Fiber
Optics, The Basics (CFOT Level)
Most links
are to web pages with tutorials. "VHO" means a
step-by-step hands-on installation tutorial. Many topics
have videos on YouTube listed below.
- Basics of
Fiber Optics Home Page
- Basic
overview
- The
jargon and the technology
- Fiber
Optic Networks: basic applications and transmission
systems
- Fiber
Optic Datalinks, Fiber
Optic Transceivers for Datalinks
- Optical
Fiber
- Fiber
Optic Cables Midspan
Access VHO: Cable
preparation.
- Termination
and splicing Termination VHO: Epoxy/Polish,
Anaerobic,
Hot
Melt
Pre-Polished
Splice/SOC Singlemode
termination Splice VHO: Mech
splice Fusion: single
fiber ribbon
- Fiber
Optic Testing VHO Insertion
loss testing Using
an OTDR
- Network
Design
- Installation
- About
Standards
- Glossary
of terms
- FAQs
on Fiber Optics
Fiber Optic Safety - Installation and Construction
FREE
Online Basics
of Fiber Optics Self-Study Program on Fiber U
See the "Fiber
Optic Technology and Standards" Section below for
information on networks, WDM, etc.
FOA
Video Lectures and videos about fiber optic cable preparation, termination, splicing
and testing on 
FOA
Reference Guide To Fiber Optics Textbook - Second Edition 2024 
FOA Textbook on Fiber Optics (available in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese)
 Lennie Lightwave's Guide - The basic introduction to fiber optics
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area instead of out-of-date magazines.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 printed copies of Lennie
Lightwave's Guide at Amazon.com,
Premises
Cabling Systems (Fiber, Copper and Wireless) (CPCT
Level)
Ahora
en español! - Spanish! 
Most
links are to web pages with tutorials. "VHO" means a
step-by-step hands-on installation tutorial. Many topics
have videos on YouTube listed below.
Premises
Cabling Home Page
Overview
of Premises Cabling and Standards, About
Standards
Jargon
Networks
Power
Over Ethernet (PoE)
UTP Cables
UTP
Terminations (including color codes for UTP cabling), UTP
Termination (Tutorial)
UTP
Installation VHO. Cable
66
Block, 110
Block, Jacks,
Plugs
UTP Testing,
UTP
Wiremapping VHO: UTP
Test
Coax Cable
VHO Coax
Termination
Fiber
Optics in Premises Cabling, Plus more information
on OLANs
(Optical LANs)
FTTD/FTTO
(Centralized Fiber), Passive
OLANs
Wireless
Design,
New
T-568-C Nomenclature
Premises
Cabling Installation
Glossary
FREE
Online Premises
Cabling Self-Study Program on Fiber U
See the "Fiber
Optic Technology and Standards" Section below for
information on networks, etc.
FOA
Video Lectures and videos about premises cabling installation on
FOA
Textbook
 FOA Textbook on Premises Cabling
Outside
Plant Fiber Optics (Specialist, CFOS/O Level)
Most links
are to web pages with tutorials. "VHO" means a
step-by-step hands-on installation tutorial. Many topics
have videos on YouTube listed below.
- OSP Home
Page
- Basic
Overview
The Jargon
and the Technology
OSP Fiber
Networks, Basic Applications and Transmission
Systems
- Fiber
Optic Datalinks
Optical Fiber
- Fiber
Optic Cables
VHO: Cable
preparation.
Midspan
Access
- Splicing and
Termination
- Splice VHO: Mech
splice Fusion: single
fiber ribbon
- Termination VHO: Epoxy/Polish,
Anaerobic,
Hot
Melt Pre-Polished
Splice/SOC Singlemode
termination
- Fiber Optic
Testing
- VHO Insertion
loss testing Using
an OTDR
- Network
Design
About
Standards
- Installation
Fiber Optic Safety - Installation and Construction
FREE
Online Outside
Plant Fiber Optics Self-Study Program on Fiber
U
Outside
Plant Fiber Optic Cable Plant Construction
FREE
Online Outside
Plant Fiber Optic Construction Self-Study
Program on Fiber U
Additional Topics For OSP Fiber Optics
Restoration
FTTH (Fiber To The Home) and Fiber Broadband.
New FOA FTTH Handbook (printed & Kindle eBook)
Free
Online Course on Fiber U
Ahora en español! - Spanish!
Fiber For Wireless Networks.
Free
Online Course on Fiber U
- Fiber for Wireless
Networks
- Fiber
to the Antenna (FTTA)
Testing
FTTA,
- DAS-
Distributed Antenna Systems
Satellite Communications
Definitions
of Terms
- See the "Fiber Optic
Technology and Standards" Section below for
information on networks, WDM, etc.
FOA Video Lectures and videos about cable preparation, termination,
splicing and testing on
FOA
Textbook
 FOA Textbook on Outside Plabnt Fiber Optics
- Applications
of Fiber Optics
Communications
Fiber
Optic Datalinks
Fiber
Optic Transceivers for Datalinks
Wavelength
Bands Used For Fiber Optic Transmission
Wavelength-Division
Multiplexing (WDM)
Specifications
for fiber optic links and systems, including FTTx
Networks
Networks are built on cable plants but it helps to
understand how they work also.
