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New Edition Of FOA Design Book
Google Continues To Expand
What's in a Photonic Integrated Circuit?
Documenting The World,s Fiber Networks
Seen On The Street - Photos Of Fibers
Resources For STEM Teachers
What's New And Popular On FOA Website
News
FOA Courses in Kampala, Uganda
AOL DIal Up Interenet Discontinued
Another LEO Satellite Network Planned
Canada Requires Open Access Networks
Qatar Open Access Teleocm Ducts
FCC Adopts New Submarine Cable Rules
Albuquerque Issues New Rules For Installers
POF Conference
Minnesota Underground Installer Certification
Technical
New FTTH Book In Serbian
BI Fiber And Loop Attenuators
What Technical Advisors Are Telling US
Updated OTDR Trainer
Worth
Reading Lots of interesting
articles to read, watch or listen to.
Q&A
Interesting questions from our readers
Workforce Training/FiberU
Types Of Work Done By Fiber Techs
FOA-Approved School News
Fiber U
MiniCourses
Resources
New FOA Technical Resources
Safety
About the FOA
FOA Certified Techs:
Time
To Renew Your FOA Certifications?
Jobs
- See FOA Jobs
Web Page and FOA on
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- Using your FOA
Training/Certification to Find the Right Job
in Fiber Optics
Where
Are The Jobs In Fiber Optics?
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Trademarks:
The FOA logo and name, CFOT® (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) and
Fiber U® (the FOA online learning site) are
registered trademarks of the FOA.
Want to know more about fiber optics?
Looking for specific information? Here's the largest
technical reference on the web: The
FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide.
Free online self-study programs
on many fiber optics and cabling topics are
available at Fiber U,
FOA's online web-based training website.
FOA
Reference Books
Available Printed or eBooks
The fiber book is
available in Spanish and French
  
  
  
Click on any of
the books to learn more.
- Fiber
Optic Safety Poster to download and
print
FOA Videos on 
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The FOA Newsletter is
edited by Jim Hayes - send your stories, leads,
ideas, comments to <jim @ foa.org>
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Current Issue of FOA
Newsletter
Time To Renew Your
FOA Certifications?
To
keep your FOA certifications active, you need to
renew them when they expire every 3 years. Now we have a new more
convenient way to renew - an online store at Paypal
- where you can quickly and conveniently use your
PayPal account or your credit card to renew your
certifications.
- Renew
online with a credit card or PayPal
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Join FOA On
Social Media
FOA
has 3 LinkedIn Groups
FOA
- official page on LinkedIn - covers FOA, technology and jobs in the fiber optic
marketplace
FOA
Fiber Optic Training - open to all, covers
fiber optic technology and training topics
Grupo
de La Asociación de Fibra Óptica FOA (Español)
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New Edition Of FOA Design Book Includes Project Management
 FOA
has just published a new edition of its textbook on fiber optic network
design, an expanded version with new material covering project
management. Fiber optic network design and network management are
closely related topics, both highly important in the success of a fiber
project.
The previous edition was created a decade ago as a reference book for fiber optic network designers and a textbook for FOA CFOS/D certification
courses training fiber optic techs to design fiber optic networks. The
topics are linked to material also available online in the FOA Guide.
The book has always covered some aspects of project management. Adding
project planning and management adds more information about the
beginning of a project, from concept through planning and including
things a manager needs to know to get a project off the ground. It also
expands on the project manager role in planning and overseeing the
installation of the cable plant.
The new book is available as a paperback or Kindle book. You can buy it from Amazon or local booksellers worldwide.
Coming Soon - FOA CFOS/D Certification Fiber U Course Update
Along with the update of the FOA textbook, there will be an update of
the FOA CFOS/D certification to add project management to the
curriculum. That will involve an update of the CFOS/D curriculum used by
our schools and the certification exam. We will also be updating the Fiber U Design self study program. This should all be updated for 2026.
Google Fiber Continues To Expand Its Networks
Almost 15 years ago, Google created a sensation by
offering to build an experimental gigabit fiber optic network in a city, but the cities had to apply.
Of about 1,000 cities responding, Kansas City was chosen. Following its
successful debut in KC, Google
Fiber expanded to Austin, Texas, Provo, Utah, Atlanta, Georgia,
Charlotte and Research Triangle, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee,
Slat Lake City, Utah and San Antonio, Texas.
Since the beginning, Google Fiber has had many successes and a few
failures. Several cities had problems, notably Louisville, Kentucky
where Google Fiber
tried unsuccessfully to streamline installation by burying fiber close
to the surface of roadways, an experiment that failed. That caused
Google Fiber to abandon its Louisville project.
After some quiet periods, Google Fiber, now known as GFiber,
is still expanding. Now its focus seems to be on Colorado. As reported
in the Colorado Sun, GFiber is installing FTTH in several areas
including one large development, Highland Ranch, a development with over
100,000 residents.
What is interesting about this GFiber project, however, are the photos
Google Fiber provided the newspaper of their work. They are using
microtrenching.
 
GFiber photos from the Colorado Sun story
Google was one of the first companies to try microtrenching before they
started installations, even hosting an event to showcase the technology
and promoting it as a way to speed installation and minimize disruption.
Fierce Telecom.
More about GFiber.
What's Inside A Photonic Integrated Circuit?
High speed fiber optic networks are a lot of
science and a bit of magic. They can also be artistic, as this video
shows. A tech who routinely opens integrated circuits to analyze them
was sent two photonic integrated circuits (PIC.) He had no idea what
they were, but readers filled in some details. This Infinera PIC is an
ICE-6 optical engine for 500 Gb/s made in 2020, so it is 5 year old
technology. It has 5 fibers, 2 transmit and 2 receive channels and a
diagnostic output fiber.
While the person opening the PIC was unfamiliar with optical devices,
some readers added some interesting details (read all the comments!),
noting the presence of lasers, couplers, extermal modulators, detectors,
lenses, optical isolators and beam splitters. The compelxity of this
PIC is astounding, and remember it's 5 years old! Wonder what today's
PICs look like?
Watch the video on YouTube.
Documenting The World's Fiber Networks
The entirety of the world's communications
depends on fiber optics. The physical network is owned by thousands of
organizations, includes cabe plants with different physical
characteristics and transmits data using various protocols. Users
looking to lease communications services or dark fiber and service
providers looking for fiber to complete networks or set up backup routes
must do their own investigations to find sources of fiber capacity. Now
a group has formed to try to help make this data available.
The Open Fibre Data Standard (OFDS) is an open data, open standards
initiative supported by the Internet Society. OFDS seeks to
develop and implement a standardized way of describing terrestrial fiber
optic networks designed to enable effective information sharing and
aggregation among telecommunication regulators and operators.
As a standard, it facilitates the exchange, analysis, and visualization
of fibre network data across different stakeholders, including
governments, telecom providers, and researchers. By providing a
consistent schema, OFDS enhances interoperability, transparency, and
informed decision-making in broadband expansion efforts.
