What is optical fiber?
The simplicity of using fiber optic communications may seem attractive. However, the testing of fiber optic cables requires understanding some basic principles that differentiate them from the testing of analog cables that preceded them.

An optical fiber consists of a very fine glass wire, surrounded by a protective plastic envelope. The light, injected into the heart of the fiberglass, follows the physical path of this fiber because of its total internal refraction between the heart and the sheath.

The three components of an optical fiber
Optical fiber is made up of:

Core: the center of the fiber optic cable, made of specially treated glass or plastic. It is used to transmit light over the entire length of the cable and must, therefore, be as pure and clean as possible.
Sheath: an additional layer, made of a material similar to that of the heart, but with a lower refractive index to facilitate continuous refraction from the light source to the heart.
Coating: the outer layer of the cable which envelopes, protects and insulates the core and the sheath.
Types of optical fiber
Optical fiber is classified into different types (multimode or single-mode) depending on how it allows light to move. The type of fiber is closely related to the diameter of the core and the sheath.
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Multimode fiber offers several advantages, mainly the lower cost of transmitters and receivers and the simplicity of coupling to them. However, its relatively high attenuation (optical loss) and its low bandwidth limit the transmission to short distances.

Orange will inform households eligible

Orange will inform households eligible for the connection as they go.

Then, it will be a question of passing the fiber until your residence, after having chosen your operator. The law provides that the connection is free of charge for (co) owners and occupants.

You are the owner:
You can compare fiberizing proposals directly with operators by consulting their websites. Apply directly for the one you have selected.

You are a tenant :
As an occupant of the accommodation, you benefit from a "right to fiber"  FFTH , the owner cannot oppose it. In co-ownership, you will have to ask your landlord by mail (recommended with acknowledgment of receipt) to have the issue of building fiberizing brought to the agenda of the next general meeting.
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You are co-owner:
It will be a question of choosing the building operator who will be responsible for connecting the fiber from the street to the landings and finally to the homes. Then, each household will be free to choose its own internet service provider. He can keep his current subscription or take a fiber optic subscription.

Objectives of the Fiber Optic Technician training

Fiber optics provide ultra-fast Internet access, even for long distances.
New services are therefore gradually appearing alongside the development of telecom networks. Examples include real-time, high definition video streaming from mobiles to other mobile or fixed equipment. But more generally the announced revolution concerns the generalization of communication with all kinds of objects with a chip from anywhere ... even between the objects themselves (example: receiving an SMS or a message on TV because his boiler is having a problem or a gate has opened in such a place).

The deployment of optical fiber to the subscriber (FTTH) is therefore one of the major projects in the coming years. It is accelerating in France and represents a significant potential for job creation, but it also requires the development of new skills.

These skills are mainly grouped in two areas:
The implementation of an FTTH network (or operator) and the measures to estimate the quality of this implementation which remains more sensitive than that of a traditional computer network.
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This Fiber Optic Technician training will allow you to acquire all these skills. We will explain how to build your connections (mechanical splice, fusion arc) and integrate them into the existing network while being able to validate your actions (measurements by reflectometry and photometry). Finally, you will learn how to generate reports and build a standard recipe book to give a professional dimension to your work. The theoretical dimension will be limited to giving you the perspective necessary for understanding everyday actions and therefore for better memorization.

Self Supporting Optical Cable AS 80 and AS 120 Fibracem

The Self-Sustained Optical Cable is used in aerial networks, it does not have any metallic item to support the cable traction, being therefore totally dielectric (electrically isolated). Due to its compact structure and with a reduced amount of fibers (up to 12), it is indicated for intermediate and final installations in rural and urban optical networks and can be launched in spans of up to 120 meters (AS 120, or spans of 80 meters for AS cables) 80).

The internal configuration of the self-supporting optical cable consists of the tying of two FRP (plastic reinforced fiber) together with a loose tube. The loose structure consists of intubating the naked optical fibers together with a protective jelly that keeps the fibers away from moisture. AS cables can contain 2, 4, 6, or 12 fibers (cables with 1, 8 or 10 fibers on request).

The outer cover of the self-supporting optical cable is made of thermoplastic material with anti-UV protection, which will prevent degradation of the cable exposed to the weather. It is worth mentioning that this cable is only suitable for outdoor aerial installations and does not have flame retardant additives, standard NR.
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By adding the Self-Sustained Optical Cable - AS to its product line, Fibracem intends to offer installers a completely dielectric cable option, which avoids electrical discharges in the networks and also reduces the installation cost by dispensing the grounding of the optical networks.

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During the design stage, each cable run should have an estimate of the estimated losses based on the specifications of the components. After installation, it is necessary to test each fiber of all fiber optic cables to verify proper installation, comparing the measured loss with the estimated optical loss. 


Commonly the installer will perform the following tests: 

The continuity checks to determine that the fiber routing and/or polarization are correct and that the documentation is adequate. 

Point-to-point insertion loss tests with a power meter and OLTS source. Multimode cables must be tested using TIA / EIA 526-14 Method B and single-mode cables using TIA / EIA 526-7 unless the compatibility of the test equipment of the connectors requires another reference method. The total loss should be less than that calculated in the estimated optical loss using the appropriate standards or customer specifications. If the test shows differences with the estimated losses, you must diagnose and solve them.   


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Optionally, an OTDR can be used to verify cable installation and splicing operation. However, tests with OTDR should not be used to determine cable losses. If the cables are short, it is not appropriate to use an OTDR in internal plant installations. An experienced OTDR technician should determine when its use is appropriate.   

If the design documentation does not include the length of the cable network, and this is not recorded during the installation, you should read the length from the distance marks on the cable jackets or test the fiber length using the option of Length available in an OTDR or some OLTS.