Telephone,
long haul, metropolitan
Satellite Communications
Coherent
Communications For High Speed Long Haul Networks
Introduction To Broadband
Fiber Broadband
New book -  - FOA Guide To Fiber Broadband
FTTH
(Fiber To The
Home)
Free FTTH Online
Course on Fiber U
New FOA FTTH Handbook (printed & Kindle eBook)
Ahora en español! - Spanish!
Fiber
For Wireless. Free
Online Course on Fiber U
Internet
CATV
Premises
Networks, LANs,
Section
on Premises Networks
Satellite Communications
Optical LANs.
Free Online
Course on Fiber U
Data
Centers
Free
Online Course on Fiber U
Security,
CCTV for surveillance
CCTV Using
Premises Cabling
Electrical
Utilities
Smart
Cities
Industrial
Building automation
Consumer
entertainment
Military
Media
Conversion:
Converting copper or wireless to fiber, etc.
Attenuating
Power In Overloaded Datalinks
Tapping
Optical Fiber
Non-Communications
Applications
Fiber
Optic Sensors
Fiber
Optic Lighting (TT)
Inspection/
Viewing Using Fiber Optics
Network
User's Guide
Videos on fiber optic applications on
- Fiber
Optic And Cabling Technology and Standards
- About
Standards
- TIA/EIA
and ISO/IEC Standards (listing of current and obsolete standards)
FOA
Standards For Testing and Systems
The
OSI Model of Networks
TIA
568 Standard For Premises Cabling Fiber Optics
- Wavelengths
of Light Used In Fiber Optics
- Wavelength
Bands Used For Fiber Optic Transmission
- Total
Internal Reflection In Optical Fiber.
dB
and dBm: Units of Measurement
- Specifications
for fiber optic links and systems, including FTTx
- Wavelength-Division
Multiplexing
How
Fiber Amplifiers Work
Power
Over Ethernet (PoE) for copper cabling
- Fiber
Optic Cable Jacket And Connector Color Codes (with guides to print or download)
Safety
procedures Including Eye Safety
Video on safety on
FOA
Lecture 2: Safety When Working With Fiber Optics.
FOA
Standards Understandable
versions of industry standards
FOA
Standard FOA-1: Testing Loss of Installed Fiber
Optic Cable Plant, (Insertion Loss, TIA OFSTP-14,
OFSTP-7, ISO/IEC 61280, ISO/IEC 14763, etc.)
FOA
Standard FOA-2: Testing Loss of Fiber Optic
Cables, Single Ended, (Insertion Loss, TIA
FOTP-171, OFSTP-7, , ISO/IEC 14763)
FOA
Standard FOA-3: Measuring Optical Power
(Transmitter and Receiver Power, FOTP-95, Numerous
ISO/IEC standards)
FOA
Standard FOA-4: OTDR Testing of Fiber Optic Cable
Plant (TIA FOTP-8/59/60/61/78, ISO/IEC 14763,
etc.)
FOA
Standard FOA-5 Fiber Optic Datalinks
FOA
Standard FOA-6: Fiber Optic Cable
Plant
FOA
Standard FOA-7: Mode Conditioning For Testing
Multimode Fiber Optic Cables
ANSI/NECA/FOA-301
Fiber Optic Installation Standard
The FOA and NECA wrote this
ANSI standard (American
National Standard) covering the installation of
fiber
optic cable plants. This standard was withdrawn as
an ANSI standard for revision. It still has lots of good information on
fiber optic installation and is available for free downloads from FOA. More.
Myth:
Does Glass "Flow" Over Time?
Fiber
FAQs (FAQs = Frequently Asked Questions).
- Fiber
Optic Components
Most
links are to web pages with tutorials. "VHO" means a
step-by-step hands-on installation tutorial. Many topics
have videos on YouTube listed below.
See the Testing
Section
for more information on how components are tested.
Optical
Fiber
Optical Fiber.
Total
Internal Reflection In Optical Fiber.
Also
see FOA
Lecture 60 How Fiber Works (video)
Singlemode and
Multimode Fiber Nomenclature Used In International Standards
Choosing
G.xxx fiber types (PDF)
Multimode Premises
Cable Plant Nomenclature (OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, etc.)
Plastic Optical Fiber
(POF)
How Optical
Fiber Is Manufactured
Bend-Insensitive
Fibers Compatibility of G.652 and G.657 BI Singlemode Fibers.
Macro-
And Micro-Bending Of Fibers
Myth:
Does Glass "Flow" Over Time?
-
- Cable
- Fiber
Optic Cables Fiber
Optic Cable Plant
Microcables. -
Reading Markings on Fiber Optic Cables
- High
Fiber Count Cables (1728+).