Read more: https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2025/04/the-open-fibre-data-standard/
Seen On The Street - This Month's Photos
We're in downtown Los Angeles this month.
This large loop waiting for completion of the project is quite artistic.
Look closely and you can see the figure 8 cable loops along with a
teardrop and on the upper right almost a Yin and Yang symbol,
appropriate since it was in LA's Chinatown. Did you know there is a way
to coil fiber without twisting that looks like the Yin and Yang symbol?
Nearby in a commercial district in downtown LA, we saw this square
utility pole bringing electrical power into a building. Have you ever
seen a square utility pole?
This pole is at the corner of Sunset Blvd and The Pacific Coast
Highway.It's at the boundary of the area damaged by the Palisades fire
in January. That may account for some of the chaos we see here.
Jump to News
Classroom
Resources For STEM Teachers In K-12 And Technical Schools
 Here is the POF kit sent to teachers for demonstration.
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 STEM Teachers.
FOA
also has a YouTube
Video on "Careers
in Fiber Optics" and a "Careers
In Fiber Optics" Website.
What Is An FOA Credential?
As FOA celebrates our 100,000th CFOT® certified technician,
introduces the "FOA Badge In Fiber Optics" for others working in the
field and adds new courses at Fiber U which offer a "Certificate of
Completion," it's a good time to explain the differences between them. FOA has created a page to explain the differences in certifications, certificates and badges.
All FOA
Certification Credentials Are Now Online
All FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technicians now have their certification
credentials online.
if your FOA certification has not expired you should have been notified you have an
online credential. If you did not get notification it may be because
FOA did not have a valid email for you. Contact FOA to inquire about your certification credential.
And now, introducing a new FOA credential: The "FOA Badge In Fiber Optics"
An industry-wide credential for professionals working in fiber optics
Now available in Spanish - Ahora también disponible en español
 
FOA is best known as the certifying body for over 100,000 FOA-certified fiber optic technicians
who build worldwide networks. FOA has been asked many times about credentials for other
professionals in fiber optics.
Besides the technicians that design,
build and operate the fiber optic networks the world uses for
communications, there are many other professionals that are essential
for the success of the fiber optic and cabling industries. These
professionals manufacture, sell and distribute fiber optic components or
plan and manage the projects that include fiber optics.
For everyone working in the fiber optic field. FOA offers the new FOA Badge in Fiber Optics.
Go here for more information on the FOA Badge in Fiber Optics
or watch the YouTube video.
New Fiber U Course: Fiber
Optic Safety Covers Construction And Installation
This
new Fiber U course focuses on safety in fiber optic installation. There are two lessons in this course,
fiber optic construction and fiber optic installation. The dividing
line between the two courses is the installation of the fiber optic
cables. Construction leads up to and/or is completed when the cables are
installed. Installation begins when the fiber tech installs the cable,
then completes the splicing, termination testing and documentation. The
overlap between the two is the installation of the cables where both
construction personnel and fiber optic techs are involved.
Here is the new Fiber U "Fiber Optic Safety" self-study program. Take the course and get your certificate of completion.
Enhance your safety with the FOA Safety Vest.
 
We bought one ourselves - it's well made and distinctive.
New Edition of FOA's Basic Fiber Optics Textbook
 It has been 5 years since we have updated the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics,
so it is certainly time for an update. The latest version is different
enough we call it a new edition. Many of the updates are for new
technologies which are reshaping the fiber optic industry like coherent
transmission, BI fibers, etc. We've also added a section on the fiber
optic workforce which has much relevance because this book is used to
train those entering the workforce. We've also worked on making the book
more readable, adding formatting that eases reading and a new
comprehensive index.
Inflation was an issue, but the price only goes up $2 to $29.95 for the paperback and $12.95 for the Kindle version.
The new edition of the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics is available from Amazon and booksellers worldwide.
New/Updated Web Pages
Index Of Articles On Fiber Broadband Networks From The Fiber Optic Association - dozens of articles on fiber broadband over the last 4 years.
FOA Credentials: the differences in certifications, certificates and badges.
Satellite Communications
OSP Aerial Construction Workmanship
Splices And Connections Of Regular to BI Singlemode FIbers.
Fiber Optic Safety - Installation and Construction.
Fiber Optic Network Troubleshooting.
Books
FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics, Second Edition, second edition of the basic fiber textbook.
The Fiber Optic Association Guide To Fiber Broadband Is A Hit With Broadband Planners Paperback ($12.95) and Kindle ($9.95) versions available from Amazon or most booksellers. Kindle version is in color!
New In The FOA Guide - Introduction To Broadband and Guidelines For Fiber Optic Project Planners
FOA Guide To The Fiber Optic Workforce
- what we've learned in developing the fiber optic workforce over 30 years and more than 100,000 certified techs.
Cross Reference Guide to Textbooks, Online Guide and Fiber U FOA Videos Guide.
FOA has a web page with resources on fiber broadband and the IIJA/BEAD funding programs.
FOA Newsletter
Sections
News
Technical
Worth
Reading Q&A
Training/FiberU
Resoures
Safety About
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News
Lots more news
in Worth Reading below
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FOA Training Around The World
Kampala, Uganda, Africa
Ian Gordon Fudge of FIBERDK
reports in from Africa: "Congratulations to Arnold, Junior, Joan,
David, Lewis, Ruth, Abdul, Emmanuel, Erick, Edigar on passing the FOA
CPCT Certified Premises Cabling Technician training in Kampala Uganda at
the Namirembe-guesthouse , During the training they all built a
complete copper and complete fiber installation and tested it when
finished.
Ian is one of our most widely traveled
instructors. Based in Denmark, he has trained and certified fiber techs
from the Arctic Circle to Central Africa.
Hyderabad, India
FTTH and Smart Technologies conducted a CFOT class in Hyderabad, India.
Announcement From AOL That Surprised Us:
AOL Dial-up Internet to be discontinued
"AOL routinely evaluates its products and
services and has decided to discontinue Dial-up Internet. This service
will no longer be available in AOL plans. As a result, on September 30,
2025 this service and the associated software, the AOL Dialer software
and AOL Shield browser, which are optimized for older operating systems
and dial-up internet connections, will be discontinued.
This change will not affect any other benefits in your AOL plan, which you can access any time on your AOL plan dashboard."
Read the announcement here.
The surprise was that anyone was still using dial-up to
connect to the Internet. That means they still have a POTS line too. We
were not surprised that AOL - America Online, one of the first big ISPs -
is still around; we know plenty of people who still have AOL email
addresses. If you are not old enough to remember the famous AOL CD mail
campaigns or even AOL itself, here is a short history on Mental Floss.
