Course Content

Overview of outside plant (OSP) fiber optic networks 

Importance of OSP in telecommunications 

Applications and benefits of OSP fiber optics 

Basic principles of fiber optic communication 

Types of optical fibers (single-mode, multi-mode) 

Fiber optic cable construction and specifications 

Understanding light transmission, attenuation, and dispersion 

Types of OSP fiber optic cables (aerial, underground, submarine) 

Connectors, splices, and terminations for OSP 

Passive components (splitters, couplers, WDM devices) 

Active components (transceivers, amplifiers, switches, routers) 

Design objectives and considerations for OSP networks 

Planning for capacity, scalability, and redundancy 

Environmental considerations and route planning 

Balancing cost, performance and quality 

Aerial installation methods and techniques 

Underground installation methods and techniques 

Proper handling and protection of fiber optic cables 

Introduction to splicing techniques (fusion) 

Fusion splicing procedures and best practices 

Importance of testing in OSP fiber optic networks 

Testing equipment and tools (OTDR, OLTS, power meters, VFLs) 

Insertion loss and return loss testing 

OTDR testing and trace analysis 

Troubleshooting common OSP fiber optic issues 

Importance of link budget in OSP network design 

Calculating link loss and power margin 

Factors affecting OSP link performance 

Designing for optimal signal strength and quality 

Compliance with local, national, and international regulations 

Ensuring adherence to industry best practices 

Importance of accurate documentation in OSP 

Creating design documentation and blueprints 

Using network design software and tools 

Maintaining as-built documentation and records 

Planning and scheduling OSP network projects 

Resource allocation and management 

Risk management and mitigation 

Quality assurance and control 

Safety protocols for OSP work 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for OSP 

Safe handling and disposal of fiber optic materials 

Examples of successful OSP network projects 

Lessons learned from real-world OSP installations 

Analyzing and learning from OSP project challenges 

Real-world OSP network installation and testing scenarios 

Hands-on practice with splicing and testing equipment 

Instructor-led demonstrations and guided practice 

Troubleshooting exercises and case studies 

Review of key concepts and techniques 

Sample questions and practice exams 

Tips for successfully passing the CFOS/O certification exam 

Objective Learn proper techniques for installing aerial and underground fiber optic cables. 

Aerial Installation:  

Practice pole attachment techniques. 

Maintain proper cable tension and sag. 

Install slack storage and service loops. 

Underground Installation: 

Practice trenching and direct burial methods. 

Install cables in conduit systems. 

Use pulling equipment to avoid cable damage. 

Objective: Gain proficiency in fusion splicing of fiber optic cables. 

Steps: 

Prepare fibers for splicing (stripping, cleaning, and cleaving). 

Perform fusion splicing using a splicing machine. 

Apply splice protection (heat shrink sleeves or mechanical protectors). 

Enclose and secure splices in splice trays and closures. 

Objective: Learn mechanical splicing techniques and applications. 

Steps: 

Prepare fibers for mechanical splicing. 

Use mechanical splice connectors to join fibers. 

Test the mechanical splices for continuity and loss. 

Objective: Use Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDRs) for testing and troubleshooting. 

Steps: 

Set up and calibrate the OTDR. 

Perform OTDR tests to measure fiber length, loss, and reflectance. 

Analyze OTDR traces to locate faults, splices, and connectors. 

Document OTDR test results. 

Objective: Measure and analyze insertion loss and return loss in fiber optic links. 

Steps: 

Set up power meters and light sources. 

Measure insertion loss using single-ended and double-ended methods. 

Measure return loss to assess reflections in the fiber link. 

Document test results and compare them with industry standards. 

Objective: Identify faults and inspect fiber end-faces using VFLs and inspection scopes. 

Steps: 

Use a VFL to identify macro-bends, breaks, and faulty connectors. 

Inspect connector end-faces with an inspection scope. 

Clean connectors using proper cleaning tools and techniques. 

Objective: Create and maintain accurate documentation for fiber optic installations. 

Steps: 

Record as-built information, including cable routes and splice locations. 

Document test results, including OTDR traces and loss measurements. 

Maintain logs of maintenance and troubleshooting activities. 

Objective: Diagnose and resolve common fiber optic network issues. 

Scenarios: 

Identify and locate a break in an aerial fiber optic cable. 

Resolve high insertion loss in a fiber link. 

Repair a faulty connector or splice. 

Address signal degradation due to macro-bends or micro-bends. 

Objective: Apply skills in simulated real-world environments. 

Steps: 

Perform a complete installation of an OSP fiber optic link from end to end. 

Conduct comprehensive testing and troubleshooting of the installed link. 

Document the entire process, from installation to final testing and reporting.