- Fiber
Optic Cable Jacket And Connector Color Codes
- Cable
Bend Diameter or Radius
- Cable Preparation: VHO: Cable
preparation
Midspan
Access Midspan
Access (hands-0n)
Free
Online "Fiber Optic Skills Lab" Course
on Fiber U Videos on
- Air-Blown Fiber
- Patchcords –
selection, testing, management
-
- Connectors &
Termination
Free
Online "Fiber Optic Skills Lab" Course
on Fiber U
- Splicing
and Termination
- Identifying
Fiber Optic Connectors
- Connector
Names and Nomenclature
MPO
array/parallel connectors, description, polarity
and how to test them Videos
on
- Fiber
Optic Cable Jacket And Connector Color Codes
- Standards
For Connector Intermateability, FOCIS
- Effects
of Alignment and Fiber Geometry on Fiber Optic
Connector Loss
Reflectance
Testing
-
Basic
termination including testing
connectors (Tutorial)
- Adhesive/polish
connectors VHO: Epoxy/Polish,
Videos on
Anaerobic,
Hot
Melt
- Hints
For Adhesive/Polish Connector Terminations
- Prepolished/splice
connectors and SOC VHO:
Pre-Polished
Splice/SOC Videos on
- Prefabricated
cable systems
- Singlemode
fiber termination: VHO: Singlemode
termination
- Termination
Times For Various Methods and Connector Types
Repairing
Connectors By Polishing
- Microscope
Inspection And Cleaning of Fiber Optic Connectors
- Cleaning
Fiber Optic Connections
-
- Splices
Free
Online "Fiber Optic Skills Lab" Course
on Fiber U
Splicing
and Termination
- Basic
splices (Tutorial)
- Mechanical
splices VHO: Mech
splice Videos on
- Fusion
splices - VHO: single
fiber ribbon
Videos on
- Estimates
of Splicing Times for Various Cable
Configurations
Splicing
different types of SM Fiber (PDF)
- Compatibility of G.652 and G.657 BI Singlemode Fibers.
-
Splice Closures.
- Tools
Fiber Optic Tools For Installers
Tools for Cable and Fiber Preparation
-
Hardware
-
Optical Distribution Frames and Patch Panels
-
- Transmission Equipment
Fiber
Optic Datalinks
- Fiber Optic
Transceivers for Datalinks
LEDs
and Lasers for Fiber Optic
Transmitters.
- Specifications
for fiber optic links and systems, including
FTTx
- Wavelength
Bands Used For Fiber Optic Transmission
- Designing
And Manufacturing Fiber Optic Systems (for
Manufacturers) (PDF, 0.2 MB)
- The OSI
Model of Networks
Attenuators
for
adjusting receiver power levels
-
- Media
Conversion:
Converting copper or wireless to fiber, etc.
-
- Standards
- TIA
568 Standard For Fiber Optics
Videos on fiber optic components on
- Fiber
Optic Network Design And Project Management
Fiber
Optic Projects
Fiber
Optic Network Design
Network
Design, OSP
Network Design, Premises
Cabling Network Design also Outside
Plant Fiber Optic Cable Plant Construction
Network
User's Guide, covers design through maintenance.
(PDF 0.1 MB)(TT)
Network
User's Guide (web page)
About
Standards
TIA
568 Standard For Fiber Optics
Specifications
for fiber optic LANs and Links
Link
Loss Budgets And Power Budgets
Loss
Budget Calculator Online.
Midspan
Access for OSP Cable Plants
Polarity
in Fiber Optic Networks
Fiber or Copper? Overview
and Fiber
LANs
Estimating
Fiber Optic Installations
Mismatched
Multimode Fiber Losses
Planning
For Restoration (PDF, 0.1 MB) and Restoration
Project
Paperwork (SOW, RFP, RFQ and contracts) Gantt Charts For Projects
Acceptance
of the Finished Installation - Deliverables.
Application
of Standard Project Management Processes in Fiber
Optic Cable Plant Project Management
GIS and Fiber Management Systems
Free
Fiber Optic Network Design Course - Online at Fiber
U
Installation
of FO Cable Plants
See
the Components Section for
installation processes for fiber optic cable plant
components and the Testing
Section
for more information on how installed cable plants are
tested.
Guidelines For Fiber Optic Project Planners
The Fiber Optic Workforce Who builds the fiber optic project?
Fiber Optic Safety - Installation and Construction
- Tools
Fiber Optic Tools For Installers
Tools for Cable and Fiber Preparation
Download
a list of tools for installation here. (PDF, 100kB)
Fiber
Optic Network Management (For Managers).
Installing
Fiber Optic Cable Plants
- FOA Tech Bulletin, (PDF 0.2 MB) basis of the ANSI/NECA/FOA-301
Installation Standard
Installation
Overview
Outside
Plant Fiber Optic Cable Plant Construction
Midspan
Access Midspan
Access (hands-0n)
Free Online
Course on Fiber U
Getting
Training
Installation
Checklist - step by step installation planning
Acceptance
of the Finished Installation - Deliverables.
The
Role of the Contractor
Planning
the Installation
Project
Management Processes For Fiber Optic Projects
(PDF) See
also the
video: FOA
Lecture 33, Cabling
Project Management
Safety
procedures Including Eye Safety
Video on safety on
FOA
Lecture 2: Safety When Working With Fiber Optics
Tools
and Equipment
Cleaning
Fiber Optic Connections
Receiving
cable and components onsite
Installing
Cable - General Guidelines
, Air-Blown
Fiber,
Midspan
Access.
Cable
Bend Diameter or Radius.
Installing
a Swivel Pulling Eye on Cable
Polarity
in Fiber Optic Networks
Maintenance
(It's not needed - best leave it alone!)
Troubleshooting
fiber optic cable plants and communications systems.