Another LEO Satellite Network Planned
Echostar,
the company that includes boost mobile, dish satellite TV, sling
streaming and Hughes satellite Internet service, is the latest entry
into the LEO service provider market. Echostar will be competing with
SpaceX Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, OneWeb, Russia Roscosmos Sfera, China's
Hongwan and who knows who else will join the fray. Hughes is the pioneer
of satellite Internet using geostationary (GEO) satellites, followed by
VIASAT which has not announced any LEO plans.
Echostar has chosen MDA Space as
its satellite provider. MDA has a long history of accomplishments in
space, beginning in the late 1960s. MDA will build an initial 200
satellites designed to provide global talk, text and broadband services
through standard 5G handheld devices. The Echostar LEO satellites will
cost an estimated $5billion US.
Read more.
Canada Requires Broadband Fiber Networks Be Open Access
To encourage competition that benefits
consumers, Canada has instituted a policy of open access to fiber
networks. After a period of public comments, the Canadian
Radio-television And Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) required Bell
Canada, SaskTel and TELUS to provide competitors with wholesale access
to their fibre networks. Competitors have already been using this
opportunity to offer services to consumers.
New fiber networks are not included in the open access model from August
2024 to August 2029, 5 years, to allow companies to recoup their
investments on new builds. In addition, Canada's largest ISPs (Internet
service providers) cannot use this option in territories they already
serve, only in new territory.
There are other requirements of this program, explained by the CRTC in the original announcement , a summary of the policy and a recent update.
Qatar Open Access Telecom Ducts Available For Service Providers
Qatar Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA)
has opened access to more than 4,860 kilometres of government telecom
duct infrastructure.
CRA’s mandate is to optimize the use of national telecom assets, enable
licensed service providers to scale their networks more efficiently, and
support the delivery of high-quality digital services to homes and
businesses. The initiative also reflects CRA’s strategic objective to
promote fair and open access to essential telecom infrastructure –
reducing duplicate deployments, improving investment efficiency, and
accelerating the rollout of next-generation technologies such as fibre
to the home (FTTH) and 5G.
Managed by the country’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the
infrastructure spans 60 projects and covers over 40,000 residential,
commercial, and government premises nationwide. To date, more than
15,500 premises have been connected via the CRA-managed government
telecom duct infrastructure. Operator Ooredoo has utilised 468
kilometres of ducts to serve 2,010 consumers' premises, while another
operator, Vodafone Qatar, has deployed 251 kilometres to connect 1,150
of its consumers.
Read more in Developing Telecoms.
FCC Meeting Adopts New Submarine Cable Rules
The FCC Open Meeting of August 7 included the following docket item:
Accelerating Buildout of Secure Undersea Cable Infrastructure – The Commission will consider a Report and Order
that would modernize the Commission’s submarine cable rules to unleash
high-speed infrastructure deployment, while strengthening our national
security. The Commission will also consider a Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking that would build upon the Report and Order by proposing
measures to further streamline and improve timeliness of submarine cable
application review and make other updates to address national security
threats. (OI Docket No. 24-523, MD Docket No. 24-524)
The FCC News Release noted: The Federal Communications Commission
today adopted new rules to unleash the buildout of secure submarine
cable infrastructure. Submarine cable systems carry roughly 99% of
global internet traffic and are key to further extending America’s
leadership in AI and next-generation technologies. The new rules
streamline the submarine cable licensing process, give certainty to
investors, and accelerate the timelines for building cables.
Text of FCC News Release
Albuquerque, New Mexico, US Issues New Rules For Fiber Optic Installation Fiber
internet companies now have more rules to follow after the city of Albuquerque issued new rules.
Fiber optic construction is supposed to help with high-speed internet.
After Albuquerque citizens complained about the fiber optic construction
process, stating installers are leaving behind a mess in their yards,
breaking water lines and other concerns, the city issued new rules for
fiber optic installers.
The city's new rules are:
- Proof of clear written notice before work begins
- Written materials available in English and Spanish
- Mandatory identification on all contractor vehicles and outer clothing
- Reduced work hours for construction
- A support line monitored from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Strict deadlines to resolve complaints
- Stronger enforcement actions, including fines and stop-work orders for violations.
Going forward, the city should be using a more oversight of contractors.
KOAT TV, Channel 7 Albuquerque.
The 33rd International Conference on Plastic Optical
Fibers (POF 2025) will be held from October 29–31 at Boston University
Photonics Center in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. The conference is
co-organized by the International Cooperative of Plastic Optical Fibers
(ICPOF) and Information Gatekeepers. It is the only technical conference
that addresses the latest advances in POF technology, applications and
industry progress each year.
In addition to the technical program, an
accompanying exhibit will allow companies to showcase their latest POF
products and technologies. We also invite you to show off your company's
technologies and products at the exhibition booths.
More information is available at https://pof2025.org
Quote Of The Month/Year (maybe Century!) (this is worth repeating)
Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia +
Technology Conference, AT&T’s CEO John Stankey said, “There’s a
fallacy to say there’s fixed networks and wireless networks. There are
only fiber networks with different access technologies on the end of
them. That’s where this is all going.”
|
Technical
Fiber optic
technology, standards, equipment, installation,
etc.
The FOA
Update Page covers the new technology
and applications we covered in this newsletter
recently. Now you can review all that new tech at
once.
Cross Reference To FOA Technical Reference Materials
The FOA has almost 1,000 pages of technical information on the FOA Guide,
100+ videos and two dozen online courses at Fiber U, all this can make
it difficult to find the right information.
Cross Reference To FOA Tech Materials
To help this, we have created a cross reference guide to the textbooks,
Online Guide and Fiber U courses, all the FOA technical information.
Besides the textbooks, online Guide and Fiber U, each section of the
Guide also includes links to the 100+ FOA videos available.
Cross Reference Guide to Textbooks, Online Guide and Fiber U
FOA Videos
We have also rearranged the 100+ FOA videos in similar categories on the
Contents Page of the Online Guide, making the videos, especially the
lectures, much it much easier to find a video on a particular
topic.
FOA Videos Guide.
Want to know more about fiber optics? Study
for FOA certifications? Free
Self-Study Programs are on Fiber
U®
|
New Book On FTTH Construction in Serbian Language
FOA contributor Vladimir Grozdanovic has written a new book on Construction of FTTH Networks in his native language of Serbian.
 CONSTRUCTION OF FTTH PON NETWORKS
For the successful construction and implementation of FTTH PON networks,
it is not enough to have only theoretical knowledge, but also an
understanding of everyday challenges in the field, best practices, as
well as the consequences of poorly executed work.
This book provides a detailed overview of all stages in the construction
of FTTH PON networks. It covers the transport and storage of cables and
equipment, various trenching methods and cable laying, cable
preparation and fusion splicing, as well as the installation and
configuration of active equipment. Special attention is given to common
construction mistakes, innovative solutions, and workplace safety.
Written in a straightforward style, with maximum focus on practical work
and richly illustrated, this book is essential for everyone who wants
to gain a deeper understanding of construction procedures and acquire
the practical skills necessary for the successful implementation of FTTH
PON networks.