Installation guidelines of optic fiber

Follow the manufacturer's instructions, since nobody knows how to handle the cables as well as the company that manufactured them. The fiber optic cable is often custom-designed for installation and the manufacturer may have specific indications for its installation.

Check the cable length to ensure that the cable being pulled is long enough for the planned cable run. If possible, try to complete the installation of a single run. Before any installation, evaluate the route carefully to determine the installation methods and obstacles that may arise. 

Tensile stress

Cable manufacturers install special mechanical resistance elements, in general aramid yarn (Dupont Kevlar) to absorb tension when the cable is pulled. The fiber optic cable should only be pulled through these resistance elements, unless the cable design allows it to be pulled by grips. Any other method could strain the fibers and damage them.   

The swivels should be used to hook the rope or pull belt to the cable to prevent the cable from twisting during cable drag.

The cables should not be pulled by the jacket unless it is approved by the cable manufacturers and the mesh used is an approved one, in general the so-called "Kellem type fastener", also these fasteners are usually tied to the reinforcement elements.

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How to find the right training

Learn about new applications

Something we always point out is that there are many different applications for fiber optics and that there are important differences in their design, installation, and testing.   For example, technicians in the external plant always make the terminations with industrially manufactured connectorized fiber cables ( pigtails ), while the technicians in internal installations make the terminations directly on the fibers with adhesive or polished, or with pre-polished connectors. FTTx technicians only use preassembled cables. Those technicians who change from one application to the other, in addition to training, will need training in the workplace to understand the application and develop the necessary skills.

How to find the right training

Whatever interests you, make sure the courses you take are suitable for your interests, otherwise they will be a waste of money and time. Here are some options to consider:

Can you learn it yourself? Some of us learn better on our own.   Is information available on the subject, for example in the FOA's online fiber optic reference guide? There are good videos that can help too, especially those with practical topics such as cable routing and termination. Can you get the right tools and components that should be used to develop the necessary skills? Is there anyone who can go for help? 

Does the manufacturer offer training? Does it cover what you need to know? Does this offer a lot of practice with the equipment and components?   Will you get a certification as an approved installer from that manufacturer?  Certification can help you get business with customers of that manufacturer.

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Hardware and equipment

External plant installations may require the installation of support structures before cable installation can begin. New corrugated ducts or subducts may need to be buried or existing ducts may need verification, removal of old cables and installation of new corrugated subducts. Even some buried cables may require the installation of sewers or controlled environment vaults for equipment, as well as conduits. 

The contractor must not only consider all the hardware that he will need to install but also must program the necessary special equipment: trenchers or trailers, backhoes, crane trucks, cable handles, etc. and you must also ensure that the staff is well trained to use it.

Cable splicing

Once the infrastructure is in place and the cables have been installed, work begins with the fiber optic. At this stage, the important thing is to program the availability of the appropriate equipment for the optical fiber. If the splice is made outside, a splice tray is normally used, unless the splices are made on a pole or in a basket. In that case, a tent will be needed if there are bad weather conditions. 

If there are joints, it means that each joint must be verified by an OTDR test. Preferably and to be efficient, the test should be performed every time a splice is made, while the person making the splice is in the work area at the other end of the cable there is an OTDR test technician to verify each splice. Fiber optic splicing machines give an estimate of splice losses, but it is just that, an estimate, and having to reopen the splice box to re-splice is a more expensive option.

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Many fiber optic cables are made to measure

Many fiber optic cables are made to measure, as they depend on the type of cable, the number of fibers, the type of fibers and the color coding. Tailored cables are generally cheaper because they have no extra fibers, for example, for specifications you don't need; but they have more waiting time since they have to be manufactured from scratch. However, when specifying a fiber optic cable, always try to have some extra fibers, in case one is damaged during installation. 

A cunning contractor always tries to use the same type of components in all of his work, to be familiar not only with the installation process but also with the typical costs (namely, the number of connectors or joints that will pass the test at once ) and with the possible problems that may arise. 

If installers are not familiar with any of the components, they should learn how to install it correctly, either by experimenting in their spare time in the office or by asking manufacturers to teach them. The need to learn can also arise when new types of tools are required, such as tools for installing cables in an external plant or new test equipment. The fundamental principle of the installation is never to take to work a component or a tool with which you are not familiar, since it is a formula for disaster. 

Buyers need to order the components when the work has been achieved and organize the delivery in the work area, either to have everything available before the installation begins, or in the case of a large work with a more extensive schedule, when as needed, depending on how long the installation of that component takes. Here you should also plan where the components will be delivered, for example in a download area in your warehouse or in the work area.

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A visual inspection is required upon receipt of the cable coils

A visual inspection is required upon receipt of the cable coils and, in the event that visible damage is detected, that the cable in the coil be tested to determine its continuity before installation. That way, it is checked that you have not suffered any damage to the shipping path from the manufacturer to the workplace. Since the installation cost is usually high, often much higher than the cost of the materials, it is logical to ensure that the installed cable is in good condition and that it should not be discarded and replaced.

As usual, it is enough to verify continuity by means of a visual continuity plotter or a visual fault locator. However, cable reels can be tested with an OTDR if it is suspected that damage may exist and you want to document it or determine if part of the cable should be discarded (or retained for later reimbursement for damaged material).

After the installation and termination of the cable, each segment of the cable network must be evaluated individually, as installed, to ensure that each connector and each cable are in good condition. Finally, the loss of each end-to-end line must be assessed (from a device connected to the cable network to another), as required by all standards.

Each fiber in each cable must be evaluated. Therefore, the total number of tests to be performed is equivalent to the number of cable segments multiplied by the number of fibers in each cable. This process can take a long time.

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