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May 2026
Publication
of The Fiber Optic Association Inc. (FOA), the international non-profit
professional association of fiber optics and certifying body for fiber optics.
Links To Sections
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INDEX
Newsletter Sections
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on any link to jump to that section
Underground Utility Location
Texas 811 Uses Fiber To Protect Infrastructure
Seen On The Web - Drawings Of Fibers
FOA Broadband References Updated
"Ask Lennie" Intelligent Search Of FOA Website
What's New And Popular On FOA Website
Job Site for CFOTs
Municipal Broadband Outperforms Most ISPs
CA Turns On Largest Public Broadband Network
Submarine Cables In The Strait of Hormuz
T-Mobile Offers 5G+Starlink Broadband
The Future Of Broadband
Alternative Installation For Urban Cables
Underground Markers Use RFID For Data
How Do You Test Multicore Fiber?
Cat 6 Cables For Extended Lengths
Worth
Reading Lots of interesting
articles to read, watch or listen to.
Q&A
Interesting questions from our readers
Workforce Training/FiberU
Types Of Work Done By Fiber Techs
FOA-Approved School News
Fiber U Courses
Resources
New FOA Technical Resources
Safety
About the FOA
FOA Certified Techs:
Time
To Renew Your FOA Certifications?
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Training/Certification to Find the Right Job
in Fiber Optics
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Want to know more about fiber optics?
Looking for specific information? Here's the largest
technical reference on the web: The
FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide.
Free online self-study programs
on many fiber optics and cabling topics are
available at Fiber U,
FOA's online web-based training website.
FOA
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Available Printed or Kindle eBooks
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Underground Utility Location For Safer Construction
In the February 2026 FOA Newsletter we
talked about locating underground utilities to ensure safe
construction. In that article, we described the process of location and
how the location of underground utilities are marked. In the second part
of this article, we discuss the tools and techniques for locating
underground utilities.
Many contractors know that even if location has been done and
locations market, they need to double check before digging or boring
around existing infrastructure. This article will discuss how locating
is done and what techniques should be used in different circumstances.
Also below is how Texas811, the "Call Before You
Dig" organization in Texas is using existing fiber optic cables to help
prevent dig-ups.
Part 2 - Underground Location Techniques
When we first started researching underground location techniques, we
ran into a rather unexpected reference to "dowsing." Dowsing is a
technique where a person - the dowser - uses a "Y" shaped stick or other
implement to locate things underground. The technique has been
documented for 500 years or more and is reputed to be quite effective at
finding water and minerals. But few locators use dowsing for locating
underground utilities before digging; they use more modern techniques.
(For more information on dowsing, we
recommend Icy Sedgwicks article "The Folklore of Dowsing, aka Water Witching from which this photo comes.)
Today two more modern technologies dominate the industry: Electromagnetic (EM) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Electromagnetic (EM) Locators
EM pipeline and cable locators are essential tools for locating
underground utilities like pipelines, power lines, and communication
cables. They operate by identifying electromagnetic fields associated
with these utilities. In most cases, this involves sending a
radiofrequency signal down the pipeline or cable. If the cable or
pipeline is not metal, there needs to be a metal wire, known as tracer
wire, buried above or beside the pipeline or cable in order for an EM
locator to find it. Some communications cables will have a metal sheath
to protect the cable or a metal strength member which can also transmit
the radiofrequency. Details on tracer wire are covered after the EM
locator section.
1. Passive EM Locators: These devices detect natural electromagnetic
fields emitted by live utilities, such as power lines. They are useful
for quick scans, but may not detect inactive or non-conductive
utilities.
2. Active EM Locators: Active locators apply a specific frequency signal
to a utility line using a transmitter. The receiver then detects this
signal, allowing for precise tracing of the utility's path.
Tracer wire is simply an insulated wire (conductor) that is buried in
the same trench as a non-metallic pipe, conduit, or cable. When the
utility needs to be found, a locator transmitter is clipped to the wire
and to a remote ground stake; the alternating current that flows along
the wire sets up an electromagnetic field that an EM locator can trace
from the surface. Tracer wire became a federal requirement for new
plastic natural gas mains and service lines in 1996. Beginning in 2014,
some states began requiring that all underground facilities be
“electronically locatable,” and other states required tracer wire for
non-metallic water and/or sewer lines.
A few of the technical issues a locator faces and needs to learn about include:
- Signals jumping from one cable or pipe to another in crowded rights-of-way.
- Different soil conditions.
- Non-metallic pipelines and cables without tracer wire.
- Broken tracer wire.
- Distortion and its effects on locate accuracy.
- Finding the correct signal when others exist on the site.
A
new electromagnetic location technology involves burying RFID markers
like those used to identify products. The locator can read the RFID tags
and not only locate the buried utility but read the identification
information about the utility. To learn more, see the new product
reviewed in the Technical section below.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
GPR works like aerial radar but underground, locating
using radio waves. GPR equipment is used in a wide variety of
industries, but in the damage prevention industry, its most common use
is locating non-metallic pipelines without tracer wire and cable without
a metal sheath. As the locator pushes a cart (like a lawn mower) across
the ground, a radar antenna sends waves into the ground. When those
waves hit something different, like a pipe or any subsurface structure,
they bounce back. A computer on the GPR cart shows that bounce as a
shape or line on a screen. A trained technician can look at these images
and be fairly certain if it is showing a pipeline, cable, duct, or
anything else that should be marked as a part of the location.
These are some situations where GPR works well:
- Dry, sandy, well-drained soils like deserts (Arizona, New Mexico, etc), sandy areas, and power line corridors.
- Loose gravel or crushed stone backfill, like recently built subdivisions, utility corridors, railroad rights-of-way.
- Dry or moderately dry silts/loams.
- Pavement
GPR does not work as well in these conditions:
- Wet clay and silty clay loams
- Salt-contaminated or tidal soils like coastal marshes.
- Very wet, fine sand
- Rebar-dense or fibre-reinforced concrete
"Potholing" or Vacuum Excavation is a vital part of locating
It is common practice to use vacuum excavation or digging small test holes by hand for
verifying the location of buried cables and pipelines. This process is
called “potholing” or “daylighting.” The name potholing comes from the
fact that the process creates a round hole, six inches to a foot in
diameter, in the ground all the way down to the location of the pipeline
or cable. Daylighting comes from the fact that the hole puts daylight
on the pipeline or cable. There are many circumstances where potholing or daylighting is critical and often mandatory.
Potholing can be the best form of
excavation when only a small area needs to be excavated, like:
- Fence post installation
- Utility pole installation
- Sign post installation
Vacuum excavation can be done using either water or air to create the hole.
Certifications For Locators
There are no mandatory certifications or training required for the workers who act as locators, but the National Utility Locating Contractors Association
(Nulca), a national organization representing utility locating
professionals, published its first Competency Standard for training
utility locators in 1996. This guideline has become an industry guide
and is now in its fifth revision. In 2016, Nulca rolled out its
accreditation/certification program. This program is voluntary, but it
does create a standard for training. There are other training
certification programs in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, as
well as Staking University in the U.S., but the NULCA program has the
momentum of the industry’s largest locator organization behind it.