IZGRADNJA FTTH PON MREŽA
Za uspešnu izgradnju i realizaciju FTTH PON mreža nije dovoljno imati
samo teoretsko znanje već i razumevanje svakodnevnih izazova na terenu,
najboljih praksi, kao i posledica loše izvedenih radova.
Ova knjiga pruža detaljan pregled svih faza izgradnje FTTH PON mreža.
Obuhvaćeni su transport i skladištenje kablova i opreme, različite
metode formiranja rovova i polaganje kablova, njihova obrada i fuziono
splajsovanje, te instalacija i konfiguracija aktivne opreme. Posebna
pažnja posvećena je uobičajenim greškama u izgradnji, inovativnim
rešenjima i bezbednosti na radu.
Pisana jednostavnim stilom, sa maksimalnim fokusom na praktični rad i
bogato ilustrovana, ova knjiga je neophodna za sve koji žele da
detaljnije razumeju procedure izgradnje i steknu praktične veštine
potrebne za realizaciju FTTH PON mreža.
For more information about the book, please contact the author. Vladimir Grozdanovic grozdanovic85@gmail.com
Tech Notes And Articles From FOA's Worldwide Network Of Advisors
FOA has a worldwide network of technical advisors who
help us develop our knowledge base. This month we have contributions
fro several regular contributors, Eric Pearson, a founder of FOA, and
Vladimir Grozdanovic in Serbia. We provide an abstract here and a link
to read the entire article which will be added to the FOA Online Guide.
Bend-Insensitive Fibers, Long Wavelength Testing And Loop Attenuators
In a recent discussion with several FOA tech advisors about testing at
long wavelengths with an OTDR to find stress points in fiber optic
cables, we learned something in addition.
Although most G.652 singlemode fibers are now equivalent to G.657.A1
fibers as bend insensitive fibers, there is still enough sensitivity to
bending losses that testing with an OTDR at 1625nm will still show
cables with excess stress. So it is worthwhile to continue testing
singlemode at 1310, 1550 and 1625 nm.
However, the loop style attenuator shown above may be obsolete. They
have been used for years to create attenuators without reflectance,
especially with patchcords at the receiver when signals need a small
amount of attenuation. But they are not very effective with today's bend
insensitive fibers, so optical attenuators must be used instead.
Thanks to Joe Botha, Triple Play in South Africa and Ian Gordon Fudge at FiberDK in Denmark for this information.
Ensuring
Reliability By Proper Fiber Optic
Installation
The goals of a fiber
optic installation should not be solely based on achieving the lowest
initial cost. Should lowest cost result in reduced reliability, lowest
initial cost may result in significantly increased lifecycle cost.
Eric Pearson does it all, educator, writer,
consultant, with a resume' going back to the beginning of fiber optics.
Here's advice from Eric on the way to ensure the long term reliability
of a fiber optic cable plant by proper installation.
Ensuring
Reliability By Proper Fiber Optic
Installation
Testing that Demonstrates, or Not, High Reliability
Interpreting Test Results (Coming soon)
3D Inspection and Precision Cleaning
Field Service and Production Line Considerations When Precision Cleaning and Inspecting Fiber Optic Surfaces by Ed Forrest. Ed has decades of experience in developing cleaning solutions for fiber optic connectors.
What FOA's Instructors And Technical Advisors Are Telling Us
In the October 2024 FOA Newsletter we ran a long illustrated feature article offering
guidelines for aerial cable plant installation, illustrated by some
"excellent" bad examples. That article elicited quite a few comments,
especially from the instructors at some of our FOA schools around the
world, and led to some discussions with others in our field, including
manufacturers. Several topics seem to warrant further discussion, so we
thought it would be interesting to share some of our notes and encourage
more inputs before we cover the topics in detail in future issues of the
newsletter.
Here are some of the topics of the comments published in the November 2024 Newsletter. Some, we promise, are controversial! Feel free to comment.
Aerial Cable Plant Workmanship
Read the recently updated FOA Guide sections Aerial Cable Installation and Aerial Cable Plant Workmanship. and see FOA Guidelines for Aerial Cable Installation.
Is It Just The OTDR Or Is Singlemode Loss Really Directional?
Read the explanation of OTDR directional differences in the FOA Guide page on OTDRs.
A Quiet But Important Change In The Fiber Optic Cable You Buy
With so many cable designs today,
like microcables or high fiber count cables, requiring bend-insensitive
fibers, would it make sense to make all or most singlemode fibers as
bend insensitive fiber?
Two manufacturers (Corning and OFS) told FOA the industry is moving towards a G.657.A specification
in fiber, because the industry is moving towards smaller denser cables
in the network & the bend resilience is a requirement for the cable
design. So singlemode fiber is moving to being BI fiber, exactly what happened
with 50/125 laser optimized fibers a decade ago. With most new fiber,
compatibility is not an issue. But it is recommended to check with the
cable manufacturer if you are not sure what fiber is being used in the
cable you are purchasing.
Read the entire FOA report on compatibility of G.652 and G.657 singlemode fiber that includes this summary.
Jump to Worth
Reading
Updated FOA OTDR Trainer
FOA has rewritten the FOA OTDR Trainer around Fiberizer. The Fiberizer PC
software was the version we used for creating the Trainer, but the basic
techniques apply to all versions of Fiberizer. FOA provides a folder of
sample traces in 3 categories - Parameter Traces, Sample Traces and PON
Traces - around which we build the trainer. If you set up Fiberizer,
you can complete the FOA OTDR Trainer lessons and then use the same
software to analyze other traces you may have, even from other brands of
OTDRs, as long as they are .sor files.
The FOA OTDR Trainer is ready to help you learn about OTDRs. Go to the OTDR Trainer page,
tech/ref/testing/OTDR/OTDRsimulator.html, choose your version of Fiberizer, download the FOA Traces and you are ready to go.
FOA wishes to thank VeEX
for permission to use their Fiberizer® software in our OTDR trainer.
And our compliments to them for making the ap available on multiple
platforms that ensure anybody can use it.
How Good Are Your OTDR Launch/Receive Cables?
FOA received an inquiry about some OTDR traces that
showed failures. Quite a few fibers failed at the final connection to
the receive cable, indicating that there could be a problem with the
connection - dirt of a bad connector on the receive cable. Have you
checked the connectors on your OTDR - or OLTS - reference cables
recently? You should inspect and clean them regularly - every few
connections - to ensure they are good. If they are bad, they will cause
false failures on the cable under test.
NECA/FOA 301 fiber optic installation standard
withdrawn
 The NECA/FOA 301 fiber optic installation standard has been
withdrawn. It's almost a quarter century old and a decade since the
last update. It has been decided the standard needs to be replaced with a
more modern document covering current technology and written in a
format that allows easier updating.
In the meantime, there is lots of useful information in the standard and you can still download a free copy from FOA.