(PDF, 0.1 Mb)
Restoration
- Outside Plant (see the
complete OSP section)
Digging
Safely
- call before you dig
Laying,
placing or pulling OSP cable
Cable
Bend Diameter or Radius
How
To "Figure 8" Cable For Intermediate Pulls
Splicing
OSP cable
Splice Closures
Termination
(splicing on pigtails, PPS, preterminated)
Patchcords –
selection, testing, management
Testing requirements
Transmission Equipment – power requirements -
using attenuators
as needed
Special
methods (Air-Blown
Fiber ,
prefab/preterminated
cables)
Aerial
FTTH drops
Microtrenching
Air-Blown
Cable Installation
Midspan
Access Midspan
Access (hands-0n)
Mini-sub
(submarine) Cable Preparation
OPGW
(Optical power ground wire) Preparation
Examples of poor installation of FTTH in the aerial outside plant and in the customer premises.
Customer Premises Drop Cables
- Premises Cabling (see the
complete Premises Cabling section).
Free
Online Course on Fiber U
Premises
Site Preparation
Laying or
pulling cable
Air-Blown
Cable Installation
Termination (adhesive polish, PPS,
preterminated)
Patchcords
– selection, testing, management
Testing requirements
Transmission Equipment – power requirements - using attenuators
Special methods (Air-Blown
Fiber , prefab/preterminated
cables)
Fiber Patch Panel Guidelines For Neatness
Videos on fiber optic installation on
-
- Testing
& Troubleshooting Fiber Optic Systems
Most links are to
web pages with tutorials. "VHO" means a step-by-step
hands-on installation tutorial. Many topics have videos on
YouTube listed below.
QuickStart Guides to Fiber Optic Testing
Cable
Plant and Patchcord Testing
Optical
Power in Communications Systems
OTDR
Testing
Inspection
And Cleaning Of Fiber Optic Connectors Should Be Done
Whenever Making Connections for Testing
Test Topics.
Fiber
Optic Testing
Free Online
Course on Fiber U
Fiber
Optic Test Instruments
Wavelengths
of Light Used In Fiber Optics
dB
and dBm: Units of Measurement More
on dB, history and the math. Is
dB Loss Positive or Negative?
Visual tracing &
fault location
Using
A Very Old Cell Phone Camera to See IR Light In Fiber
Links
Microscope Inspection
And Cleaning of Fiber Optic Connectors
Measuring Optical Power,
Using attenuators,
Calibration of Fiber Optic
Power
Bare
Fiber Testing
Installed Cable Plant
Loss Testing (Insertion loss, FOA-1, OFSTP-7 & 14),
Patchcord or Single
Cable Testing (Insertion loss, FOA-2, FOTP-171), FOA
Standard FOA-2
Testing cables with
different types of connectors.
Loss by Cable
Substitution - when other methods will not work
MPO
array/parallel connectors and how to test them
Special
Applications/Hybrid Cables
Connector and Splice
Loss Testing (FOTP-34) ,
Reflectance
Testing
Data Link or Network
Testing
Reference
Cables For Loss Tests
OTDR testing
Free Online
Course on Fiber U plus Reading
an OTDR Trace
Fiber
Characterization and Testing long haul networks (CD,
PMD, Spectral Attenuation)
FTTH
Testing
Testing
Splitters, Couplers and Other Passive Devices
Cleaning
Fiber Optic Connections (do this before testing or
connecting to equipment)
FAQs on Fiber Optic Testing
Technical Issues For
Testing
- 5
different Ways To Test Fiber Optic Cables According
To International Standards
Accurately
Testing Fiber Optic Cables
Differences
in OTDR and insertion loss measurements
The
Math of Insertion Loss Testing - Reference Methods
Mismatched
Multimode Fiber Losses
Testing Compatibility of G.652 and G.657 BI Singlemode Fibers.
Modal Conditioning For Multimode Testing
Fiber Loss Testing and
Multimode Modal Control
Modal Distribution Effects
on Multimode Fiber and Cable Measurements
Encircled
Flux
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
fiber optic cable plants and communications systems.
(PDF, 0.1 Mb)
Troubleshooting Singlemode Networks.
FOA Video Lectures and videos on testing on
Also See FOA
Standards For Testing
Testing
Insertion Loss of Installed Fiber Optic Cable Plant
(FOA-1)
Testing
Loss of Fiber Optic Cables or Patchcords (FOA-2)
Measuring
Optical Power (FOA-3)
OTDR
Testing of Fiber Optic Cable Plants (FOA-4)
Mode
Conditioning For Testing Multimode Fiber Optic Cables
(FOA-7)
Fiber
FAQs (FAQs = Frequently Asked Questions).
FOA
Textbook
 FOA Textbook on Fiber Optic Testing
- Using
Fiber Optic Systems
Fiber
Optic Network Management (For Managers)
-
User's
Guide To Fiber Optic Networks
- Choosing,
Installing and Using Fiber Optic Products For Users
(FOA Tech Bulletin, PDF 0.1 MB)
Using
Attenuators to prevent receiver overload
-
Maintenance
Restoration (planning & implementing)
and Restoration
Upgrading
- Tapping
Optical Fiber
FOA Video Lectures and videos on
- FOA
Tech Bulletins (Printable Reference Documents)
Designing and manufacturing
fiber optic communications products for manufacturers of
products using fiber optics . (PDF, 0.2 Mb)
Users' Guide To Fiber Optic
Communications Networks. (PDF, 0.1 Mb)
Designing Fiber Optic
Networks - for contractors, designers, installers
and users and the reference for the FOA CFOS/D Design
Certification (PDF, 1.3 MB).
Installing Fiber Optic Cable
Plants. (PDF, 0.2 Mb)
Testing and Troubleshooting
fiber optic cable plants and communications systems.