Our thanks to Scott Landes and Benjamin R. Dierker. This article was adapted from their coming book Holding Back Disaster The Men and Women Standing Between Death and
Destruction, Billions of Dollars of Losses, and Life-Altering
Infrastructure Disruptions. The book is being published in August 2026.
Read more about underground location in the FOA Guide.
More reading: Here
are 2 articles that every contractor needs to read: Locating Fiber Optic Cables: Practical Challenges and Better Approaches - Global 811 Magazine and Case Study: The Economic Ripple Effect of a Single Fiber Cut in the same issue.
Texas811 Launches First-of-its-Kind Technology to Help Prevent Underground Utility Strikes
Distributed fiber-optic sensing turns existing fiber-optic cables into real-time monitoring systems
Texas811, the nonprofit organization that manages the state's "call before you dig" system, today announced the launch of Texas811 Guardian. The innovative technology uses distributed fiber-optic sensing to turn existing fiber-optic cables into real-time monitoring systems that detect excavation activity, preventing damage before it occurs.
"On an annual basis, underground utility strikes endanger thousands of
lives, cause billions of dollars in damage, and disrupt services," said
Kyle VanLandingham, director of business development at Texas811.
"Research shows that a quarter of all damages occur because the Texas811
system is not used, and three-quarters of those damages result from
professional excavators who know the rules but do not follow them."
The patent-pending Guardian program integrates fiber-optic sensing
alerts for excavations directly into the active Texas811 ticket database
to identify issues requiring urgent attention. When an excavation is
detected, an alert is sent to Texas811, and Guardian immediately queries
the system to check for an active 811 ticket. If "yes," the system
remains silent; if "no," Guardian's technology flags it and promptly
notifies utility operators of an unauthorized excavation that could pose
a significant threat, providing the exact location and the excavation
type (mechanical or manual) so they can deploy the proper resources to
protect their underground lines.
"Because Texas produces more than 10% of all 811 tickets nationwide, we
believe Guardian has the potential to influence the national standards
for damage prevention," said Arron Mitchell, chief innovation officer
for Texas811. "Our long-term vision is to create a nationwide network of
real-time excavation monitoring, setting a new benchmark for safety and
reliability across America's infrastructure."
Read more from Texas811.
Seen On The Street Web - This Month's PhotosWhile
searching images on the web recently, we saw some "interesting"
graphics of fiber and cables. Can we blame this on AI hallucinating?
And exactly why can't people understand that a Cat 5 connector is not fiber optics?!
No wonder people are confused about fiber optics!
If these are from human illustrators, they should take a Fiber U Basics
of Fiber Optics Course. If even it's AI, the managers who approved these
for their websites need Fiber U too.
Broadband Textbook Updates and Fiber U Course
FOA has been updating our references and courses for Broadband.
Update - 2nd Edition: The Fiber Optic Association Reference Guide To Broadband
A
new edition of the FOA broadband book is now available. It's updated
for new tech like LEO satellites and, at the request of our schools,
been expanded to include chapter questions and a comprehensive index to
facilitate using the book as a textbook for classes.
The new edition is aimed at teachers who want to include
communications technology in their classes. It is appropriate for a
module or semester course for engineering, science or even management
students. 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,) as well as for managers involved with broadband projects.
The Fiber Optic Association Guide To Fiber Broadband
Paperback and Kindle versions available from Amazon or most booksellers.
Fiber U Broadband Self Study Program
FOA has addef a new Fiber U self-study program
on Broadband, The course includes 10 lessons that cover the full scope
of broadband technologies. Like all Fiber U courses, its free, and after you complete the course
you can get a Certificate of Completion for a nominal cost.
The Fiber U self-study program about Broadband.
Jump to News
The FOA website and the FOA Online Guide
include what is probably the
largest knowledge base in fiber optics. We provide links,
contents pages and a search engine, but the amount of content is
daunting. Ask Lennie is
now available to search the FOA website using AI.
Ask Lennie Lightwave is waiting to help answer your questions and find things on the FOA Website.
Classroom
Resources For STEM Teachers In K-12 And Technical Schools
 Here is the POF kit sent to teachers for demonstration.
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 YouTube
Video on "Careers
in Fiber Optics" and a "Careers
In Fiber Optics" Website.
FOA Newsletter
Sections
News
Technical
Worth
Reading Q&A
Training/FiberU
Resoures
Safety About
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News
Lots more news
in Worth Reading below
NEW AT FOA:
Standards
FOA Standard For Installing Fiber Optic Cable Plants
Credentials
About FOA Credentials
Badge in FIber Optics
New/Updated Web Pages
Cross Reference Guide to Textbooks, Online Guide and Fiber U FOA Videos Guide.
Index Of Articles On Fiber Broadband Networks
FOA Guide To The Fiber Optic Workforce
FOA Credentials: the differences in certifications, certificates and badges.
Books - new editions
FOA Reference Guide To Network Design And Project Management, second edition - adds project management to design
FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics, Second Edition, second edition - update of the basic fiber textbook.
The FOA Reference Guide To Broadband second edition -update - popular with broadband planners
Fiber U
Broadband
Safety
New In The FOA Guide
Introduction To Broadband
Guidelines For Fiber Optic Project Planners
Cross Reference Guide to Textbooks, Online Guide and Fiber U FOA Videos Guide.
Satellite Communications
OSP Aerial Construction Workmanship
Splices And Connections Of Regular to BI Singlemode FIbers.
Fiber Optic Safety - Installation and Construction.
Fiber Optic Network Troubleshooting.
|
Quote of the month: CRU Group figures indicate
that worldwide fiber optic shipments totalled 662 million
core-kilometres in 2025, a 15.3 percent year-on-year increase, of which
China accounted for 372 million core-kilometres, or 56.3 percent of the
total.
Introducing CertLynk: A Talent Network for FOA Certified Technicians
BDI DataLynk, FOA School #208, is has started CertLynk,
a dedicated job board and talent network built to connect FOA certified
technicians with employers across the fiber optic and broadba
nd
industry.
As the demand for skilled fiber professionals continues to accelerate,
CertLynk provides a centralized platform where certified individuals can
showcase their credentials, training, and experience to companies
actively seeking qualified talent. Our team includes a Recruiting
and Job Placement Coordinator who works directly with industry leading
employers to align certified technicians with current hiring
opportunities, supporting both entry level and experienced
professionals.
Once you have completed your certifications, we encourage you to create your profile at: CertLynk. If you need assistance creating your profile or exploring opportunities, please contact: recruiting@bdidatalynk.com
CertLynk - supporting your next step in the fiber optics industry.
Small Towns, Big Speeds: How Some Municipal Broadband Providers Outperform Their ISP Peers
Ookla, the Speedtest company, studied the performance of 14 of the
largest municipal networks and compared their performance to each other
and to their ISP competitors. Using Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence®
data, they studied the performance of 14 of the largest municipal
networks from December 2024 through December 2025, and compared their
performance against each other and to their ISP competitors in their
market. It’s important to note that some Speedtest data may reflect the
speeds of the users’ broadband price plans vs. the possible speeds
that the provider can deliver.
Ookla selected these 14 municipal providers because they are some of the
largest in the U.S. based upon reported subscriber numbers and
because they had the most test samples from these providers. Notably,
EPB in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which is the largest municipal broadband
provider in the U.S., did not have any competitors with enough
test samples to compare its performance too.