Download your free copy of ANSI/NECA/FOA-301
here (PDF)
FTTH Technical Papers
FOA contributor Vladimir Grozdanovic has created these technical papers based on his field experiences.
Splicing Optical Power Ground Wire OPGW
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Construction Methods For Microtrenching
Fiber Optic Ducts And Microducts
Fiber Optic Tools
Optical Distribution Frames (ODFs) And Patch Panels
Using Fiber Identifiers
Testing The FTTH PON Network (new)
Troubleshooting PON Installations.
Installation of FTTH Active Equipment in the FOA Guide.
Optical Splitters in the FOA Guide.
Examples of poor installation of FTTH in the aerial outside plant and in the customer premises.
Learning Important Information From A Found Cable Scrap
While walking down the street near the FOA office, we found this cable
laying in the gutter. What a find! A short length of Corning Rocket
Ribbon 864 fiber cable left over from an installation by a contractor.
We brought the cable back to our office with the intention of opening it
up and creating a video about the construction of this modern high
fiber count cable, but something got our attention first. The cable had a
very
long line of printing on it with lots of interesting and useful
information. So before we started deconstructing it, we decided to
photograph the printed information and interpret it. That turned out to
be an important part of the information we learned from the cable. Then,
as you will see below, we dissected the cable and learned even more.
Red more about what this cable marking tells you and what the cable looks like when you open it up to prepare for splicing.
Managing Fiber Optic Projects - The Gantt Chart
(With An Excel File To Make Your Own)
The most common way to track projects is the Gantt Chart, a
chart of activities that tracks the progress of projects along a
timeline. each activity is represented by a bar and the position and
length of the bar represents the starting date and duration of the
activity. This allows you to see what activities are needed for the
project, when the activities start and end so it can be used to track
the progress of the project visually. Here is what a Gantt Chart for a
fiber project might look like:
 You might remember an article in the FOA Newsletter in April 2022 or the FOA Guide page on Project Management about the timing of a fiber optic project where we showed the progression of steps in a project like this:
The Gantt Chart is simply this list converted to a Gantt Chart
using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. You can download a copy of the FOA Gantt Chart spreadsheet (xlsx file - 16kB)
and use it to create your own Gantt Chart for any project. All you have
to do is to input your own data and change the activity names as
necessary. You can also follow the directions from Microsoft to create your own version.
Help On Color Codes (Including Copper Cabling And Fiber Optics)
The FOA has created a print-your-own pocket guide to fiber
optic color codes. It has
color codes for fibers and buffer tubes, connectors and premises cables
inside and on the back, QR codes to take you directly to the FOA Guide
and Fiber U. The FOA
Guide page on Fiber Optic Color Codes is one of the most read pages on the FOA
website and the Fiber Optic Color Codes minicourse on Fiber U very popular also.
  
Here are the links to download your own FOA Guides to Fiber Optic Color Codes
FOA Guide to Fiber Optic Color Codes (print your own version) PDF
FOA Guide to Fiber Optic Color Codes (electronic version for your smartphone, tablet or PC) PDF
And Color Codes For UTP Cabling
FOA Guide to UTP Cabling Color Codes (print your own version) PDF
FOA Guide to UTP Copper Cabling Color Codes (electronic version) PDF
Warning For Techs Doing OSP Restoration
 FOA received an inquiry about whether techs
working on restoring OSP links should be concerned about eye safety if
the link used fiber amplifiers. To answer this question, we had to do some research on fiber amplifiers.
The short answer is YES, you should be concerned. The long answer is
more technical and includes details that every OSP tech needs to know.
See "Fiber Amps And Restoration" in the FOA Newsletter Archives..
Try The FOA's Online
Loss Budget Calculator
FOA
has written many articles about loss budgets,
something everyone involved in fiber optics needs to
know and needs to know how to calculate. We've
created a online Loss Budget Calculator that does
the work for you. Just input your cable plant data
and it calculates the loss budget. It works on any
device, especially smartphones and tablets for field
use and even allows printing the results.
Bookmark
this page (especially on your smartphone): FOA Loss Budget Calculator
Online
|
Worth Reading
Each month we read
hundreds of newsletters and online articles. These
are the ones we think you will find "worth
reading."
FOA has a web page with resources on fiber broadband networks and the IIJA/BEAD funding programs.
Index Of Articles Fiber Broadband Networks From The Fiber Optic Association - dozens of articles on fiber broadband over the last 4 years.
Cross Reference Guide to FOA Textbooks, Online Guide and Fiber U
 AT&T PR photo from the mid 1970s
The FOA's History
Stories From The Past FOA Newsletters
Recent articles from The FOA Newsletter
Fake OTDR Traces Submitted For Testing Documentation January 2023 Tech
Using OTDRs To Test Transoceanic Cables And PONs February 2023
POF - the Other Fiber March 2023
What Do Employers Expect From A Fiber Optic Tech? April 2023
Are Standards Ignoring The OSP? May 2023
FOA Has Proven Results In Fiber Optic Workforce Development June 2023
BEAD Funding For States Announced And Analyzed July 2023
Wisdom From The Street (Analyzing the printing on a fiber optic cable) July 2023
Focus On Disasters August 2023
FOA's Role In Education and Work Done By Fiber Techs September 2023
The Workforce: New US DoL Bureau of Labor Statistics Telecom Tech Category October 2023
How Many Telecom Techs Do We Need and How Big Is The Fiber Optic Market November 2023
Guidelines For Fiber Optic Project Planners December 2023
2023 Year In Review. Kentucky Shows The Value Of Fiber January 2024.
What is Broadband? History of the Cable Modem February 2024
It's Just Economics. Things you need to know. March 2024.
Fiber To The Shore - Undersea cables along the coast April, 2024.
The Future Of The Fiber Tech May 2024.
|
Worth Reading (And
Watching Or Listening)
Do you know what a "Clanker" is? From the NYTImes.
SpaceX says states should dump fiber plans, give all grant money to Starlink - Ars Technica
Finland Charges Ship’s Crew Members in Slashing of Undersea Cables - NYTimes. The tanker, the Eagle S, was detained last December.
AT&T just made it official: Workplace loyalty is dead, Business Insider
Volunteers fight to keep ‘AI slop’ off Wikipedia - Washington Post. Hundreds of Wikipedia articles may contain AI-generated errors. Editors are working around the clock to stamp them out.
Some New Mexico BEAD builds could top $40K per location served - Broadband Communities. Is FTTH worth THAT much?
Say farewell to the AI bubble, and get ready for the crash - Michael Hiltzik, LA Times
MIT report "The GenAI Divide: State of AI in Business 2025" found that “95% of organizations are getting zero return” on investments in generative AI,
Threat Intelligence Report: August 2025 - ANTHROPIC Are your systems vulnerable?
Deep Dives (Takes a while to read but worth it)
Investing In Fiber Optic Networks -Hexatronic - not
like venture capital investing, but how financial decisions in network
design may have big effects on the total cost of a network.
