INTRODUCTION FOR FIBER OPTICS REWORK, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE TRAINING
This training provides practical and theoretical knowledge essential for today’s telecommunications industry. Technicians will learn fiber optic principles and gain the skills required to repair, maintain, and work safely with fiber optic networks.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Understand fiber optics principles
- Learn common terms used in fiber communications
- Work safely with fiber optics
- Understand physical fiber and communication
- Learn fiber optics modes
- Know cables and connectors
- Perform cable termination and splicing
- Test fiber cables and use OTDR
- Install fiber optic cables
- Troubleshoot fiber cables
- Design fiber optic networks
- Understand sub-sea fiber optic networks
WHO SHOULDATTEND
- Technicians
- Engineers
WORKSHOP METHODOLOGY
- 60% lectures
- 20% group discussions
- 20% practical hands-on exercises
COURSE OUTLINE: 3 DAYS
Day 1 Sessions: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Pre Test: Knowledge assessment – Fiber Optics Technology
Session 1: Introduction to Fiber Optics
- Fiber optic technology overview
- Digital communications basics
- What is fiber optics?
- Structure of optical fiber
- How fiber optics carry light
- Light propagation and total internal reflection
- Fiber types and properties
- Fiber coatings and color coding
- Overview of fiber optic communication systems
- Industry standards and safety practices
Session 2: Fiber Optic Communications Networks
- Use of fiber optics in telecom, datacom, CATV, CCTV, security, and process control
- Fiber optic communication link principles
- Fiber optic sources and detectors
- Transmission theory including spectrum, power loss, reflection, dispersion, and bandwidth
Session 3: Fiber and Cable
- Fiber functioning and types
- Cable specifications and selections
- Handling and pulling cables safely
Session 4: Hands-On Cable Preparation and Pulling
- Video guide on cable installation hardware
- Preparing cables for splicing and termination
Day 2 Sessions: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Session 5: Terminations & Splices
- Connector types
- Terminating, fusion and mechanical splices
- Tools for installation, maintenance, and repair
Session 6: Hands-On Terminations (Video)
- How to install connectors on fiber optic cables
- Patch-cord testing
Session 7: Hands-On Splicing (Video)
- Fusion and mechanical splicing techniques
- Splice closures installation
- Splicing sequence and considerations
- Fiber cleaving and cleavers
- Ribbon and pigtail splicing
- Splice protection
- Testing splices with OTDR
Session 8: Testing
- Fiber optic test procedures and standards
- Test equipment types and applications
- Insertion loss vs backscatter tests
- Measurement uncertainty
- Video presentations
Session 9: Hands-On Fiber Optic Testing & Troubleshooting (Video)
- Proper test equipment use
- Testing cables, connectors, splices, and equipment
- Troubleshooting and fault location
- Common failures and reworks
- Fiber repairing techniques
- Tools and materials needed:
- Safety glasses
- Miller jacket stripper
- Aramid yarn scissors
- Needle nose pliers
- Armored cable cutter
- Large jacket slitter and stripper
- Fiber optic stripper
- Utility knife
- Cable pulling eye and tape
- Test equipment:
- Optical loss test sets
- Optical time-domain reflectometers (OTDRs)
- Fiber identifiers, visual tracers, and inspection tools
- Optical talk sets and dispersion testers
- Testing documentation
- Employee training and video presentation
Section 10: Safety
- Fiber optic safety best practices
- Visual safety with fiber optic sources
- Wavelengths and eye safety
- Laser classifications and safe use
- Safety eyewear and personal protective equipment
- Chemical safety and SDS
- Safe work areas and installation practices
Day 3 Session: 9.00am to 5.00pm – Practical Rework and Repairs
Note: Rework and Repair kits plus essential tools will be provided by the company.
Fiber Optics: Hands-On Practical – Rework, Repair and Maintenance
Fusion Splicing
- Method: Melts and joins fiber ends with a fusion splicer for seamless connection.
- Best for: Low-loss repairs.
- Requires: Specialized equipment and skilled technicians.
Mechanical Splicing
- Method: Connects fiber ends mechanically like a connector.
- Best for: Situations without fusion splicer or with lenient loss budgets.
- Notes: Higher loss than fusion, easier to perform.
Connector Splicing
- Method: Connects fiber ends via connector, suitable for easy connect/disconnect.
- Best for: Patch panels and temporary fixes.
- Notes: Simpler but may cause some loss.
Damage Assessment
Identify the type and extent of damage to choose the correct repair method.
Testing
Use OTDR and Visual Fault Locator (VFL) to locate faults and verify repairs.
Preventive Maintenance
Perform regular cleaning of connectors and testing to maintain system integrity.
Essential Tools for Fiber Optic Cable Repair
- OTDR: Detects faults by reflecting light pulses in the fiber.
- Fiber Optic Cutter: Makes precise cuts to fiber.
- Fiber Optic Stripper: Removes protective coatings carefully.
- Fiber Cleaver: Cuts fiber at exact angles for better splices.
- Fusion Splicer: Joins fibers thermally for low-loss connection.
Conclusion
- Training summary
- Post test
- Training evaluation
- Questions & Answers