Key Takeaways:
When compared to their broadband competitors, eight municipal providers
in the U.S. that we monitored using Ookla Speedtest data beat their
broadband competitors in median upload speeds and one municipal
provider,
- Sherwood Broadband, outpaced the competition in
median download speeds. We monitored a total of 14 municipal providers,
however, one provider —EBP— did not have any competitors with enough
test samples to compare its performance against.
- Fort Collins, Colorado’s Connexion was the
leader in median upload speed, delivering an average median upload speed
of more than 300 Mbps for the entire 13-month period from December 2024
to December 2025.
- Sherwood Broadband in Sherwood, Oregon, was the
top provider in median download speeds, delivering an average median
download speed that surpassed 400 Mbps eight months out of a 13-month
period from December 2024 to December 2025.
- UTOPIA Fiber in Utah is a standout in latency,
delivering the lowest latency of all 14 municipal broadband providers
with a multi-server latency consistently in the low 6 milliseconds (ms)
to 8 ms range.
More than 700 communities across the U.S. are served by some type of
municipal broadband network that provides its residents with internet
services. In simple terms, a municipal broadband network is an Internet
service provider (ISP) that is owned and operated by the local city or
county government or a municipal utility rather than a private company
like Comcast or AT&T.
Read the full report from Ookla here. The complete article is a comprehensive look at municipal broadband.
Governor Newsom turns on largest public broadband network, California connects first rural community to internet
While most articles focus on fiber to the home or alternatives to
connect users, no ISP can provide connections without a reliable middle
mile network. In rural areas, good connections to the Internet are rare.
Recognizing this problem, California passed legislation in 2021 to
create an open-access middle-mile network to bring equitable high-speed
broadband service to all Californians. SB 156 provides $3.25
billion to build the necessary Middle Mile infrastructure to bring internet
connectivity to homes, businesses and community institutions. The design
and construction of the middle-mile network is monitored by the
Middle-Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC).
The Bishop Paiute Tribe is now the first customer of California’s
Middle-Mile Broadband Network (MMBN), bringing high-speed, reliable
internet to a rural and historically underserved community. Students
were among the first to log on — experiencing dramatically faster speeds
and new access to education, health care, and opportunity.
As a tribally-owned internet service provider, the Bishop Paiute Tribe
will independently manage and operate its broadband service, including
setting pricing and service offerings for households on and off the
reservation.
A model for
government-to-government relations, the groundbreaking partnership with
the Tribe reflects California’s commitment to tribal sovereignty and
self-determination.
As the network continues to attract internet service
providers, thousands of residents along the Eastern Sierra Nevada and
millions more across the state will gain access to more options for
reliable and affordable high-speed internet service.
California continues to make progress delivering over 8,000 miles of
open-access broadband fiber, enabling more affordable and reliable
broadband access for many of California’s most underserved communities.
Read more about California's $3.25billion 8125 mile Middle Mile Project.
Navigating Hostile Waters: Submarine Cable Infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz
Telegeography discusses the situation in the Middle
East in a long article that addresses critical questions about
communications in the region. What’s the risk to submarine cables in the
Middle East? How vital to communications are submarine cables in the
Strait of Hormuz? What would happen if cable repairs are needed in the
Middle East? What about installing new cable systems during geopolitical
conflicts?
Read the article from Teegeography here.
T-Mobile Launches SuperBroadband Business Internet with 5G and Starlink Integration
T-Mobile has announced SuperBroadband, a business internet solution that
combines its nationwide 5G Advanced network with Starlink satellite
connectivity. The offering is designed to provide redundancy, expanded
coverage, and simplified network management for businesses across the
United States. SuperBroadband brings together T-Mobile’s 5G network
and Starlink to extend internet access to urban, rural, and remote
locations.Redundancy:
The service integrates 5G and Starlink satellite connections, creating
two independent network pathways intended to maintain connectivity
during outages or disruptions. T-Mobile has expanded its 5G Business
Internet footprint, and integration with Starlink extends availability
to areas that may lack traditional wired infrastructure, including
remote and rural locations. The solution is delivered as a managed
service with a single contract, consolidated billing, defined service
levels, and a stated 99.99% uptime target.
Read more in ISE Magazine.
The Future of Broadband: Key Trends Shaping Connectivity in 2026
From interconnecting data centers
to consolidating and convergence, find out what's ahead for the
broadband industry from an industry veteran, Bob Whitman at Corning.
The
broadband industry has undergone rapid transformation in recent years
and continues to evolve as both consumer connectivity expectations and
AI-driven applications reshape network demands.
Read the full report from Bob Whitman at Corning in ISE Magazine.
Quote Of The Year (maybe Century!) (this is worth repeating)
Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia +
Technology Conference, AT&T’s CEO John Stankey said, “There’s a
fallacy to say there’s fixed networks and wireless networks. There are
only fiber networks with different access technologies on the end of
them. That’s where this is all going.”
|
Technical
Fiber optic
technology, standards, equipment, installation,
etc.
Ask Lennie Lightwave, the FOA AI that answers your questions on fiber optics
The FOA
Update Page covers the new technology
and applications we covered in this newsletter
recently. Now you can review all that new tech at
once.
Cross Reference To FOA Technical Reference Materials
The FOA has almost 1,000 pages of technical information on the FOA Guide,
100+ videos and two dozen online courses at Fiber U, all this can make
it difficult to find the right information.
Cross Reference To FOA Tech Materials
To help this, we have created a cross reference guide to the textbooks,
Online Guide and Fiber U courses, all the FOA technical information.
Besides the textbooks, online Guide and Fiber U, each section of the
Guide also includes links to the 100+ FOA videos available.
Cross Reference Guide to Textbooks, Online Guide and Fiber U
FOA Videos
We have also rearranged the 100+ FOA videos in similar categories on the
Contents Page of the Online Guide, making the videos, especially the
lectures, much it much easier to find a video on a particular
topic.
FOA Videos Guide.
Want to know more about fiber optics? Study
for FOA certifications? Free
Self-Study Programs are on Fiber
U®
|
Alternatives For Installation of Optical Cables in Urban Areas
Vladimir Grozdanovic
The deployment of optical networks in urban environments can be highly
challenging. Aerial construction is often not permitted, and in some
areas of a city there may not even be utility poles available for use.
Underground construction may also be prohibited or become highly
complex due to the high density of existing underground infrastructure
(power networks, gas pipelines, water supply systems, telecommunications
ducts, etc.). An additional challenge is that existing documentation of
underground infrastructure is often not fully reliable or up to date.
Cities may facilitate the development of new networks by utilizing
existing capacities of telecommunications operators. One option is the
lease of a certain number of dark fibers in existing cables between
required locations. It is also possible to use available empty ducts,
enabling the installation of new smaller-diameter ducts or the
installation of new cables to the desired destinations. This approach
can significantly save time and often reduce costs. However, all of the
above requires prior verification of the availability of existing
telecommunications duct infrastructure.
The question arises: what should be done when new excavation in urban
areas is not permitted, and when existing telecommunications operators’
capacities are either fully utilized or not available in the areas of
interest? Have you considered using robots to install cables in sewers?