VIAVI "NITRO" Fiber Sensing Solutions - VIAVI
is offering systems to use fibers as sensors for finding cabling
problems, structural monitoring and security. Focus is on electrical
power transmission, piplelines, and critical infrastructure. IT might
apply to your network.
Investing in Middle Mile Can Help Communities Achieve Broadband Equity. US Ignite
Quote of the month, May 2024: “Middle mile is like the
middle child that keeps getting ignored. If we continue ignoring it, at
one point in time, we will not be able to connect all of these new last
mile connections that we are planning on building in the next four
years.” Sachin Gupta, Director of Government Business & Economic Development
at Centranet.
Obstacles to Fiber Optic Workforce Training and Certification ISE Magazine
Recent Articles
Responsible Fiber Deployment: Strategies for Protection and Damage Prevention - Excavation Safety Alliance - YouTube video, 1hr.
Can Our Industry Develop Fiber Talent? ISE Magazine. Learn how states, schools and training organizations must work together to develop fiber field talent.
Pre-Excavation Safety Checklist (PDF) - Excavation Safety Alliance - essential steps before breaking ground for underground construction.
Fiber vs Wireless - Are You Kidding? ISE Magazine Of course we need both!
Developing a Fiber Workforce Really Does Take A Village - ISE magazine looks at the role of manufacturers' training in developing the fiber workforce.
How Many More Fiber Techs Do We Really Need? - ISE Magazine
CABL® (cabl.com) serves
the business needs of the Broadband industry (including traditional
cable TV, fiber, telecom and satellite providers) with employment
listings, classified ads, discussion forums, and more. A contractor told us it's where they find lots of opportunities for subcontracting.
Do You Believe In Magic? Sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. ISE Magazine.
The Secret to Future Proofing, ISE Magazine
The 45 Year Old Overnight Sensation - ISE Magazine (Read the complete Nov/Dec issue of ISE Magazine here.
ESRI has created an ebook on GIS location technology for telecom. Use the link to download the book.
Recruiting And Training Today's Fiber Optic Workforce - Learn the fundamentals to recruit and train new fiber optics -ISE Magazine.
Google Video On Their Undersea Cables YouTube Slick but interesting video on how undersea cables are designed, built and used.
Construction Without Disruption - ISE Magazine
Fiber Optics Installed By The Lowest Bidder - ISE Magazine
Building Broadband During Component and Worker Shortages
- Broadband Communities - Completing broadband builds requires
competent fiber optic techs, but training them requires understanding
how they learn.
Worth Reading - Magazines, Websites and Newsletters
CABL® (cabl.com) serves
the business needs of the Broadband industry (including traditional
cable TV, fiber, telecom and satellite providers) with employment
listings, classified ads, discussion forums, and more. A contractor told us it's where they find lots of opportunities for subcontracting.
The Institute for Local
Self-Reliance weekly newsletter has
lots of interesting articles and links.
Next Century Cities Newsletter
- News from cities around the US
including Detroit and New York plus small
Structured Cabling News
- a website and weekly newsletter about cabling
RTI Telecom Magazine from Brazil, in Portuguese. A revista RTI do mês de abril já está disponível online e recomendo a leitura de alguns artigos:
Worth Reading - History & Technical
FOA was founded in 1995 - FOA's History
As
part of celebrating 3 decades serving the fiber
optic industry as its primary source of technical
information and independent certifying body, FOA
thought it appropriate to create a short history of
the organization and how it has developed to
help the fiber optic industry. We also wanted to
recognize the contributions many people have made to
the organization over the years that made FOA what
it is today.
The FOA history is on the FOA
website where you can read it or link to
it.
1983
Video of AT&T's First Test Of A Submarine
Cable System From the AT&T Tech
Channel archives (worth exploring!)
Richard
Epworth's Optical Fiber History from his work
at STL from 1966 with Charles Kao.
50th Anniversary of The
Development of Low Loss Fibers A history
of the development of low loss fiber, a fascinating
story by Jeff Hecht on the OSA (Optical Society of
America) website.
The First Transcontinental Telephone Line
began operation on July 29th in 1915 - 3400 miles between New
York and San Francisco - required over 100,000 telephone poles! Wonders
of World Engineering
"Who Lost Lucent?: The
Decline of America's Telecom Equipment Industry"
This is a MUST READ for managers in telecom or any
industry!
Communications Systems Grounding
Rules: Article 800 provides specific
requirements by
Michael
Johnston, NECA Executive Director of
Standards and Safety in EC Magazine
How
To Build Rural Broadband, Learning From History
In the August 2021
FOA Newsletter, we published a lengthy article on
rural broadband and compared it to rural
electrification in America in the last century.
Much of the comparison was based on an article
written in 1940 by a USDA economist, Robert Beall,
called "Rural Electrification." If
you are interested in or involved in rural
broadband, we recommend you read the article "How
To Build Rural Broadband, Learning From History"
in the August 2021 FOA Newsletter and
read the Beall article also.
Recycling Fiber Optic
Cable - Contact:
Steve Maginnis
LD4Recycle/ CommuniCom Recycling
(Visit
website)
sm@LD4Recycle.com
803.371.5436
Sumitomo's Ribbon
Splicing Guide - download from
one of the leaders in splicing.
OFS also has an excellent
website and blog of tech articles worth browsing.
IEC 60050 - International
Electrotechnical Vocabulary - An
extensive dictionary for fiber optics in English and
French. Highly technical - this is one definition:
"mode - one solution of Maxwell's equations,
representing an electromagnetic field in a certain
space domain and belonging to a family of
independent solutions defined by specified boundary
conditions"
Restoration: If you are interested in restoration -
aren't we all? - you should also read this
article in dpPro magazine by FOA President Jim
Hayes: Damage Protection Requires
Looking Overhead As Well As Underground
- dpPRO Magazine - about the problems with
aerial cables. His previous article for the
magazine was New Techniques for Fiber
Optic Installation.
Universal access to broadband
is a cornerstone to a strong economy,
Achieving universal access will require
community partnerships. by Alfreda
B. Norman, Sr. VP, Federal Reserve Bank of
Dallas
FIBER TO THE FARM: The
co-ops that electrified Depression-era farms are
now building rural internet. Be sure to check out
the high-tech equine installation equipment.
Infrastructure Get Some
Respect, NY TImes "On Tech"
"The magic of the internet requires a lot of
very boring stuff behind the scenes. "
DIRT
Report On Damage To Utilities Common Ground
Alliance (CGA) annual DIRT report provides a
summary and analysis of the events submitted into
CGA’s Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) for
the year 2018. The complete report is available
for download here. In addition,
there is an interactive dashboard that
allows users to filter the data more by
factors contributing to damages.
Fiber Trivia From
Corning.
VIAVI Books On
Fiber Optic Testing (2 volumes) - They're back!