(PDF, 0.1 Mb)
Fiber Optic Restoration -
how to plan ahead and restore networks quickly. (PDF, 0.1
Mb)
FOA
YouTube Videos
The
FOA has more than 100 videos on YouTube, including Lecture
Series on Fiber Optics and Premises Cabling, Hands-On
lectures on both and some other informational and
instructional videos. For all the videos, go
to the FOA Channel "thefoainc" or use the direct
links below.
Below is a list of the current lectures and hands-on
videos. We're looking for ideas for topics for future
lectures. Send your ideas to <info@thefoa.org>.
About
the FOA,
Qué
es la FOA (What Is The FOA, in Spanish )
FOA
Standards
Careers
In Fiber Optics This video was created to
introduce the newcomer - particularly the student in Jr.
High or High School - to the types of careers that
exist in fiber optics, how to learn more about them and
how to prepare for a career in this fast-growing field.
Where
Are The Jobs In Fiber Optics? FOA talks about all
the applications for fiber optics, what jobs involve and
the qualifications for the workers in the field.
FOA Videos By Subject
Videos: Basic Fiber Optics
FOA
Lecture 1: Fiber Optics & Communications
FOA
Lecture: Fiber Optic Jargon
FOA
Lecture 2: Safety When Working With Fiber Optics
FOA
Lecture 3: Optical Fiber
FOA
Lecture 60 How Fiber Works
FOA
Lecture 4: Fiber Optic Cables
FOA
Lecture 5: Splices and Connectors
FOA
Lecture 6: Fiber Optic Splices
FOA
Lecture 7: Fiber Optic Connectors
FOA
Lecture 12: Fiber Optic Testing Overview
FOA
Lecture 9: Fiber Optic Network Design, Part 1, Overview
and The Process
FOA
Lecture 8: Fiber Optic Installation
Fiber Optics -
Live! A series of videos that use lab
demonstrations to show how optical fiber works.
How
Light Travels In A Fiber
Fiber
Attenuation
Connector
Loss
Videos: Fiber Optic Applications
FOA
Lecture 1: Fiber Optics & Communications
FOA
Lecture 34, Networks
FOA
Lecture 35 Network Architectures
FOA
Lecture 36 Network Bandwidth
FOA
Lecture 37 Fiber To The Antenna (Cellular Towers)
FOA
Lecture 38 Data Center Cabling
FOA
Lecture 39 Maintaining Fiber Optic Networks
FOA
Lecture 40 Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
FOA
Lecture 27, Fiber Optic Datalinks
FOA
Lecture 25: FTTx - Fiber To The Home, Premises, Curb,
Business, Fiber Broadband, etc.
FOA
Lecture 30, OLANs, Optical LANs
FOA
Lecture 48 Smart Cities Are Built On Fiber
FOA
Lecture 67 Fiber Optics At Electrical Utilities
FOA Lecture 70 Rural broadband
Videos: FTTH (Fiber To The Home) and Fiber Broadband
FOA
Lecture 25: FTTx - Fiber To The Home, Premises, Curb,
Business, etc.
FOA
Lecture 63 FTTH Network Architectures
FOA
Lecture 64 FTTH Passive Optical Networks (PONs)
FOA
Lecture 65 FTTH Network Design
FOA
Lecture 66 FTTH Network Installation and Test
FOA Lecture 68 Fiber Optic PON Demonstration
FOA Lecture 70 Rural broadband
Videos: Fiber Optic Components
FOA
Lecture 3: Optical Fiber
FOA
Lecture 23: Total Internal Reflection in Optical Fiber Demonstration
FOA
Lecture 29, Plastic Optical Fiber (POF)
FOA
Lecture 4: Fiber Optic Cables
FOA
Lecture 5: Splices and Connectors
FOA
Lecture 6: Fiber Optic Splices
FOA
Lecture 7: Fiber Optic Connectors
FOA
Lecture 54 Fiber Optic Connector Identification
FOA
Lecture 27, Fiber Optic Datalinks
FOA
Lecture 31, Wavelength Division Multiplexing
FOA
Lecture 32, Fiber Amplifiers
FOA
Lecture 42 MPO (Multifiber, Array) Connectors and How To
Test Them
FOA
Lecture 43 Managing Polarity of MPO Connectors using the
PanMPO Connector
FOA
Lecture 44 MPO Connector Fiber Polarity
FOA
Lecture 50 What Do You Strip When You Strip Optical
Fiber?
FOA
Lecture 56 Fiber Optic Cable - Bend Diameter or Radius
FOA
Lecture 57 Fiber Optic Connector Inspection and Cleaning
FOA
Lecture 58 Fiber Optic Media Conversion
FOA
Lecture 61 Fiber Optic Color Codes
FOA Lecture 71 Reference Cables For Fiber Optic Testing
FOA Lecture 72 Fiber Optic Attenuators
Fiber Optics -
Live! A series of videos that use lab
demonstrations to show how optical fiber works.
How
Light Travels In A Fiber
Fiber
Attenuation
Connector
Loss
Videos: Fiber Optic Network Design
FOA
Lecture 9: Fiber Optic Network Design, Part 1, Overview
and The Process
FOA
Lecture 10: Fiber Optic Network Design Part 2, The Route
And The Equipment
FOA
Lecture 11: Fiber Optic Network Design Part 3, Choosing
Components
FOA
Lecture 33, Cabling
Project Management
FOA
Lecture 65 FTTH Network Design
FOA
Lecture 24: Copper, Fiber or Wireless?