Continue reading this application note in the FOA Guide.
Underground Markers Use RFID To Locate And Identify Underground Utilities
 The
Tempo OmniMarker-ID™ combines proven passive electronic marker
technology with smart ID functionality, helping contractors and utility
operators quickly locate and manage buried assets with precision.
Unlike standard markers, the OmniMarker-ID not only carries a unique
serial number but also allows custom data storage directly on the
marker. Critical information—such as asset type, installation details,
or service history—can be written and retrieved instantly with a
compatible locator from up to 5 feet (3.3m), then seamlessly integrated
into a company’s GIS system.
The Tempo EML250-ID Electronic RFID Marker Locator is engineered for
professionals who need accurate, detailed underground utility data.
The read/write capability allows the EML250-ID to read unique
serial numbers and read and write custom information from Tempo’s
OmniMarker-ID at distances up to 5 feet.
In addition to identifying RFID-enabled markers, the EML250-ID passively
locates any standard marker ball, offering full compatibility across
utility types and applications.
See the TEMPO website for more information.
How Do You Connect Or Test Multicore Fiber?
Our discussion about the number of manufacturers
offering multicore fiber (MCF) at OFC this year raised the usual
questions, how to connect to MCF and how to test it. For answers, we
contacted Chiral Photonicss which ahs been making several versions of
MCF for more than a decade now. They also make what you need for
connections and test, MCF to single fiber fanouts.
MCF fanout and variations from Chiral Photonics
While connectors and transceivers for 4 fiber MCF
were shown at OFC, fanouts are needed for testing and probably inside
transceivers. Thus each core can be connected or tested separately in
much the same way as multifiber connectors like MPOs have been handled
until the recent introduction of dedicated test sets.
For more information on MCFs and fanouts, here is the Chiral Photonics website.
Cat 6 Cable For Extended Length Links
TIA has been working on standards for longer lengths for Category-rated UTP cables (FOA Newsletter 01/26) and how we have a pre-standard product available.
Leviton has introduced Paradigm,
a new Cat 6 cable developed for extended length links up to 200 meters.
Paradigm cables are designed to support data rates up to 2.5G and PoE
up to 100W with any IP-based system utilizing UTP cabling that needs to
support equipment like security cameras at distances up to 275 meters
and 1 Gbps wireless access points up to 200 meters. Paradigm is designed
for outdoor, campus, and other environmentally challenging
installations.
Go here for more information on Paradigm
Another supplier offering extended length Cat 6 cable is Paige Datacom Solutions.
The New FOA Installation Standard
Available as a free download or purchase printed or Kindle versions online at Amazon.
 This standard focuses on the
processes for installing a fiber optic project and provides guidance on
the design, installation and management of the project. The standard covers outside plant installations, both aerial and
underground, and premises cabling including the various installations
methods commonly used. It is an open source standard. Users choose the sections
that apply to their project and incorporate that into their documentation like the SOW (Scope of
Work) or other project paperwork. Provide copies to your
planners, designers, contractors, installers and suppliers.
More information and a Table of Contents.
Download a free copy of The FOA Standard For Installing Fiber Optic Cable Plants. (PDF 1.6MB)
Purchase printed ($14.95 US) or Kindle ($9.95 US) versions online at Amazon.
TIA Guide To Networks
TIA has a guide to many standard networks like Ethernet and the specs
for their use on numerous standard cabling systems. Want to know how far
Ethernet 100GBASE-LR4 can go (30 km) or how much link attenuation is OK
(6.3 dB), this publication will tell you.
Download your copy from TIA here.
"Call Before You Dig" Video
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association today
announced the release of a new video, “811- Call Before You Dig,” as
part of its efforts to promote safety awareness around underground
utilities and the critical importance of making 811 calls prior to
digging.
Watch the video on YouTube,
New VIAVI Fiber Testing Pocket Guide – Built for Techs in the Field
Designed with field techs in mind, this compact guide
from VIAVI is packed with essential fiber testing tips, quick-reference
checklists, and step-by-step insights that cover every stage of the
network lifecycle. It’s built to fit right in your pocket or tool bag,
so the info you need is always within reach.
Request your free VIAVI Fiber Testing guide now.
Tech Notes And Articles From FOA's Worldwide Network Of Advisors
FOA has a worldwide network of technical advisors who
help us develop our knowledge base. This month we have contributions
fro several regular contributors, Eric Pearson, a founder of FOA, and
Vladimir Grozdanovic in Serbia. We provide an abstract here and a link
to read the entire article which will be added to the FOA Online Guide.
Ensuring
Reliability By Proper Fiber Optic
Installation
The goals of a fiber
optic installation should not be solely based on achieving the lowest
initial cost. Should lowest cost result in reduced reliability, lowest
initial cost may result in significantly increased lifecycle cost.
Eric Pearson does it all, educator, writer,
consultant, with a resume' going back to the beginning of fiber optics.
Here's advice from Eric on the way to ensure the long term reliability
of a fiber optic cable plant by proper installation.
Ensuring
Reliability By Proper Fiber Optic
Installation
Testing that Demonstrates, or Not, High Reliability
Interpreting Test Results (New November 2025)
3D Inspection and Precision Cleaning
Field Service and Production Line Considerations When Precision Cleaning and Inspecting Fiber Optic Surfaces by Ed Forrest. Ed has decades of experience in developing cleaning solutions for fiber optic connectors
A Quiet But Important Change In The Fiber Optic Cable You Buy
With so many cable designs today,
like microcables or high fiber count cables, requiring bend-insensitive
fibers, would it make sense to make all or most singlemode fibers as
bend insensitive fiber?
Two manufacturers (Corning and OFS) told FOA the industry is moving towards a G.657.A specification
in fiber, because the industry is moving towards smaller denser cables
in the network & the bend resilience is a requirement for the cable
design. So singlemode fiber is moving to being BI fiber, exactly what happened
with 50/125 laser optimized fibers a decade ago. With most new fiber,
compatibility is not an issue. But it is recommended to check with the
cable manufacturer if you are not sure what fiber is being used in the
cable you are purchasing.
Read the entire FOA report on compatibility of G.652 and G.657 singlemode fiber that includes this summary.
Jump to Worth
Reading
Updated FOA OTDR Trainer
 FOA has rewritten the FOA OTDR Trainer around Fiberizer. The Fiberizer PC
software was the version we used for creating the Trainer, but the basic
techniques apply to all versions of Fiberizer. FOA provides a folder of
sample traces in 3 categories - Parameter Traces, Sample Traces and PON
Traces - around which we build the trainer. If you set up Fiberizer,
you can complete the FOA OTDR Trainer lessons and then use the same
software to analyze other traces you may have, even from other brands of
OTDRs, as long as they are .sor files.
The FOA OTDR Trainer is ready to help you learn about OTDRs. Go to the OTDR Trainer page,
tech/ref/testing/OTDR/OTDRsimulator.html, choose your version of Fiberizer, download the FOA Traces and you are ready to go.
FOA wishes to thank VeEX
for permission to use their Fiberizer® software in our OTDR trainer.
And our compliments to them for making the ap available on multiple
platforms that ensure anybody can use it.
FTTH Technical Papers
FOA contributor Vladimir Grozdanovic has created these technical papers based on his field experiences.
