Fiber Optics Installer (FOI) Certification Exam Guide

Bill Woodward has served four terms as chairman of the Electronics Technicians Association, International and is a principal electrical engineer based in Chesapeake, VA. He is also the committee chairman of the ETA fiber optic installer (FOI), fiber optic technician (FOT), and fiber optic designer (FOD) certification programs.

Introduction xxvii

Assessment Test xxxii

Chapter 1 History of Fiber Optics and Broadband Access 1

Evolution of Light in Communication 2

Early Forms of Light Communication 2

The Quest for Data Transmission 3

Evolution of Optical Fiber Manufacturing Technology 4

Controlling the Course of Light 4

Extending Fiber’s Reach 6

Evolution of Optical Fiber Integration and Application 7

Broadband since the Turn of the Century 8

The Role of Fiber Optics in Broadband 9

Broadband Speed and Access at the Turn of the Century and Today 9

Summary 10

Exam Essentials 11

Review Questions 12

Chapter Exercises 13

Recognize the Refraction of Light 13

Identify Total Internal Reflection 13

Detect Crosstalk between Multiple Optical Fibers 14

Recognize Attenuation in an Optical Fiber 14

Chapter 2 Principles of Fiber-Optic Transmission 15

The Fiber-Optic Link 16

Transmitter 17

Receiver 17

Optical Fibers 18

Connectors 18

Decibels (dB) 19

Calculating dB Power Loss and Power Gain 20

Expressing dB in Percentages 21

The Rules of Thumb 24

Absolute Power 25

Summary 28

Exam Essentials 28

Review Questions 29

Chapter Exercises 31

Calculate the Decibel Value of a Gain or Loss in Power 31

Calculate the Gain or Loss in Power from a Known Decibel Value 31

Calculate the Gain or Loss in Power Using the dB Rules of Thumb 31

Convert dBm to a Power Measurement 32

Convert a Power Measurement to dBm 32

Chapter 3 Basic Principles of Light 33

Light as Electromagnetic Energy 34

Wavelength and Frequency 35

Characteristics of Electromagnetic Radiation 37

The Electromagnetic Spectrum 38

Refraction 41

What Causes Refraction? 42

Calculating the Index of Refraction 44

Total Internal Reflection 45

Fresnel Reflections 48

Summary 49

Exam Essentials 50

Review Questions 51

Chapter Exercises 54

Convert Various Wavelengths to Corresponding Frequencies 54

Convert Various Frequencies to Corresponding Wavelengths 54

Calculate the Amount of Energy in a Photon Using Planck’s Constant 54

Calculate the Speed of Light through a Transparent Medium Using Its Refractive Index 54

Use Snell’s Law to Calculate the Critical Angle of Incidence 55

Calculate the Loss in Decibels from a Fresnel Reflection 55

Chapter 4 Optical Fiber Construction and Theory 57

Optical Fiber Components 58

Core 59

Cladding 59

Coating 60

Standards 61

Materials 62

Tensile Strength 65

Manufacturing Optical Fiber 65

Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD) 67

Outside Vapor Deposition (OVD) 68

Vapor Axial Deposition (VAD) 68

Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (PCVD) 68

Mode 69

Calculating the Numerical Aperture and Modes 70

Refractive Index Profiles 71

Summary 75

Exam Essentials 76

Review Questions 77

Chapter Exercises 80

Select the Proper Optical Fiber Coating for a Harsh Environment 80

Identify an Industry Standard that Defines the Specific Performance Characteristics on an Optical Fiber 80

