is converting to online digital credentials.
In the tech section, we tell you about something new - FAKE OTDR TRACES submitted to a customer.
Plus we have the usual selection of interesting articles.
Features
Welcome to 2023
Review of 2022 at FOA
Gaslighting Is The Word Of The Yaar
In The US, What's "Urban or Rural" Changes
FOA Converting To Online Credentials
Latest FOA Book - Fiber Broadband
New Fiber U MiniCourse - Project Management
Fiber Optic Conference For Latin America
More Translations Of FOA Textbooks
Another High-Flying Internet Solution
Underground Utility Damage Increases
Fake OTDR Traces
What's Inside A Fiber Optic Transceiver?
FOA Is Converting To Online Credentials For All Certifications
FOA will start issuing credentials for all certifications online in 2023.
Instead of a paper or PDF ID card, all new and renewal certifications
will be issued electronically and viewed online. One online certification will list all the FOA certifications the person
holds. Users can post the credential on LinkedIn, Facebook and other
social media platforms. AND they can print themselves a real paper
certificate!
When we upload the credentials, the certification holder will get an
email with directions on how to log in and receive their credential.
This change is being implemented soon and future certification
credentials will be online.
More information on FOA online certification credentials.
Latest FOA Book: Fiber Broadband
 In less than half a century,
fiber optics has revolutionized communications and to a large extent,
society in general. Broadband, what many today call high speed Internet
access, has become a necessity for everyone, not a luxury. The
technology that makes broadband possible is fiber optics, connecting the
continents, cities, and just about everybody. Even fiber to the home
(FTTH) brings broadband to hundreds of millions worldwide.
How did we get from an era when communications was making a telephone
call or sending a telegram to today’s world where every piece of
information – and misinformation – is available at the click of a mouse
or touch on a screen? How did we get from a time when a phone was
connected on copper wires to being able to connect practically anywhere
on a handheld device with more computing power than was available to
scientists and engineers only decades ago?
How does broadband work? Without fiber optics it would not work.
This book is not the typical FOA technical textbook - it is written for
anyone who wants to understand fiber broadband or fiber optics or the
Internet. It's also aimed at STEM teachers wh want to include
communications technology in their classes. This book will try to
explain not only how fiber broadband works, but how
it was developed. It is intended to be an introduction to
communications technology
appropriate for a communications course at almost any level (junior
high, high school or
college,) for managers involved with broadband projects, or for anyone
who just wonders how all this stuff works.
The Fiber Optic Association Guide To Fiber Broadband
Paperback ($12.95) and Kindle ($9.95) versions available from Amazon or most booksellers. Kindle version is in color!
Nobody knows more about fiber broadband than the Fiber Optic
Association. Check out our Fiber Broadband Resources Page. If you are working on an IIJA/BEAD program contact us for a
special package of educational materials for your staff.
More Translations of FOA Textbooks
FOA is a very international organization and it works hard to
accommodate the language needs of everyone. We have been translating our
books and website into the languages most requested, and this month, we
add two more textbook translations. We also want to thank Jerry Morla,
FOA CFOS/I instructor and Director who has been doing the recent
translations into Spanish, his native language.
FOA has published Paperback and Kindle versions of
two more translations of the FOA series of textbooks, following the
recent publications on the FTTH Handbook in Spanish. This month we
published the Fiber Optics textbook translated into Portuguese and the
FOA Fiber Optic Network Design textbook translated into Spanish. Both
books are now available on Amazon or through local booksellers.
Guia de Referência sobre Fibra Óptica da FOA : Guia de Estudo para a Certificação da FOA (Portuguese edition). O
Guia de Referência para Fibra Óptica do FOA é o livro de referência
geral para comunicações de fibra óptica e é usado no treinamento para o
CFOT. Está traduzido para o português e disponível para escolas FOA com
currículo de formação para certificação CFOT. Disponível na Amazon em edições de bolso e Kindle, e em livrarias locais.
Guía de Referencia de la FOA sobre Diseño de la red de fibra
óptica: Guía de Estudio para la Certificación de la FOA (Spanish
Edition). La Guía de referencia de FOA para el diseño de redes de
fibra óptica es una guía completa para diseñar redes de fibra óptica y
administrar el proyecto. Es el libro de texto para la certificación de
especialista FOA CFOS/D.
Disponible en Amazon en ediciones de bolsillo y Kindle, y en librerías locales.
Sitio web y manual de FTTH ahora en español
El Manual FOA FTTH se ha convertido en el libro FOA
más vendido y tiene una calificación de 4.7/5 por parte de los
compradores en Amazon. FOA ha notado mucho interés en FTTH en otras áreas del mundo,
especialmente en América Central y del Sur, por lo que tradujimos el
sitio web de FTTH y el Manual de FTTH al español.