Videos: Fiber Optic Installation
FOA
Lecture 8: Fiber Optic Installation
Fiber
Optic Stripping Tools
Fiber
Optic Connector Polishing Technique
Prepolished/Splice
Connector Termination (Corning Unicam)
Prepolished/Splice
Connector Termination (Panduit OptiCam)
Hands-On Fiber Videos
Fusion
Splicing
Mechanical
Splicing
Fiber
Optic Termination (adhesive/polish connectors), Part 1, Setup & Tools
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 2, Jacketed Cable Prep
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 3, Adhesive Prep
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 4, Stripping Fiber
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 5, Connector Attachment
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 6, Polishing
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 7, Inspection
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 8, Distribution Cable
Termination
Fiber
Optic Cable Preparation, Part 1 Introduction
Fiber
Optic Cable, Part 2, Zipcord
Fiber
Optic Cable, Part 3 Distribution Cable
Fiber
Optic Cable, Part 4 Breakout Cable
Fiber
Optic Cable, Part 5 Loose Tube Cable
Fiber
Optic Cable, Part 6, Armored Cable
Videos: Fiber Optic Network Operation And Restoration
FOA
Lecture 39 Maintaining Fiber Optic Networks
FOA
Lecture 51 Fiber Optic Restoration - Causes of Damage
To The Network
FOA
Lecture 52 Fiber Optic Restoration - Planning For
Restoration
FOA
Lecture 53 Fiber Optic Restoration - Troubleshooting
And Repair
Videos: Fiber Optic Testing
FOA
Lecture 12: Fiber Optic Testing Overview
FOA
Lecture 49 Attenuation In A Fiber Optic Link
FOA
Lecture 13: Testing Fiber Visually
Visual
Inspection of Connectors With A Microscope
FOA
Lecture 14: Testing Optical Power
FOA
Lecture 15: Five Ways To Test Fiber Optic Cable Plants
FOA
Lecture 16: Insertion Loss Testing
Insertion
Loss Testing
FOA Lecture 71 Reference Cables For Fiber Optic Testing
FOA
Lecture 17: OTDR Testing
Using
an OTDR
FOA
Lecture 18: OTDR Setup
FOA
Lecture 19: OTDR Measurement Uncertainty
FOA
Lecture 20: Other Fiber Optic Tests - Reflectance,
Dispersion, Spectral Attenuation
FOA
Lecture 21: Visual Fault Locator Demonstration
FOA
Lecture 26: Loss Budgets
FOA
Lecture 28, Fiber Characterization
FOA
Lecture 42 MPO (Multifiber, Array) Connectors and How To
Test Them
FOA
Lecture 55 The Mysterious dB of Fiber Optics.
Videos: Premises Cabling
Premises
Cabling Lecture 1: What Is Premises Cabling?
Premises
Cabling Lecture 2: Applications
Premises
Cabling Lecture 3: Standards
Premises
Cabling Lecture 4: Cable Types
Premises
Cabling Lecture 5: Installing UTP
Premises
Cabling Lecture 6: Terminating UTP
Premises
Cabling Lecture 7: Testing UTP
Premises
Cabling Lecture 8: Coax Cable
Premises
Cabling Lecture 9: Fiber Optics
Premises
Cabling Lecture 10: Wireless
Premises
Cabling Lecture 11: Counterfeit Cat 5 Cabling
Videos: Hands-On UTP Cabling Installation
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 1, Tools
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 2, The Training Board
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 3, UTP Cable
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 4, 66 Block Punchdown
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 5, 110 Block Punchdown
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 6, Jacks
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 7, Testing
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 8, Plugs and Patchcords
Videos: Fiber Optics Lecture
Series (Numerical Order)
FOA
Lecture 1: Fiber Optics & Communications
FOA
Lecture: Fiber Optic Jargon
FOA
Lecture 2: Safety When Working With Fiber Optics
FOA
Lecture 3: Optical Fiber
FOA
Lecture 4: Fiber Optic Cables
FOA
Lecture 5: Splices and Connectors
FOA
Lecture 6: Fiber Optic Splices
FOA
Lecture 7: Fiber Optic Connectors
FOA
Lecture 8: Fiber Optic Installation
FOA
Lecture 9: Fiber Optic Network Design, Part 1, Overview
and The Process
FOA
Lecture 10: Fiber Optic Network Design Part 2, The Route
And The Equipment
FOA
Lecture 11: Fiber Optic Network Design Part 3, Choosing
Components (See also Lectures 33,, 39)
FOA
Lecture 12: Fiber Optic Testing Overview
FOA
Lecture 13: Testing Fiber Visually
FOA
Lecture 14: Testing Optical Power
FOA
Lecture 15: Five Ways To Test Fiber Optic Cable Plants
FOA
Lecture 16: Insertion Loss Testing
FOA
Lecture 17: OTDR Testing
FOA
Lecture 18: OTDR Setup
FOA
Lecture 19: OTDR Measurement Uncertainty
FOA
Lecture 20: Other Fiber Optic Tests - Reflectance,
Dispersion, Spectral Attenuation
FOA
Lecture 21: Visual Fault Locator Demonstration
FOA
Lecture 22: Mode Power Distribution in Multimode Fibers
Demonstration
FOA
Lecture 23: Total Internal Reflection in Optical Fiber Demonstration
FOA
Lecture 24: Copper, Fiber or Wireless?