Alternatives For Installation of Optical Cables in Urban Areas
The Differences Between Conventional and PON Optical Power Meters
Fiber Optic Color Codes with Cross Reference
Splicing Optical Power Ground Wire OPGW
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Construction Methods For Microtrenching
Fiber Optic Ducts And Microducts
Fiber Optic Tools
Optical Distribution Frames (ODFs) And Patch Panels
Using Fiber Identifiers
Testing The FTTH PON Network (new)
Troubleshooting PON Installations.
Installation of FTTH Active Equipment in the FOA Guide.
Optical Splitters in the FOA Guide.
Examples of poor installation of FTTH in the aerial outside plant and in the customer premises.
Learning Important Information From A Found Cable Scrap
While walking down the street near the FOA office, we found this cable
laying in the gutter. What a find! A short length of Corning Rocket
Ribbon 864 fiber cable left over from an installation by a contractor.
We brought the cable back to our office with the intention of opening it
up and creating a video about the construction of this modern high
fiber count cable, but something got our attention first. The cable had a
very
long line of printing on it with lots of interesting and useful
information. So before we started deconstructing it, we decided to
photograph the printed information and interpret it. That turned out to
be an important part of the information we learned from the cable. Then,
as you will see below, we dissected the cable and learned even more.
Red more about what this cable marking tells you and what the cable looks like when you open it up to prepare for splicing.
Help On Color Codes (Including Copper Cabling And Fiber Optics)Here are the links to download your own FOA Guides to Fiber Optic Color Codes
FOA Guide to Fiber Optic Color Codes (print your own version) PDF
FOA Guide to Fiber Optic Color Codes (electronic version for your smartphone, tablet or PC) PDF
And Color Codes For UTP Cabling
FOA Guide to UTP Cabling Color Codes (print your own version) PDF
FOA Guide to UTP Copper Cabling Color Codes (electronic version) PDF
Not all international color codes are the same. Here is a cross reference to various color codes.
Warning For Techs Doing OSP Restoration
 FOA received an inquiry about whether techs
working on restoring OSP links should be concerned about eye safety if
the link used fiber amplifiers. To answer this question, we had to do some research on fiber amplifiers.
The short answer is YES, you should be concerned. The long answer is
more technical and includes details that every OSP tech needs to know.
See "Fiber Amps And Restoration" in the FOA Newsletter Archives..
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Worth Reading
Each month we read
hundreds of newsletters and online articles. These
are the ones we think you will find "worth
reading."
FOA has a web page with resources on fiber broadband networks and the IIJA/BEAD funding programs.
Index Of Articles Fiber Broadband Networks From The Fiber Optic Association - dozens of articles on fiber broadband over the last 4 years.
Cross Reference Guide to FOA Textbooks, Online Guide and Fiber U
 AT&T PR photo from the mid 1970s
The FOA's History
Stories From The Past FOA Newsletters
Recent articles from The FOA Newsletter
Fake OTDR Traces Submitted For Testing Documentation January 2023 Tech
Using OTDRs To Test Transoceanic Cables And PONs February 2023
POF - the Other Fiber March 2023
What Do Employers Expect From A Fiber Optic Tech? April 2023
Are Standards Ignoring The OSP? May 2023
FOA Has Proven Results In Fiber Optic Workforce Development June 2023
BEAD Funding For States Announced And Analyzed July 2023
Wisdom From The Street (Analyzing the printing on a fiber optic cable) July 2023
Focus On Disasters August 2023
FOA's Role In Education and Work Done By Fiber Techs September 2023
The Workforce: New US DoL Bureau of Labor Statistics Telecom Tech Category October 2023
How Many Telecom Techs Do We Need and How Big Is The Fiber Optic Market November 2023
Guidelines For Fiber Optic Project Planners December 2023
2023 Year In Review. Kentucky Shows The Value Of Fiber January 2024.
What is Broadband? History of the Cable Modem February 2024
It's Just Economics. Things you need to know. March 2024.
Fiber To The Shore - Undersea cables along the coast April, 2024.
The Future Of The Fiber Tech May 2024.
|
Worth Reading (Or
Watching Or Listening)
How Fiber Optics Power the Grid: SCADA, Private Networks and Utility Communications - AFL Application Note But
as it turns out, fiber optics is an integral part of the modern
electric grid. And the internet is highly dependent on the electric
grid, too!
Fiber castles, cable forts, FWA camps and satellite warbands
- Lightreading. Home Internet competition is no longer about speed or
price. It is about who controls the territory and how defensible that
territory is.
New FCC actions to streamline retirement of copper networks - Broadband Communities
How vital to communications are submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz? - Telegeography
Rural broadband expansion (2000 miles) with central u.s. electric power company - AFL (Done with ADSS)
The physical layer is the next AI frontier - Aginode
Recent And Worth Repeating
Listen and learn about AI and data centers at Marketplace, January 26-30, 2026. Wherever you get your podcasts.
Meet the Municipal Networks that Launched in 2025 - ILSR
ISE Magazine: Opportunity Cost - FOA President Jim Hayes
examines how BEAD’s slow rollout, high costs, and fiber-first design
create hidden opportunity costs for providers, communities, and the
nation’s broadband future.
Dig Once: How Federal, State, and Local Governments Can Reduce the Cost of Broadband Deployment - Vanderbilt University Policy Accelerator.
Useful Articles And Links
Pre-Excavation Safety Checklist (PDF) - Excavation Safety Alliance - essential steps before breaking ground for underground construction.
CABL® (cabl.com) serves
the business needs of the Broadband industry (including traditional
cable TV, fiber, telecom and satellite providers) with employment
listings, classified ads, discussion forums, and more. A contractor told us it's where they find lots of opportunities for subcontracting.
ESRI has created an ebook on GIS location technology for telecom. Use the link to download the book.
Google Video On Their Undersea Cables YouTube Slick but interesting video on how undersea cables are designed, built and used.
Worth Reading - Magazines, Websites and Newsletters
CABL® (cabl.com) serves
the business needs of the Broadband industry (including traditional
cable TV, fiber, telecom and satellite providers) with employment
listings, classified ads, discussion forums, and more. A contractor told us it's where they find lots of opportunities for subcontracting.
The Institute for Local
Self-Reliance weekly newsletter has
lots of interesting articles and links.
Next Century Cities Newsletter
- News from cities around the US
including Detroit and New York plus small
Structured Cabling News
- a website and weekly newsletter about cabling
RTI Telecom Magazine from Brazil, in Portuguese. A revista RTI do mês de abril já está disponível online e recomendo a leitura de alguns artigos:
Worth Reading - History & Technical
FOA was founded in 1995 - FOA's History
As
part of celebrating 3 decades serving the fiber
optic industry as its primary source of technical
information and independent certifying body, FOA
thought it appropriate to create a short history of
the organization and how it has developed to
help the fiber optic industry. We also wanted to
recognize the contributions many people have made to
the organization over the years that made FOA what
it is today.
The FOA history is on the FOA
website where you can read it or link to
it.
1983
Video of AT&T's First Test Of A Submarine
Cable System From the AT&T Tech
Channel archives (worth exploring!)
Richard
Epworth's Optical Fiber History from his work
at STL from 1966 with Charles Kao.