Disponible como libro de tapa blanda en Amazon o como libro electrónico en Amazon Kindle.
El sitio web de FOA FTTH ahora en español.
Here is a listing of all the FOA textbook Translations
Spanish Editions
Guía de Referencia de la Asociación de Fibra Óptica (FOA) Sobre Fibra
Óptica: Guía de estudio para la certificación de la FOA Amazon
La Referencia de Cableado para Predios de la FOA: Guía para Certificación de la FOA Amazon
La Asociación de Fibra Óptica Manual de Fibra Hasta el Hogar : Para
Planificadores, Gestores, Diseñadores, Instaladores y Operadores De
FTTH Amazon
Guía de Referencia de la FOA sobre Diseño de la red de fibra óptica: Guía de Estudio para la Certificación de la FOA Amazon
And the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics:
French Edition
Le
Guide de référence de la FOA pour la fibre optique et et
guide d'étude pour la certification FOA: Guide d'étude pour
la certification FOA Amazon
Portuguese Edition
Guia de Referência sobre Fibra Óptica da FOA : Guia de Estudo para a Certificação da FOA Amazon
The subjects of these books is also included translated in the FOA Guide online.
Fiber
U Basic Fiber Optics Online Course In Spanish.
El
curso de autoaprendizaje en línea "Fibra óptica básica" de
Fiber U ahora en español
El
sitio de aprendizaje en línea de FOA, Fiber U, tiene más
de dos docenas de cursos de autoaprendizaje gratuitos
sobre fibra óptica y cableado de instalaciones. Como era
de esperar, el tema más popular es el curso "Fibra óptica
básica", que se utiliza para iniciarse en la fibra óptica
y como curso de preparación para realizar el examen de
certificación FOA CFOT.
Ahora
el curso básico de fibra óptica está disponible en
español, utilizando el libro de texto FOA en español, la
sección de la Guía en línea en español y la capacidad de
YouTube para traducir subtítulos de video al español. El
curso funciona exactamente como la versión en inglés con
10 lecciones, cada una con cuestionarios y una opción para
tomar un examen de Certificado de finalización.
Para
presentar el nuevo curso de español Fiber U, el examen
Certificate of Completion es gratuito, así que dígaselo
a sus contactos.
Curso
Básico de Fibra Óptica de Fibra U en español.
New
FOA FTTH Handbook Plus FTTH Updates in FOA Guide and Fiber
U
Sitio web y manual de FTTH ahora en español
FOA
has been busy updating our FTTH technical and learning
materials and even published the materials in a new book.
Great timing for all the FTTH projects we see right now!
New
FTTH Handbook
For
Planners, Managers, Designers, Installers And Operators Of
FTTH - Fiber To The Home - Networks
FOA's FTTH
Handbook: We've gathered all our information
on FTTH from the FOA Guide and past issues of the FOA
Newsletter and edited it into a 112 page "FTTH Handbook."
We even added a section on planning and managing FTTH
Projects. The
Fiber Optic Association Fiber To The Home Handbook
is available from Amazon in print and Kindle
editions.
Sitio web y manual de FTTH ahora en español
Disponible como libro de tapa blanda en Amazon o como libro electrónico en Amazon Kindle.
El sitio web de FOA FTTH ahora en español.
FOA
Guide: Added a section on FTTH Network Design, updated
sections on Architecture and PONs (including 10G)
FOA's
YouTube Channel: Added 4 new FTTH videos on Network
Architecture, PONs, Network Design and Installation/Test.
Fiber
U: Updated the free Fiber
U FTTx self-study course using all this new
material and added a lesson on FTTH Design. This uses the
new materials created for the FOA Guide and FOA YouTube
channel. (For a limited time you can take the Fiber U
Certificate of Completion test FREE! See
details here.)
If
you have already taken the Fiber
U FTTH self-study course, you may want to return
to it and take the new lesson on Designing FTTH
Networks.
As
a gift to the fiber optic community we have updated
the free Fiber U FTTH self-study course and made the
Certificate of Completion test FREE too! Yes, when you complete the Fiber
U FTTH course, you can get your Fiber U FTTH
Certificate of Completion FREE.
To
explain How OJT works and FOA's OJT-To-Cert program, FOA
created a short 10 minute YouTube video that explains what
OJT is, who uses it and how to use Fiber U to organize and
enhance OJT for new employees and experienced workers too.