Identify an Optical Fiber from Its Refractive Index Profile 80

Calculate the Numerical Aperture of an Optical Fiber 81

Calculate the Number of Modes in an Optical Fiber 81

Chapter 5 Optical Fiber Characteristics 83

It All Adds Up 85

Dispersion 86

Modal Dispersion 87

Material Dispersion 88

Waveguide Dispersion 89

Chromatic Dispersion 89

Polarization-Mode Dispersion 93

How Dispersion Affects Bandwidth 94

Attenuation 95

Absorption 96

Scattering 97

Total Attenuation 97

Bending Losses 98

Microbends 99

Macrobends 99

Numerical Aperture 102

Equilibrium Mode Distribution 104

Fiber Specifications and Standards 105

Revisions and Addendums 106

Mirroring of Performance Specifications 106

Premises Standards 107

Single-Mode ITU Standards 110

Multimode ITU and IEC Standards 116

Specialty Optical Fibers 117

Summary 118

Exam Essentials 118

Review Questions 119

Chapter Exercises 123

Calculate the Attenuation in dB for a Length of Optical Fiber 123

Calculate the Usable Bandwidth for a Length of Optical Fiber 123

Calculate the Total Macrobending Loss in a Single-Mode Fiber-Optic Cable 124

Calculate the Total Macrobending Loss in a Multimode Fiber-Optic Cable 124

Calculate the Acceptance Angle for an Optical Fiber 125

Determine the Latest Published Revision of a Standard Using the Internet 126

Chapter 6 Safety 127

Basic Safety 128

Engineering Controls 129

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 129

Good Work Habits 130

Light Sources 130

Federal Regulations and International Standards 131

Laser Safety 137

Handling Fiber 137

Chemicals 139

Isopropyl Alcohol 139

Solvents 140

Anaerobic Epoxy 141

Site Safety 141

Electrical 141

Ladders 142

Trenches 143

Emergencies 143

Injury 143

Chemical Exposure 143

Fire 144

Summary 144

Exam Essentials 144

Review Questions 146

Chapter Exercises 148

Classify a Light Source Based on Optical Output Power and Wavelength 148

Identify the Symptoms of Exposure to Solvents 148

Calculate the Proper Distance the Base of a Ladder Should Be from a Wall 148

Chapter 7 Fiber-Optic Cables 149

Basic Cable 151

Cable Components 153

Buffer 153

Strength Members 157

Jacket 158

Cable Types 161

Cordage 161

Distribution Cable 162

Breakout Cable 163

Armored Cable 163

Messenger Cable 164

Ribbon Cable 166

Submarine Cable 166

Aerospace Cable 168

Hybrid Cable 170

Composite Cable 170

Cable Duty Specifications 171

Cable Termination Methods 172

Fanout Kit 172

Breakout Kit 172

Blown Fiber 174

NEC Provisions for Fiber-Optic Cables and Raceways 174

NEC Fiber-Optic Cable Types 175

Cable Markings and Codes 178

External Markings 178

Color Codes 179

Cable Numbers 181

Sequential Markings 182

Bend Radius Specifications 183

Summary 183

Exam Essentials 183

Review Questions 185

Chapter Exercises 189

Determine the Cable Type from the NEC Markings 189

Identify the Fiber Number from the Color Code 189

Determine the Fiber Number from the Cable Markings 190

Identify the Optical Fiber Type from the Color Code 190

Determine the Optical Fiber Type from the Cable Markings 191

Determine the Cable Length Using Sequential Markings 191

Chapter 8 Splicing 193

Why Splice? 194

Splice Performance 194

Intrinsic Factors 195

Extrinsic Factors 200

Splicing Safety 203

Splicing Hazards 203

Splicing Equipment 208

Cleaning Materials 208

Cleavers 211

Mechanical Splice 214

Fusion Splice 216

Splicing Procedures 220

Mechanical Splicing Procedure 220

Fusion Splicing Procedure 225

Splice Performance Requirements 236

Summary 238

Exam Essentials 238

Review Questions 239

Chapter Exercises 241

Determine if the Splice Loss Is from an Intrinsic Factor 241

Determine if the Splice Loss Is from an Extrinsic Factor 241

Calculate the Potential Splice Loss from a Core Diameter Mismatch 241

Troubleshoot a Fusion Splice 242

Chapter 9 Connectors 243

The Fiber-Optic Connector 245

Ferrule 246

Cap 247

Strain Relief 249

Body 251

Connection Performance 253

Intrinsic Factors 253

Extrinsic Factors 255

Geometry 256

Interferometer 259

Connector Types 267

Single-Fiber Contact Connectors 267

Single-Fiber Noncontact Connectors 271

Multiple-Fiber Contact Connectors 272

Connector Termination 281

Tools 282

Epoxy 292

Abrasives 293

Hand Polishing 295

Assembling the Connector 295

Machine Polishing 300

Pre-polished Connectors 300

Cleaning and Inspection 305

Endface Cleaning 305

Endface Inspection 314

Connector Performance 325

Connector Color Code 325

Summary 326

Exam Essentials 326

Review Questions 328

Chapter Exercises 332

Evaluate Connector Endface Polishing 332

Evaluate Connector Endface Cleaning 332

Evaluate Connector Endface Geometry 334

Identify an Optical Fiber Type from the Color of the Connector Strain Relief 334

Chapter 10 Fiber-Optic Light Sources and Transmitters 335

Semiconductor Light Sources 336

LED Sources 337

Laser Sources 338

Light Source Performance Characteristics 339

Output Pattern 339

Source Wavelengths 343

Source Spectral Output 345

Source Output Power 347

Source Modulation Speed 348