50th Anniversary of The
Development of Low Loss Fibers A history
of the development of low loss fiber, a fascinating
story by Jeff Hecht on the OSA (Optical Society of
America) website.
The First Transcontinental Telephone Line
began operation on July 29th in 1915 - 3400 miles between New
York and San Francisco - required over 100,000 telephone poles! Wonders
of World Engineering
"Who Lost Lucent?: The
Decline of America's Telecom Equipment Industry"
This is a MUST READ for managers in telecom or any
industry!
Communications Systems Grounding
Rules: Article 800 provides specific
requirements by
Michael
Johnston, NECA Executive Director of
Standards and Safety in EC Magazine
How
To Build Rural Broadband, Learning From History
In the August 2021
FOA Newsletter, we published a lengthy article on
rural broadband and compared it to rural
electrification in America in the last century.
Much of the comparison was based on an article
written in 1940 by a USDA economist, Robert Beall,
called "Rural Electrification." If
you are interested in or involved in rural
broadband, we recommend you read the article "How
To Build Rural Broadband, Learning From History"
in the August 2021 FOA Newsletter and
read the Beall article also.
Recycling Fiber Optic
Cable - Contact:
Steve Maginnis
LD4Recycle/ CommuniCom Recycling
(Visit
website)
sm@LD4Recycle.com
803.371.5436
Sumitomo's Ribbon
Splicing Guide - download from
one of the leaders in splicing.
OFS also has an excellent
website and blog of tech articles worth browsing.
IEC 60050 - International
Electrotechnical Vocabulary - An
extensive dictionary for fiber optics in English and
French. Highly technical - this is one definition:
"mode - one solution of Maxwell's equations,
representing an electromagnetic field in a certain
space domain and belonging to a family of
independent solutions defined by specified boundary
conditions"
Restoration: If you are interested in restoration -
aren't we all? - you should also read this
article in dpPro magazine by FOA President Jim
Hayes: Damage Protection Requires
Looking Overhead As Well As Underground
- dpPRO Magazine - about the problems with
aerial cables. His previous article for the
magazine was New Techniques for Fiber
Optic Installation.
DIRT
Report On Damage To Utilities Common Ground
Alliance (CGA) annual DIRT report provides a
summary and analysis of the events submitted into
CGA’s Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) for
the year 2018. The complete report is available
for download here. In addition,
there is an interactive dashboard that
allows users to filter the data more by
factors contributing to damages.
Fiber Trivia From
Corning.
VIAVI Books On
Fiber Optic Testing (2 volumes)
 
Besides
the FOA reference materials, two JDSU/VIAVI
textbooks, Reference Guide to Fiber Optic Testing,
Volumes 1 and 2, were used as references for
some of the FOA courses and are recommended for
instructors and students. The books are available
from VIAVI as eBooks and the everyone should
download them and recommend them to others.Download
yours now. Volume 1. Volume 2. Viavi Books
Ciena's Submarine Cable
Handbooks (4 to download)
How OFS Makes Fiber
Interesting YouTube video on how fiber is made.
Perhaps a little too much "show biz" but
fascinating. If you have ever seen fiber
manufacture, look at this video. You will be amazed
at how big preforms have become!
The True Cost of Telco Damages
(what backhoe fade or target practice can
cost)
|
Q&A
When readers ask us questions, we genrally refer them to FOA
resources where they can find the answer to their question and many
more. We first send them to the FOA Guide
which is the table of contents for the FOA technical resources. There
they can find pages indexed by topic and a search engine for the FOA
website. It also links them to FOA videos and courses on our free online learning site Fiber U.
The FOA
Fiber FAQs Page (FAQs = frequently asked
questions) gathers up questions readers have
asked us (which first ran in this newsletter)
and adds tech topics of general interest.
|
Good Question!
Tech
Questions/Comments From FOA Newsletter Readers
How Long Do Fiber Optic Cables Last?
Q: I work at a large industrial facility with several
buildings connected by fiber optic cables. The fiber cables run through
underground conduits between the buildings. Many of the fiber cables
were installed 20 to 25 years ago. Is there any general industry
guidance on when cables such as ours should be replaced solely based on
the age of the cable?
A: The question you ask is one often asked. Usually it
refers to the outside plant cables that have been used for many years -
some now approaching 40 years like the optical power ground wire (OPGW)
used by electrical utilities and some telco cables installed in the same
era. Cable manufacturers are not very specific about cable lifetimes,
but the standard today is cables are designed to last 40 years or more.
Cable installed 20-25 years ago should be still serviceable for years to
come. Some cables may suffer from moisture migration which can cause
attenuation increases and fiber brittleness. Brittleness is generally
not a problem is the fibers are undisturbed but it is a good reason to
not disturb them. Most cable plants are not replaced unless they suffer
damage - weather and wildfires are a big problem for serial cables,
flooding and freezing for underground cables - or the owner is ready to
upgrade communications systems and needs more modern, higher performance
fibers.
Our advice would be to not disturb the cables you have if systems are
working properly. If you are in a “nonstop” environment that would be
badly harmed by loss of communications and you want to have a backup,
you could hedge your bets and install ducts for replacement. cables. If
there is space in the ducts, you can install microducts or fabric ducts
in the same conduits and install backup cables. You may read advice that
says cables need maintenance like cleaning connectors and testing
periodically. That’s bad advice; it’s more likely to damage the cables.
Our advice on cables is install them, lock them up and don’t worry. But
have a restoration plan. Have documentation on the cables, spares and be
prepared to repair or replace them quickly. See
https://foa.org/tech/ref/restoration/rest.html
Hybrid cable For Aerial Installation
Q: Is there a hybrid cable (fiber + conductors (2 or 4)) that can be aerial lashed?
A: Practically any outside plant cable can be installed
aerial if it is within the weight limits of the messenger being used.
Cables with fiber and copper conductors are used for connections to
remote electronics or cameras.
Gloves for Splicing?
Q: What’s the FOA’s (or your personal) stance on wearing gloves whilst splicing?
A: Wearing gloves may recommended for
preparing metallic armored cables because of the danger of cuts. For
regular cables, gloves may be recommended for those who use knives to
open cables, a practice still used. However for splicing fibers where
some recommend them to prevent sticking yourself with fibers, it hampers
fiber handling and slows the work down. We do not recommend gloves
except for prepping certain types of cables.
Are Splices Too Close Together A Problem?
Q: When installing fiber in an plant. Is there a minimum distance that two splices should be apart? ;
A: The recommendation in the past was to bot have splices close
together since slight reflectances at the splices could cause an
interference problem with laser systems. The recommendation was to keep
splices 30-100m apart. IT was especially noted if you had to splice in a
section of cable to repair a cable break. However we have not heard
this in recent history, perhaps because fusion splices are so good. We
asked a number of FOA's technical advisors for their opinions. Their
feedback is the problem of reflectance causing problems at closely
spaced splices seems to have disappeared. It’s a matter of better
splicing machines and more consistent fibers, and also a matter of
lasers being engineered to work better in links.
Copper Tech Wants To Learn Fiber Optics
Q: I am originally from copper installations and faults
finding. I would like to get involved in Optic fibre faults and
finding, how do I go if there is a possible training it will be highly
appreciated,
A: Just learn about fiber, especially fiber testing and troubleshooting. Fiber U has courses you can take for free.