Lecture
62: On The Job Training For Fiber Optics Using Fiber U
OJT is
the well-known term for "on-the-job training." Workers learn
on the job under the supervision of experienced co-workers.
FOA has been asked many times how its resources like Fiber U
can be used to help employers and their employee trainees
involved in OJT. The interest in OJT has been so high,
especially during the difficult year in 2020, that FOA has
worked with employers and employees to formalize an OJT
program and create training aids to help employers develop
qualified techs using OJT.
The
FOA
Fiber U “OJT-To-Cert” program includes
both fiber optics and premises cabling (copper, fiber &
wireless), so it covers techs working in both outside plant
and premises jobs.
The
FOA Fiber U OJT program combines online study at Fiber
U with OJT with mentoring by experienced co-workers
and their supervisor to help new employees
develop into FOA-certified technicians in only one
year. Upon completion of this
program, the trainee will be prepared to take the exam for
the FOA CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) and/or
CPCT (Certified Premises Cabling Technician), the most
widely recognized fiber optic and premises cabling
certifications in the industry.
Like
other FOA programs, the OJT-To-Cert program is free. The
FOA provides directions for use of the free Fiber U online
training programs and we provide a log for the trainee to
keep track of their progress. The only cost is the two
fiber U certificates of completion and the FOA
certification exam at the end of the program.
If
you and/or your company is interested in the FOA
Fiber U “OJT-To-Cert” program, pleae
contact FOA.
New
Fiber U MiniCourses
Got
An Hour? Learn Something New About Fiber Optics.
Online
learning has been growing even more popular during the
pandemic, and FOA's Fiber U free online courses have
certainly been popular. We've just introduced a new type of
short course, one you can finish in an hour or less, that
covers a specific topic. The topics were easy to pick; they
are ones we're asked about often.
The courses have two components, video lectures and
readings, that are complementary. As usual there is a
self-test to allow you to check your comprehension. As with
other Fiber U courses if you desire, you can take a short
test for a Fiber U Certificate of Completion that costs
only $10.
All these free courses and many more are
available at Fiber
U
Try
The FOA's New Online Loss Budget Calculator
FOA has
written many articles about loss budgets, something everyone
involved in fiber optics needs to know and needs to know how
to calculate. We've created a online Loss Budget Calculator
that does the work for you. Just input your cable plant data
and it calculates the loss budget. It works on any device,
especially smartphones and tablets for field use and even
allows printing the results.
Bookmark
this page (especially on your smartphone): FOA
Loss Budget Calculator Online
SPECIAL
OFFER - Save 1/3 On Your Certification Renewal Cost
Beginning soon, there will be a requirement for continuing
education to renew your FOA certifications. FOA is testing
an option for renewals where you take a short Fiber U online
self-study course with certificate of completion exam and
pay for renewal when taking the exam.
If you would like to help FOA test this option, you can save
1/3 the cost of your renewal. Go
here to take the Fiber U CFOT Renewal Course:
Fiber
U Offers Free Online Self-Study Programs, and "Fiber U
Certificate of Completion" For All FOA Certification
Courses.
New MiniCourses - Learn something useful in an hour or less.
New Fiber
U Basic Skills Labs - Updates on the Fiber
Optic Basic Skills Lab and new Copper
Premises Cabling Basic Skills Lab. Both fiber and
copper basic skills labs includes a DIY (do-it-yourself)
course where you can buy equipment inexpensively and learn
the skills at home.
There is a new free Fiber U course on OSP
Construction.
Read
more at Fiber
U.
For
Schools and Instructors
If
your organization is interested in becoming an FOA
Approved School, see New
School Requirements and Application Procedures and Requirements
For FOA Training Programs.
If
you are a current FOA Approved School, here is the School
Update/Renewal Form.
Classroom
Resources For STEM Teachers In K-12 And Technical Schools
Teachers in all grades can introduce their students to fiber
optic technology with some simple demonstrations. FOA has
created a page for STEM or STEAM (science, technology,
engineering, arts
and math) teachers with materials appropriate to their
classes. Fiber
Optic Resources For STEM Teachers.
FOA
also has a new YouTube
Video on "Careers
in Fiber Optics" and a "Careers
In Fiber Optics" Website.
See below.
- Corporate
Members
- Search
for products and services offered by hundreds of FOA
corporate members worldwide. List
of corporate member information provided by
FOA corporate members listed on the FOA website.
FOA
offers corporate memberships to companies involved in fiber
optics as manufacturers, contractors, installers, etc. FOA
Corporate Members get substantial discounts on
membership/certification renewals and direct
certifications. Other benefits include access to
training and direct certifications. Read
more.