FOA
Lecture 25: FTTx - Fiber To The Home, Premises, Curb,
Business, Fiber Broadband, etc.
FOA
Lecture 26: Loss Budgets
FOA
Lecture 27, Fiber Optic Datalinks
FOA
Lecture 28, Fiber Characterization
FOA
Lecture 29, Plastic Optical Fiber (POF)
FOA
Lecture 30, OLANs, Optical LANs
FOA
Lecture 31, Wavelength Division Multiplexing
FOA
Lecture 32, Fiber Amplifiers
FOA
Lecture 33, Cabling
Project Management
FOA
Lecture 34, Networks
FOA
Lecture 35 Network Architectures
FOA
Lecture 36 Network Bandwidth
FOA
Lecture 37 Fiber To The Antenna (Cellular Towers)
FOA
Lecture 38 Data Center Cabling
FOA
Lecture 39 Maintaining Fiber Optic Networks
FOA
Lecture 40 Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
FOA
Lecture 41 Prefabricated (Preterminated) Fiber Optic
Cabling Systems
FOA
Lecture 42 MPO (Multifiber, Array) Connectors and How To
Test Them
FOA
Lecture 43 Managing Polarity of MPO Connectors using the
PanMPO Connector
FOA
Lecture 44 MPO Connector Fiber Polarity
FOA
Lecture 45 Do It Yourself FTTH (Fiber to the Home)
FOA
Lecture 46 Do It Yourself FTTH (Southern Fiberworx)
FOA Lecture
47 Do It Yourself FTTH (Connect Anza)
FOA
Lecture 48 Smart Cities Are Built On Fiber
Using
an OTDR
Visual
Inspection of Connectors With A Microscope
Fiber
Optic Stripping Tools
Fiber
Optic Connector Polishing Technique
Prepolished/Splice
Connector Termination (Corning Unicam)
Prepolished/Splice
Connector Termination (Panduit OptiCam)
The
Fiber Optic Tester In Your Pocket (Cell Phone)
Insertion
Loss Testing
Fusion
Splicing
Mechanical
Splicing
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 1, Setup & Tools
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 2, Jacketed Cable Prep
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 3, Adhesive Prep
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 4, Stripping Fiber
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 5, Connector Attachment
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 6, Polishing
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 7, Inspection
Fiber
Optic Termination, Part 8, Distribution Cable
Termination
Fiber
Optic Cable, Part 1 Introduction
Fiber
Optic Cable, Part 2, Zipcord
Fiber
Optic Cable, Part 3 Distribution Cable
Fiber
Optic Cable, Part 4 Breakout Cable
Fiber
Optic Cable, Part 5 Loose Tube Cable
Fiber
Optic Cable, Part 6, Armored Cable
Product
Reviews
Premises Cabling
Lecture Series Videos
Hands-On UTP Cabling Videos
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 1, Tools
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 2, The Training Board
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 3, UTP Cable
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 4, 66 Block Punchdown
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 5, 110 Block Punchdown
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 6, Jacks
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 7, Testing
UTP
"Cat 5" Cabling, Part 8, Plugs and Patchcords
FOA Instructor
Training and Certification
FOA
Instructor Training - Part 1 -Introduction
FOA
Instructor Training - Part 2 - About The FOA
FOA
Instructor Training - Part 3 - FOA Approved Schools
FOA
Instructor Training - Part 4 - Instructors
FOA
Instructor Training - Part 5 - Curriculum
FOA
Instructor Training - Part 6 - Teaching A Course
FOA
Instructor Training - Part 7 - Hands-On Labs
FOA
Instructor Training - Part 8 - FOA Resources
Cross Reference To FOA Videos
The FOA Videos On YouTube
FOA's Fiber U Free Fiber Optic Online Learning Programs
Fiber U® - "Fiber University" Online Training
Fiber U is the FOA website with free online
self-study programs, Fiber
U self-study programs cover most of the topics
here and allows you to test your comprehension of the
subject at the end of each section. For most programs,
after you complete the self-study part you can take an
online quiz and get a certificate of completion.
Fiber U Self-Study Programs
MiniCourses: (Short courses you can finish in an hour
or less)
Fiber
Optics In Communications
How
Fiber Works
Fiber
Optic Color Codes
Fiber
Optic Connector Identification
Fiber
Optic Connector Inspection and Cleaning
The
Mysterious dB of Fiber Optics
Fiber
Optic Cable Bend Radius
Fiber
Optic Loss and Power Budgets.
Reference Cables For Fiber Optic Testing
Fiber
Optic Media Conversion
Fiber
Optic Cable Midspan Access
Fiber
Optic Restoration
Fiber Optic Attenuators
Basic Fiber Optics And Cabling Courses
Basic
Fiber Optics
Basic
Fiber Optics Skills Lab
Premises
Cabling (Copper, Fiber and Wireless)
Basic
Skills Lab, Copper Cabling
Fiber Optic Safety NEW
Specialist
Fiber Optic Skills Courses
Outside
Plant Construction
Outside
Plant Fiber Optics
Fiber
Optic Testing
Understanding
OTDRs
Fiber Characterization
Design Specialist
Fiber
Optic Network Design
Fiber Optic Applications
Fiber
For Wireless
Distributed
Antenna Systems (DAS)
Fiber
To The Antenna (Wireless)
Data
Center Cabling
FTTX -
(Fiber To The Home, Premises, Business, Curb, etc.)