 
Besides
the FOA reference materials, two JDSU/VIAVI
textbooks, Reference Guide to Fiber Optic Testing,
Volumes 1 and 2, were used as references for
some of the FOA courses and are recommended for
instructors and students. The books are available
from VIAVI as eBooks and the everyone should
download them and recommend them to others.Download
yours now. Volume 1. Volume 2. Viavi Books
Ciena's Submarine Cable
Handbooks (4 to download)
How OFS Makes Fiber
Interesting YouTube video on how fiber is made.
Perhaps a little too much "show biz" but
fascinating. If you have ever seen fiber
manufacture, look at this video. You will be amazed
at how big preforms have become!
The True Cost of Telco Damages
(what backhoe fade or target practice can
cost)
Rural Electric Cooperatives:
Pole Attachment Policies and Issues, June 2019.
|
Q&A
When readers ask us questions, we genrally refer them to FOA
resources where they can find the answer to their question and many
more. We first send them to the FOA Guide
which is the table of contents for the FOA technical resources. There
they can find pages indexed by topic and a search engine for the FOA
website. It also links them to FOA videos and courses on our free online learning site Fiber U.
The FOA
Fiber FAQs Page (FAQs = frequently asked
questions) gathers up questions readers have
asked us (which first ran in this newsletter)
and adds tech topics of general interest.
|
Good Question!
Tech
Questions/Comments From FOA Newsletter Readers
Are Splices Too Close Together A Problem?
Q: When installing fiber in an plant. Is there a minimum distance that two splices should be apart? ;
A: The recommendation in the past was to bot have splices close
together since slight reflectances at the splices could cause an
interference problem with laser systems. The recommendation was to keep
splices 30-100m apart. IT was especially noted if you had to splice in a
section of cable to repair a cable break. However we have not heard
this in recent history, perhaps because fusion splices are so good. We
asked a number of FOA's technical advisors for their opinions. Their
feedback is the problem of reflectance causing problems at closely
spaced splices seems to have disappeared. It’s a matter of better
splicing machines and more consistent fibers, and also a matter of
lasers being engineered to work better in links.
Copper Tech Wants To Learn Fiber Optics
Q: I am originally from copper installations and faults
finding. I would like to get involved in Optic fibre faults and
finding, how do I go if there is a possible training it will be highly
appreciated,
A: Just learn about fiber, especially fiber testing and troubleshooting. Fiber U has courses you can take for free.
OSP Installation Standards
Q: I'm looking for standards for fiber optic OSP installation.
A: The whole issue of OSP standards has been one FOA been
trying to get standards bodies interested in for years with little
success, probably because it is an enormous project. Right now there are
two documents that address OSP cable plant:
ITU-T Technical Report, TR-OFCS Optical fibres, cables and systems, (3 July 2015)
As you can see, the ITU document is almost 10 years old and a lot has changed in that time.
The Other is the Telcordia Blue Book - Expensive but thorough
Telcordia Blue Book - Manual of Construction Procedures
Document Number SR-1421, Issue Number 07, Issue Date Jan 2023
Is The FOA CFOT® A License?
Q: Can you use a CFOT certification to install fiber and charge for it? Or do you need other licenses as well? ;
A: FOA Certification is considered evidence of competence and
accepted worldwide by many companies, groups, etc. Licenses are a legal
credential required by local authorities to conduct business for
anything from a barber to a truck triver to contractors doing fiber or
other work. Most locales require a license as a contractor which may
require a fiber specialty. You need to investigate this with your local
authorities.
Updating FOA Courses And Reference Materials
Q: How often are FOA courses updated? And when they get updated, what happens to those who would have done a previous version?
A: The FOA certifications are updated as needed to stay current with
technology and applications. Updates are incremental and we do not
require current certification holders to retake courses or exams.
Past questions can be found on the FAQs page.
Fiber Optic Color Codes Reference Chart
Q: Has anyone made a fiber optic pocket reference chart that has cable
color orders, frequencies, or other commonly used info on it?
A: The FOA has a page on its Online Guide that covers color codes
(https://foa.org/tech/ColCodes.htm). It is the most popular page in the
FOA Guide! It works great with a smartphone.
The
word on the "Dig Once" program is getting out - FOA
is getting calls from cities asking us for
information and advice. Here are some links:
The DoT page on the administration’s Executive
Order: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/otps/exeorder.cfm
And the
one to download and hand out:
A “How To” Guide from The Global Connect Initiative:
https://share.america.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/6.-GCI-Dig-Once.pdf
|
Training / FiberU
News and resources to help you learn more and stay
updated.
Learn about the fiber optic/ broadband workforce
Find a
listing of all the FOA-Approved schools here.
Free online
self-study programs on many fiber optics and
cabling topics are available at Fiber U, FOA's
online web-based training website.
Free online training at
Fiber U
The FOA has >100
videos on |
What Is An FOA Credential?
As FOA celebrates our 100,000th CFOT® certified technician,
introduces the "FOA Badge In Fiber Optics" for others working in the
field and adds new courses at Fiber U which offer a "Certificate of
Completion," it's a good time to explain the differences between them. FOA has created a page to explain the differences in certifications, certificates and badges.
All FOA
Certification Credentials Are Now Online
All FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technicians now have their certification
credentials online.
if your FOA certification has not expired you should have been notified you have an
online credential. If you did not get notification it may be because
FOA did not have a valid email for you. Contact FOA to inquire about your certification credential.
More about FOA's network of approved training organizations.
The Types of Work Done By Fiber Techs And How It Affects Training
What is a fiber optic technician? What kinds of work
do they do? Those topics were the center of FOA discussions with the US
Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics that led to the new job
category of "Telecommunications Technician" on the BLS
website. The focus of this job category is primarily the
installation and operation of the fiber optic cable plant, but one
should not forget the cable plant must be designed also as part of a
more extensive communications network.
In our discussion with the BLS analysts, we pointed out the various
stages of a fiber optic communications network project and how techs
with various knowledge and skill sets are needed and involved in every
step. This web page on the fiber optic workforce describes how FOA defines these stages of a project and the skills
of the techs needed. This is not unique to FOA; it's what has been traditional
at telecom companies forever.
FOA Schools
FOA's roster of approved schools continues to grow as more organizations
recognize our expertise in workforce development and our comprehensive
support for getting new schools started. FOA has over 25 years
experience and over 100,000 certified fiber techs (with ~140,000
certifications). As a non-profit organization founded by the industry
specifically to develop a competent workforce, FOA provides the
consultation, curriculum and contacts to get schools started as a free
service to new schools.
Need A Fiber Optic Course Onsite? Invite an FOA School To Come To You
Complete listing of FOA Approved Training Organizations
Fiber U
On-The-Job Training (OJT) Program
The
FOA Fiber U OJT program for novices combines online study at
Fiber U with OJT with mentoring by experienced
co-workers and their supervisor to help new employees
develop into experienced FOA-certified technicians.