Transmitter Performance Characteristics 348

LED Transmitter Performance Characteristics 349

LED Transmitter Applications 352

Laser Transmitter Performance Characteristics 353

Laser Transmitter Applications 358

Higher Power Transmitters 362

Light Source Safety 363

Classifications 363

Safe Handling Precautions 364

Summary 364

Exam Essentials 365

Review Questions 366

Chapter Exercises 369

Determine the Minimum Optical Output Power for an LED Transmitter 369

Determine the Maximum Optical Output Power for an LED Transmitter 370

Determine the Minimum Optical Output Power for a Laser Transmitter 371

Determine the Maximum Optical Output Power for a Laser Transmitter 372

Chapter 11 Fiber-Optic Detectors and Receivers 373

Photodiode Fundamentals 374

Other Types of Photodiode 375

PIN Photodiode 376

Avalanche Photodiode 376

Photodiode Responsivity, Efficiency, and Speed 377

Responsivity 377

Quantum Efficiency 377

Switching Speed 378

Fiber-Optic Receiver 378

Receptacle 379

Optical Subassembly 379

Electrical Subassembly 379

Receiver Optical Performance Characteristics 381

Dynamic Range 381

Operating Wavelength 381

Optical Attenuators 381

Types of Attenuators 382

Calculating the Attenuation Value 383

Summary 383

Exam Essentials 383

Review Questions 384

Chapter Exercises 385

Calculate the Dynamic Range for an LED Receiver 385

Calculate the Dynamic Range for a Laser Receiver 386

Chapter 12 Cable Installation and Hardware 387

Installation Specifications 389

Bend Radius 390

Tensile Rating 391

Installation Hardware 395

Pulling Eye 395

Pull Box 396

Splice Enclosures 397

Patch Panels 400

Installation Methods 404

Tray and Duct 404

Conduit 406

Direct Burial 408

Aerial 408

Blown Fiber 408

Wall Plate 411

Cable Slack 411

Fire Resistance Bonding and Grounding 412

Fire Resistance 412

Bonding and Grounding 414

Cable Types 414

Hardware Management 415

Cleanliness 415

Organization 415

Clamps and Cable Ties 416

Labeling Requirements and Documentation 417

Documentation 420

Polarity 421

Electrical Codes 424

The National Electrical Code (NEC) 424

The Canadian Electrical Code 425

The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) 425

Summary 425

Exam Essentials 426

Review Questions 427

Chapter Exercises 430

Determine the Minimum Cable Bend Radius 430

Determine the Maximum Cable Tensile Rating 430

Determine the Fill Ratio for a Multiple-Cable Conduit Installation 431

Chapter 13 Fiber-Optic System Advantages 433

The Advantages of Optical Fiber over Copper 434

Bandwidth 434

Attenuation 438

Electromagnetic Immunity 442

Size and Weight 443

Security 444

Safety 445

Summary 446

Exam Essentials 446

Review Questions 448

Chapter Exercises 449

Calculate the Bandwidth for a Length of Optical Fiber 449

Calculate the Attenuation for a Length of Optical Fiber 451

Chapter 14 Test Equipment and Link/Cable Testing 453

Calibration Requirements 454

Continuity Tester 455

Visual Fault Locator 459

Fiber Identifier 463

Inline Optical Power Monitoring 466

Inline Optical Power Monitor 467

Inline Network Sensors 468

Optical Return Loss Test Set 469

Stabilized Light Source and Optical Power Meter 470

Multimode OLTS 471

Single-Mode OLTS 474

Patch Cord 475

Test Jumper 475

Launch Conditions, Mode Filters, and Encircled Flux 477

ANSI/TIA-526-14 Optical Loss Measurement Methods 480

Method A, Two-Test Jumper Reference 482

Method B, One-Test Jumper Reference 483

Method C, Three-Test Jumper Reference 484

Patch Cord Optical Power Loss Measurement 485

Connector Insertion Loss Measurement 486

Link Segment and Cabling Subsystem Performance Measurements 487

Tier 1 Testing 488

Documentation of OLTS Testing 489

Tier 2 Testing 489

Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer 490

OTDR Theory 490

OTDR Display 494

OTDR Setup 496

Cable Plant Test Setup 499

Testing and Trace Analysis 502

Documentation of OTDR Testing 510

Emerging Testing Standards 511

Summary 512

Exam Essentials 512

Review Questions 514

Chapter Exercises 515

Perform Optical Loss Measurement Testing of a Cable Plant 515

Determine the Distance to a Break in the Optical Fiber with an OTDR 515

Measure the Loss of a Cable Segment with an OTDR 516

Measure the Loss of an Interconnection with an OTDR 517

Measure the Loss of a Fusion Splice or Macrobend with an OTDR 517

Appendix Answers to Review Questions 519

Chapter 1: History of Fiber-Optics and Broadband Access 520

Chapter 2: Principles of Fiber-Optic Transmission 520

Chapter 3: Basic Principles of Light 521

Chapter 4: Optical Fiber Construction and Theory 522

Chapter 5: Optical Fiber Characteristics 523

Chapter 6: Safety 525

Chapter 7: Fiber-Optic Cables 525

Chapter 8: Splicing 527

Chapter 9: Connectors 527

Chapter 10: Fiber-Optic Light Sources and Transmitters 529

Chapter 11: Fiber-Optic Detectors and Receivers 530

Chapter 12: Cable Installation and Hardware 531

Chapter 13: Fiber-Optic System Advantages 532

Chapter 14: Test Equipment and Link/Cable Testing 533

Glossary 535

Index 569