Optical
LANs
FOA Reference Books
Updated June 2024: The FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics - Second Edition - 2024
Fiber Optics - Premises Cabling -
Outside Plant - OSP Construction - Network Design - Fiber
Optic Testing - FTTH Handbook - Fiber Broadband
FOA has textbooks on Fiber Optics, Premises
Cabling, OSP
Fiber Optics and OSP Construction and the FTTH
Handbook. The Fiber Broadband book is a book explaining how fiber optics
powers all forms of communications today.
Languages: Fiber Optics available in English, Spanish, French and
Portuguese, Design available in English and Spanish, FTTH Handbook available in English and Spanish
All are self-published by FOA and available at very
reasonable prices.
Available printed or eBooks on the Amazon Kindle.
Click on each book for details.
ANSI/NECA/FOA-301 Fiber Optic Installation Standard
The FOA and NECA wrote this ANSI standard
(American
National Standard) covering the installation of
fiber
optic cable plants. This standard was withdrawn as
an ANSI standard for revision. It still has lots of good information on
fiber optic installation and is available for free downloads from FOA. More.
FOA LossCalc App (FREE)
FOA
LossCalc estimates the optical loss of a fiber optic link.
This will save time for the installer of a fiber optic
link needing to know whether test results are reasonable
and/or make a "pass/fail" determination. It can also help
the designer of a link to determine if communications
equipment will operate over this link.
By choosing the type of link (singlemode or multimode) and
specifying the length of the fiber and numbers of
connections and splices, it will calculate the end to end
loss of the link. The app has default specifications for
singlemode and multimode links or the user may create
custom setups with specifications appropriate for any
application. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/foa-losscalc/id476262894?mt=8&ls=1
- Getting Started Guides
Lennie Lightwave's Guide - The most popular basic introduction to fiber optics
 
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 a free
iBook on iTunes
- Uncle
Ted's Guide to Communications Cabling
(online) and available as a free
iBook on iTunes
Lennie
and Uncle Ted are now available as free
iBooks on iTunes
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.
FOA Policy on Linking And Use
of The FOA Guide Materials
Got feedback? Let us know how we can make The FOA Online
Fiber Optic Reference Guide better. Email us at <
info @ foa.org >
Directions For Using The FOA Guide
This is the FOA's Guide To Fiber Optics & Premises
Cabling. It includes almost a thousand pages of materials
created by the FOA covering the basics to advanced topics
on fiber optics and premises cabling.The goal of this
website is educating students, users, designers,
installers or anyone interested in the subject of fiber
and cabling for communications systems.
The Guide is intended to be used as reference material for
those working in the industry, studying for FOA
Certifications, teaching fiber optic training classes or
giving refresher tutorials for FOA CFOTs. It includes what
is essentially an online version of the FOA textbooks that
you can also purchase a printed or ebook version. Books
Disclaimer: This
information is provided by The Fiber Optic
Association, Inc. as a benefit to those interested
in teaching, designing, manufacturing, selling,
installing or using fiber optic communications
systems or networks. It is intended to be used as an
overview and/or basic guidelines and in no way
should be considered to be complete or
comprehensive. These guidelines are strictly the
opinion of the FOA and the reader is expected to use
them as a basis for learning, as a reference and for
creating their own documentation, project
specifications, etc. Those working with fiber optics
in the classroom, laboratory or field should follow
all safety rules carefully. The FOA assumes no
liability for the use of any of this material.
Note: The
FOA knowledge base includes suggested
materials in helping individuals to become
prepared for FOA certification exams. The
information provided is not intended to be
inclusive of all potentially useful resources,
nor does inclusion in this knowledge base
constitute an endorsement by the FOA.
There is a tremendous amount of information on this
website, so finding things can be a challenge. Here are
some guidelines to make it easier.
If you want to look for a subject like standards,
components or testing, go directly to the Table
of Contents.
If you want a self-study guide, go to Fiber
U.
This website will be constantly changing as new
information is added. Suggestions regarding the content
are welcomed. Send suggestions to info@foa.org .
Printed, Kindle, iBook and iPad/iPhone App versions of the
FOA textbooks are available. Details
here.
Key To Using the Table of Contents
- Some
links are simple documents as webpages or PDF files
formatted for printing, some are videos on YouTube and
some are online PowerPoint presentations.
-
Unmarked links are webpages
-
The links marked (TT) are FOA Tech Topics From The FOA
website.
-
Links marked with the "YouTube" logo take you to the
isted video on the FOA YouTube channel "thefoainc".
-
The links marked VHO are "virtual hands-on" online
PowerPoint presentations that provide a tutorial
showing actual installation practices in a
step-by-step process designed to lead the reader
through a hands-on procedure exactly as it would be
performed in the real world. VHO tutorials do not work
well with portable web devices like Smartphones.
-
The links marked (Tutorial) are online PowerPoint
presentations that provide a tutorial on the subject.
Tutorials do not work well with portable web devices
like Smartphones.
-
All links open in new windows, so you can close that
window and return to the Table of Contents.
Sign
up to receive the FOA eMail Newsletter where we keep
you up to date on changes we're making in this site and
the latest news in fiber optics
Privacy
Policy: The FOA does not use cookies or any other
web tricks to gather information on visitors to our
website. Our website host, Network Solutions, does
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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