FOA Guide To Fiber Optics (original) (raw)
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
Fiber Optic Networks: basic applications and transmission systems
Fiber Optic Datalinks, Fiber Optic Transceivers for Datalinks
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
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
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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 Leave a copy on your desktop to impress your friends, or on the table in your company's reception area instead of out-of-date magazines.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)
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
GlossaryFREE 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 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.
Basic Overview
The Jargon and the Technology
OSP Fiber Networks, Basic Applications and Transmission SystemsFiber Optic Datalinks
Optical FiberFiber Optic Cables VHO: Cable preparation.Midspan Access
Splice VHO: Mech splice Fusion: single fiber ribbon
Termination VHO: Epoxy/Polish, Anaerobic,Hot Melt Pre-Polished Splice/SOC Singlemode termination
VHO Insertion loss testing Using an OTDR
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
FTTH (Fiber To The Home) and Fiber Broadband. New FOA FTTH Handbook (printed & Kindle eBook) Free Online Course on Fiber U
Fiber For Wireless Networks. Free Online Course on Fiber U
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 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 FTTxNetworks 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 NetworksNew 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)
Fiber For Wireless. Free Online Course on Fiber U
Internet
CATV
Premises Networks, LANs,Section on Premises Networks
Data Centers Free Online Course on Fiber U
Security, CCTV for surveillance
Electrical Utilities
Smart Cities
Industrial
Building automation
Consumer entertainment
MilitaryMedia Conversion: Converting copper or wireless to fiber, etc.
Attenuating Power In Overloaded DatalinksNon-Communications Applications
Fiber Optic Lighting (TT)
Inspection/ Viewing Using Fiber OpticsVideos on fiber optic applications on
Fiber Optic And Cabling Technology and 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 OpticsWavelengths 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 WorkPower 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 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 CablesANSI/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.
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
Reading Markings on Fiber Optic Cables
High Fiber Count Cables (1728+).
Fiber Optic Cable Jacket And Connector Color Codes
Cable Preparation: VHO: Cable preparation Midspan Access Midspan Access (hands-0n) Free Online "Fiber Optic Skills Lab" Course on Fiber U Videos on
Patchcords – selection, testing, management
Connectors & Termination Free Online "Fiber Optic Skills Lab" Course on Fiber U
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
Basic termination including testing connectors (Tutorial)
Adhesive/polish connectors VHO: Epoxy/Polish, Videos on
Hints For Adhesive/Polish Connector Terminations
Prepolished/splice connectors and SOC VHO: Pre-Polished Splice/SOC Videos on
Singlemode fiber termination: VHO: Singlemode termination
Microscope Inspection And Cleaning of Fiber Optic Connectors
Cleaning Fiber Optic Connections
Splices Free Online "Fiber Optic Skills Lab" Course on Fiber U
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
Compatibility of G.652 and G.657 BI Singlemode Fibers.
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Tools
Fiber Optic Tools For Installers
Tools for Cable and Fiber PreparationHardware
Transmission Equipment
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)
Attenuatorsfor 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
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
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)
Acceptance of the Finished Installation - Deliverables.
Application of Standard Project Management Processes in Fiber Optic Cable Plant Project ManagementDesigning Fiber Optic Networks, a short reference guide for managers, users, contractors, installers, etc. (Printable PDF, 1.3 MB)
FOA Video Lectures on fiber optic network design on
FOA Textbook on Network Design
FOA textbook on Fiber Optic Network Design
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.
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 UGetting Training
Installation Checklist - step by step installation planningAcceptance of the Finished Installation - Deliverables.
The Role of the Contractor
Planning the Installation
Project Management Processes For Fiber Optic Projects (PDF) See also the
Safety procedures Including Eye Safety Video on safety on
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 CablesPremises 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 TestingTest 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 TestsOTDR 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 DevicesCleaning Fiber Optic Connections (do this before testing or connecting to equipment)
Technical Issues For Testing
5 different Ways To Test Fiber Optic Cables According To International Standards
Accurately Testing Fiber Optic CablesDifferences in OTDR and insertion loss measurements
The Math of Insertion Loss Testing - Reference MethodsMismatched 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.![NEW]()
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)
FOA Textbook on Fiber Optic Testing
Using Fiber Optic Systems
Fiber Optic Network Management (For Managers)
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
UpgradingFOA 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 VideosThe 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 )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 CablingVideos : 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 PatchcordsVideos: 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 FibersDemonstration
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 FiberUsing 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 CableProduct 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 PatchcordsFOA 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 ResourcesCross 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 AttenuatorsBasic Fiber Optics And Cabling Courses
Basic Fiber OpticsBasic 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 CharacterizationDesign Specialist
Fiber Optic Network DesignFiber 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 BroadbandFOA 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 Handbookavailable 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=1Getting Started Guides
These two guides are simple introductions to the subjects. They will explain the applications, jargon, components and installation in a quick overview.
Lennie Lightwave's Guide to Fiber Optics (online) and available as 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
Interested in linking to FOA webpages or reproducing FOA copyrighted technical materials? Here is the FOA policy on use of our technical 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.