OSP Installation Standards
Q: I'm looking for standards for fiber optic OSP installation.
A: The whole issue of OSP standards has been one FOA been
trying to get standards bodies interested in for years with little
success, probably because it is an enormous project. Right now there are
two documents that address OSP cable plant:
ITU-T Technical Report, TR-OFCS Optical fibres, cables and systems, (3 July 2015)
As you can see, the ITU document is almost 10 years old and a lot has changed in that time.
The Other is the Telcordia Blue Book - Expensive but thorough
Telcordia Blue Book - Manual of Construction Procedures
Document Number SR-1421, Issue Number 07, Issue Date Jan 2023
Is The FOA CFOT® A License?
Q: Can you use a CFOT certification to install fiber and charge for it? Or do you need other licenses as well? ;
A: FOA Certification is considered evidence of competence and
accepted worldwide by many companies, groups, etc. Licenses are a legal
credential required by local authorities to conduct business for
anything from a barber to a truck triver to contractors doing fiber or
other work. Most locales require a license as a contractor which may
require a fiber specialty. You need to investigate this with your local
authorities.
Updating FOA Courses And Reference Materials
Q: How often are FOA courses updated? And when they get updated, what happens to those who would have done a previous version?
A: The FOA certifications are updated as needed to stay current with
technology and applications. Updates are incremental and we do not
require current certification holders to retake courses or exams.
Past questions can be found on the FAQs page.
Fiber Optic Color Codes Reference Chart
Q: Has anyone made a fiber optic pocket reference chart that has cable
color orders, frequencies, or other commonly used info on it?
A: The FOA has a page on its Online Guide that covers color codes
(https://foa.org/tech/ColCodes.htm). It is the most popular page in the
FOA Guide! It works great with a smartphone.
The
word on the "Dig Once" program is getting out - FOA
is getting calls from cities asking us for
information and advice. Here are some links:
The DoT page on the administration’s Executive
Order: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/otps/exeorder.cfm
And the
one to download and hand out:
A “How To” Guide from The Global Connect Initiative:
https://share.america.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/6.-GCI-Dig-Once.pdf
|
Training / FiberU
News and resources to help you learn more and stay
updated.
Learn about the fiber optic/ broadband workforce
Find a
listing of all the FOA-Approved schools here.
Free online
self-study programs on many fiber optics and
cabling topics are available at Fiber U, FOA's
online web-based training website.
Free online training at
Fiber U
The FOA has >100
videos on |
What Is An FOA Credential?
As FOA celebrates our 100,000th CFOT® certified technician,
introduces the "FOA Badge In Fiber Optics" for others working in the
field and adds new courses at Fiber U which offer a "Certificate of
Completion," it's a good time to explain the differences between them. FOA has created a page to explain the differences in certifications, certificates and badges.
All FOA
Certification Credentials Are Now Online
All FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technicians now have their certification
credentials online.
if your FOA certification has not expired you should have been notified you have an
online credential. If you did not get notification it may be because
FOA did not have a valid email for you. Contact FOA to inquire about your certification credential.
More about FOA's network of approved training organizations.
The Types of Work Done By Fiber Techs And How It Affects Training
What is a fiber optic technician? What kinds of work
do they do? Those topics were the center of FOA discussions with the US
Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics that led to the new job
category of "Telecommunications Technician" on the BLS
website. The focus of this job category is primarily the
installation and operation of the fiber optic cable plant, but one
should not forget the cable plant must be designed also as part of a
more extensive communications network.
In our discussion with the BLS analysts, we pointed out the various
stages of a fiber optic communications network project and how techs
with various knowledge and skill sets are needed and involved in every
step. This web page on the fiber optic workforce describes how FOA defines these stages of a project and the skills
of the techs needed. This is not unique to FOA; it's what has been traditional
at telecom companies forever.
FOA Schools
FOA's roster of approved schools continues to grow as more organizations
recognize our expertise in workforce development and our comprehensive
support for getting new schools started. FOA has over 25 years
experience and over 100,000 certified fiber techs (with ~140,000
certifications). As a non-profit organization founded by the industry
specifically to develop a competent workforce, FOA provides the
consultation, curriculum and contacts to get schools started as a free
service to new schools.
Need A Fiber Optic Course Onsite? Invite an FOA School To Come To You
Complete listing of FOA Approved Training Organizations
Fiber U offers dozens of free online self-study programs.
Fiber U "Basic Fiber
Optics" Online Self-Study Course Now In Spanish
Curso Básico de Fibra Óptica
de Fibra U en español.
Here is the new Fiber U "Fiber Optic Safety" self-study program. Take the course and get your certificate of completion.
Fiber U MiniCourses: Got An Hour Or Less?
Learn Something New About Fiber Optics.
All these free courses and many more
are available at Fiber U.
What Fiber Techs
Don't Know -
These are some of the topics that
we have noticed are answered incorrectly more often
in FOA and Fiber U tests.
Most of the questions missed are on testing.
1. OTDRs - particularly what information is in the
OTDR trace.
2. The difference between dB and dBm
3. Loss budgets - both the concepts and doing the
math
4. Insertion loss testing - single-ended or double
ended for testing patchcords or cable plants, how to
set 0dB references
5. Units of measure - fiber is measured in microns,
wavelengths in nanometers, etc.
At FOA, we're working to add Fiber
U MiniCourses on these topics and working with
our schools to emphasize these topics in their
classes.
If you are going to be taking a FOA certification
course or test in the near future, these topics
should be on your final exam study list.
What We Learn From Hands On Labs
We learn about students performance in hands-on labs
from the feedback of our instructors and our own
experiences too. One big problem is the use of hand
tools. Growing up today, you learn how to use
keyboards, mouses and touch screens, but decades
ago, you also learned how to use basic hand tools.
This is big enough of a problem that we're
considering adding some video lessons on basic hand
tools to prepare students for cable prep,
termination and splicing that require the use of
hand tools.
FOA offers free online self-study programs at Fiber U.
Many users are preparing for FOA certification
programs - taking courses at our schools or using
the Direct Certification program. Some of our
schools are requiring Fiber U programs as
prerequisites for their classroom courses so they
can spend more time on hands-on activities.
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Publications /
Resources
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Cross Reference To FOA Tech Materials
FOA has so much technical reference material, we created a cross reference guide to the textbooks,
Online Guide and Fiber U courses, all the FOA technical information.
Besides the textbooks, online Guide and Fiber U, each section of the
Guide also includes links to the 100+ FOA videos available.
Cross Reference Guide to Textbooks, Online Guide and Fiber U
FOA Guide To Fiber Optic Workforce Development
To help those new to fiber optic workforce development, FOA has created a web page we call "Fiber Optic Workforce Development."
In this page, we share what we have learned about the fiber optic
workforce, who they are and how they learn their trade. We discuss what
defines a fiber optic tech and how they should be certified.
Read the FOA Guide To Fiber Optic Workforce Development online.
Project Management Added To New Edition Of FOA Design Book And Fiber U Course
 FOA
has published a new edition of its textbook on fiber optic network
design, an expanded version with new material covering project
management. Fiber optic network design and network management are
closely related topics, both highly important in the success of a fiber
project.