FOA has a YouTube
Video on "Careers
in Fiber Optics" and a "Careers
In Fiber Optics" Website.
Interested in exploring a career in fiber optics? FOA
has created a YouTube Video and a webpage that describes
what a fiber optic worker does, where they work and how to
get started. It's mainly aimed at high school students but
it's relevant to anyone interested in changing careers also.
Go here for the YouTube
Video on "Careers
in Fiber Optics" or the FOA
Careers In Fiber Optics webpage.
FOA
"Finding A Job"
Website
We get
many questions from CFOTs, students at FOA-Approved schools
and others contemplating getting into the fiber optic
business regarding jobs in fiber optics - and how to find
them - so we’ve created a new web page to share some
information we've gathered about jobs in our industry. The
information is designed to help you understand what jobs are
available in fiber optics, how to find them and apply for
them.
Looking For A Job In Fiber
Optics?
- Where
Are The Jobs In Fiber Optics? This
FOA YouTube Video talks about all the applications for
fiber optics, what the jobs involve and the
qualifications for the workers in the field.
If you are currently looking for a job in fiber optics,
here is the FOA's guide to
jobs web page. The
FOA Jobs
Web Page has been updated and a new page added on Using
your FOA Training/Certification to Find the Right Job
in Fiber Optics
If you
have job openings, let us post them on  .
Free From FOA: NECA/FOA 301 Fiber Optic Installation
Standard
Because of its importance to users, contractors and
installers of fiber optic networks, The FOA and NECA have
agreed to make the NECA/FOA
301 Fiber Optic Installation Standard available free
from FOA.
Standards usually cover components and systems and how to
test them, but rarely get into installation issues. This
standard is derived from FOA educational material put in
standards form and approved by ANSI as an American National
Standard. It's specifically written to be used in contracts
to define "installation in a neat and workmanlike
manner." Go to NECA/FOA
301 Fiber Optic Installation Standard to learn more
and download your free copy.
FOA Videos
- The
FOA has created a special FOA channel on YouTube, thefoainc,
where we've posted over 110 instructional videos and
lectures for everyone's use. We've got lectures on
premises cabling and fiber optics and hands-on
demonstrations about fiber optics and communications
cabling - yes, even "Cat 5"!
FOA channel on YouTube, thefoainc
FOA
on LinkedIn
FOA
- official company page on LinkedIn
FOA
- covers FOA, technology and jobs in the fiber optic
marketplace
Grupo de La Asociación de Fibra Óptica FOA (Español)
FOA
Fiber Optic Training - open to everyone, covers fiber
optic technology and training topics
FOA
School Instructors - a closed group for instructors
and administrators at FOA-approved schools
FOA Reference Books (Printed or Kindle eBooks!)
Fiber
Optics (4 languages), Premises Cabling, OSP fiber and
construction, Network Design, Testing and FTTH
The
FOA has it's own reference books for everyone working in
fiber optics - contractors, installers and end users as
well as for use as textbooks in classes at educational
institutions. They are available as printed books or
Kindle at much lower prices than most textbooks since we
self-publish and sell online, cutting out the middlemen.
Click on the book images for more information. The
Reference Guide To Fiber Optics is also available in
Spanish and French (print and online) and Portuguese
(online only.)
Click
on any book for more information about it.
- Getting Started Guides
These
two guides are simple introductions to the subjects. They
will explain the applications, jargon, components and
installation in a quick overview.
Lennie
Lightwave's Guide to Fiber Optics (online) and
available as PDF
download or a free
iBook on iTunes
- Uncle
Ted's Guide to Communications (Premises) Cabling
(online) and available as a PDF
download or a free
iBook on iTunes
Lennie
Lightwave's Guide - Printed Edition
FOA has
reprinted "Lennie
Lightwave's Guide" on its 25th anniversary in a
special print edition.
Many
of you have used the current online version of Lennie's
Guide on the FOA website. Now you can have a slick printed
version - real paper and colored pictures - you can hold in
your hand and read. Leave a copy on your desktop to impress
your friends, or on the table in your company's reception
area instead of out-of-date magazines. Give them to your
customers and employees to help them learn fiber optics. Use
it to prepare for FOA certifications.
You can get your own copies of Lennie
Lightwave's Guide at Amazon.com, only $9.95
each US$.
- Looking
For "Hands-On" Fiber Optic Training With FOA
Certification?
- You
can find a list of FOA approved schools that offer CFOT®
certification here on the list
of FOA approved schools.
-
-
- Certification
Renewal
- FOA
Certified persons must renew their CFOT®
or CFOS certifications when they expire. Please
make sure we have your current address. Download
the renewal form, or
renew online.
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