The new book is available as a paperback or Kindle book. You can buy it from Amazon or local booksellers worldwide. (ISBN: 9798262274611)
The Fiber U Design self study program has also been updated for project management.
New Edition of FOA's Basic Fiber Optics Textbook
 It has been 5 years since we have updated the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics,
so it is certainly time for an update. The latest version is different
enough we call it a new edition. Many of the updates are for new
technologies which are reshaping the fiber optic industry like coherent
transmission, BI fibers, etc. We've also added a section on the fiber
optic workforce which has much relevance because this book is used to
train those entering the workforce.
We've also worked on making the book more readable, adding formatting that eases reading and a new comprehensive index.
The new edition of the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics is available from Amazon and booksellers worldwide.
Update - 2nd Edition: Fiber Broadband (Paperback and Kindle)
 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 who 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 and Kindle versions available from Amazon or most booksellers.
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.
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 subject matter of these books is also translated in the FOA Guide online.
FOA Video
Lectures On YouTube
Did
you know YouTube will close caption videos in many
languages?
Sign in with Google to get translations for closed
captioning. Click on the settings icon (red arrow.)
Choose "Subtitles". English is the default
language. Click on the arrow after "English
(auto-generated) >". In the new window click on
"Auto-translate" and choose the language you
want.
FOA Loss Budget
Calculator On A Web Page 5/2020
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 recently
discovered how to get a spreadsheet ported to a Web
page, so we created this web page that calculates
loss budgets. We have an iOS loss budget app, but
with this web page, you can calculate loss budgets
from any device, smart phone, tablet, laptop, or
desktop computer that has web browsing capability.
Bookmark this page (especially on your
smartphone): FOA Loss Budget Calculator
Online
We are continually updating the Online Reference
Guide to keep up with changes in the industry and
adding lots of new pages of technical information.
When you go to the FOA
Guide Table of Contents to see the latest
updates - look for  .
FOA Books
Fiber Optics (4 languages), Premises Cabling, OSP
fiber and construction, Network Design, Testing,
FTTH Handbook and our latest - FIber Broadband
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, French and Portuguese. The Design book is available in English
and Spanish.
Click on any book for more information
about it.
FOA
has reprinted
"Lennie Lightwave's Guide"
on its 25th anniversary in a special print
edition.
Lennie
and Uncle Ted's
Guides are online.
Click on any of
the books to learn more.
- Fiber
Optic Safety Poster to download and
print
Resources For
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
Teachers.
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Safety
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On Safety
New Fiber U Course: Fiber
Optic Safety
Safety
must be the first concern of everyone involved in a fiber optic
project, including those planning, designing, managing or supervising
and of course those doing the installation.
FOA is often asked about safety for fiber optics. Some
inquiries ask where it's covered in the FOA Online Guide or textbooks or
if we have a course on safety at Fiber U. Almost all Fiber
U Courses have lessons covering safety, because
safety is important in every aspect of a fiber optic project.
This
new Fiber U course will focus on safety alone. There are two lessons in this course,
fiber optic construction and fiber optic installation. The dividing
line between the two courses is the installation of the fiber optic
cables. Construction leads up to and/or is completed when the cables are
installed. Installation begins when the fiber tech installs the cable,
then completes the splicing, termination testing and documentation. The
overlap between the two is the installation of the cables where both
construction personnel and fiber optic techs are involved.
Here is the new Fiber U "Fiber Optic Safety" self-study program. Take the course and get your certificate of completion.
Enhance your safety with the FOA Safety Vest.
The FOA is concerned about safety!
FOA
considers safety an integral part of all our
programs, curriculum materials and technical
materials. We start all our textbooks and their
online versions with a section on safety in the
first chapter, like this: Before
we get started - Safety First!
There are pages on the FOA Guide on Safety
procedures Including Eye Safety and. Digging
Safely
And a YouTube lecture: FOA Lecture 2: Safety When Working
With Fiber Optics
In our OSP Construction Section, these pages cover
many safety issues including those related to the
construction of the cable plant: Project Preparation And Guidelines,
Underground Cable Construction,
Underground Cable Installation
and Aerial Cable Installation.
There is even a safety poster for the fiber
activities: PDF Safety Rules For Fiber Optics
Other Safety Resources:
There is a toll-free
"call before you dig" number in the USA: Dial 811. See www.call811.com
for more information in the US. Here is their map of resources by states.
In Canada, it's "Click Before You Dig.com" They also have a page of resources by US states and Canadian provinces.
The Common Ground
Alliance has an excellent "Best Practices Guide"
online
- The US Department
of Transportation has a website called "National
Pipeline Mapping System" that allows one
to search for buried pipelines.
Why We Warn You To
Be Careful About Fiber Shards
Photo courtesy Brian Brandstetter,
Mississauga Training Consultantcy
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About The FOA
About The FOA
- Contact
Us: http://www.foa.org
or email <info@foa.org>
FOA has a company page
and four LinkedIn Groups
FOA
- official company page on LinkedIn
FOA
- covers FOA, technology and jobs in the fiber optic
marketplace
FOA
Fiber Optic Training - open to all, covers
fiber optic technology and training topics
Grupo de La Asociación de
Fibra Óptica FOA (Español)
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What is The FOA?
The FOA is a, international non-profit
educational association chartered to promote
professionalism in fiber optics through education,
certification and standards.
Founded in 1995 by a dozen prominent fiber optics
trainers and leaders from education, industry and government as a professional society for fiber
optics and a source of independent certification,
the FOA has grown to now being involved in numerous
activities to educate the world about fiber optics
and certify the workers who design, build and
operate the world's fiber optic networks.
Read More
FOA History
FOA Timeline of Fiber Optics
Contact
Us
The Fiber Optic Association Inc.
https://www.foa.org or email
<info@foa.org>
Use the Contact
Form
Want to know more about fiber optics? Study
for FOA certifications? Free
Self-Study Programs are on "Fiber U®."
Looking for specific information? Here's the largest
technical reference on the web: The
FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide.
Free online self-study programs
on many fiber optics and cabling topics are
available at Fiber U,
FOA's online web-based training website.
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-
Contact Us
The Fiber Optic Association Inc.
The FOA Home Page
Fiber Optic Timeline
(C)1999-2026, The Fiber Optic Association Inc.
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FOA Logo
Merchandise
New FOA Swag! Shirts,
Caps, Stickers, Cups, etc.
The
FOA has created a store on Zazzle.com offering lots
of new logo merchandise. It has lots of versions of
shirts and other merchandise with "FOA," "Fiber U,"
"Lennie Lightwave" designs and more so you should
find something just for you! See FOA on Zazzle.
-
Privacy Policy (for
the EU GDPR): The FOA does not
use cookies or any other web tricks to gather
information on visitors to our website, nor do
we allow commercial advertising. Our website
hosts may gather traffic statistics for the
visitors to our website and our online testing
service, ClassMarker, maintains statistics of
test results. We do not release or misuse any
information on any of our members except we will
confirm FOA certifications and Fiber U
certificates of completion when requested by
appropriate persons such as employers or
personnel services.
Read
the complete FOA Privacy Policy here.
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