The FOA Fiber U “OJT-To-Cert”
program includes both fiber optics
and premises cabling (copper, fiber & wireless),
so it covers techs working in both outside plant and
premises jobs.
Like other FOA
programs, the OJT-To-Cert program is free. If you
and/or your company is interested in the FOA
OJT-To-Cert program,
contact FOA.
To explain how OJT
works and FOA's OJT-To-Cert program, FOA created a
short video: Lecture 62: On
The Job Training For Fiber Optics Using Fiber
U
FOA
Direct Certification Program For Experienced Fiber Optic Techs
Experience Plus
Online Study At Fiber U = FOA Certification
Experienced fiber optic technicians can become FOA Certified using
their experience in fiber optics and study for the
FOA certification exams online at Fiber U. Thousands of
industry professionals have applied to the FOA
directly for certification without the need for
classroom training, based on their knowledge and
skills developed working the field. Since FOA
certifications are based on KSAs (knowledge, skills
and abilities), current techs can show the
skills and abilities required through their field
experience. FOA provides free online self-study courses at Fiber U for the knowledge
part to prepare you for FOA certification exams
which you can also take online.
If you are an experienced field tech interested in
certification, and FOA is the internationally
recognized certifying body for fiber optics, you can
find out more about the FOA Direct Certification Program
here.
If you are already a CFOT, FOA also offers many
specialist certifications you can obtain based on
your experience as a field tech. See what's
available at Fiber
U.
Fiber U "Basic Fiber
Optics" Online Self-Study Course Now In SpanishCurso Básico de Fibra Óptica
de Fibra U en español.
New Fiber U Course: Fiber
Optic Safety - Covers Construction And Installation
This
new Fiber U course focuses on safety in fiber optic installation. There are two lessons in this course,
fiber optic construction and fiber optic installation. The dividing
line between the two courses is the installation of the fiber optic
cables. Construction leads up to and/or is completed when the cables are
installed. Installation begins when the fiber tech installs the cable,
then completes the splicing, termination testing and documentation. The
overlap between the two is the installation of the cables where both
construction personnel and fiber optic techs are involved.
Here is the new Fiber U "Fiber Optic Safety" self-study program. Take the course and get your certificate of completion.
Fiber U MiniCourses: Got An Hour Or Less?
Learn Something New About Fiber Optics.
FOA
has introduced a new type of Fiber U
course, the MiniCourse, a free online course you
could take in a short time, perhaps as you ate lunch
at your desk or took a coffee break. The
topics of these courses should explain what they are
about, and these are all very important topics to
fiber optic techs.
All these free courses and many more
are available at Fiber U.
What Fiber Techs
Don't Know -
What We Learn From
FOA Certification Tests
As
FOA moves more testing over to our digital online
testing system at ClassMarker, we have access to
more data about our testing, including what
questions and topics on the tests are answered
incorrectly most often. Having this data gives us an
opportunity to evaluate the questions and how they
are stated, but more importantly it allow us to help
our instructors teach the subjects and us to change
our curriculum and online courses to emphasize these
particular topics. These are some of the topics that
we have noticed are answered incorrectly more often
in FOA and Fiber U tests.
Most of the questions missed are on testing.
1. OTDRs - particularly what information is in the
OTDR trace.
2. The difference between dB and dBm
3. Loss budgets - both the concepts and doing the
math
4. Insertion loss testing - single-ended or double
ended for testing patchcords or cable plants, how to
set 0dB references
5. Units of measure - fiber is measured in microns,
wavelengths in nanometers, etc.
At FOA, we're working to add Fiber
U MiniCourses on these topics and working with
our schools to emphasize these topics in their
classes.
If you are going to be taking a FOA certification
course or test in the near future, these topics
should be on your final exam study list.
What We Learn From Hands On Labs
We learn about students performance in hands-on labs
from the feedback of our instructors and our own
experiences too. One big problem is the use of hand
tools. Growing up today, you learn how to use
keyboards, mouses and touch screens, but decades
ago, you also learned how to use basic hand tools.
This is big enough of a problem that we're
considering adding some video lessons on basic hand
tools to prepare students for cable prep,
termination and splicing that require the use of
hand tools.
FOA offers free online self-study programs at Fiber U.
Many users are preparing for FOA certification
programs - taking courses at our schools or using
the Direct Certification program. Some of our
schools are requiring Fiber U programs as
prerequisites for their classroom courses so they
can spend more time on hands-on activities.
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Publications /
Resources
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Cross Reference To FOA Tech Materials
FOA has so much technical reference material, we created a cross reference guide to the textbooks,
Online Guide and Fiber U courses, all the FOA technical information.
Besides the textbooks, online Guide and Fiber U, each section of the
Guide also includes links to the 100+ FOA videos available.
Cross Reference Guide to Textbooks, Online Guide and Fiber U
FOA Guide To Fiber Optic Workforce Development
To help those new to fiber optic workforce development, FOA has created a web page we call "Fiber Optic Workforce Development."
In this page, we share what we have learned about the fiber optic
workforce, who they are and how they learn their trade. We discuss what
defines a fiber optic tech and how they should be certified.
Read the FOA Guide To Fiber Optic Workforce Development online.
New Edition of FOA's Basic Fiber Optics Textbook
Just like they say in the product ads, it's new and improved!
It has been 5 years since we have updated the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics,
so it is certainly time for an update. The latest version is different
enough we call it a new edition. Many of the updates are for new
technologies which are reshaping the fiber optic industry like coherent
transmission, BI fibers, etc. We've also added a section on the fiber
optic workforce which has much relevance because this book is used to
train those entering the workforce.
We've also worked on making the book more readable, adding formatting that eases reading and a new comprehensive index.
Inflation was an issue, but the price only goes up $2 to $29.95 for the paperback and $12.95 for the Kindle version.
The new edition of the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics is available from Amazon and booksellers worldwide.
Best Seller: Fiber Broadband (Paperback and Kindle)
In less than half a century,
fiber optics has revolutionized communications and to a large extent,
society in general. Broadband, what many today call high speed Internet
access, has become a necessity for everyone, not a luxury. The
technology that makes broadband possible is fiber optics, connecting the
continents, cities, and just about everybody. Even fiber to the home
(FTTH) brings broadband to hundreds of millions worldwide.
How did we get from an era when communications was making a telephone
call or sending a telegram to today’s world where every piece of
information – and misinformation – is available at the click of a mouse
or touch on a screen? How did we get from a time when a phone was
connected on copper wires to being able to connect practically anywhere
on a handheld device with more computing power than was available to
scientists and engineers only decades ago?
How does broadband work? Without fiber optics it would not work.
This book is not the typical FOA technical textbook - it is written for
anyone who wants to understand fiber broadband or fiber optics or the
Internet. It's also aimed at STEM teachers who want to include
communications technology in their classes. This book will try to
explain not only how fiber broadband works, but how
it was developed. It is intended to be an introduction to
communications technology
appropriate for a communications course at almost any level (junior
high, high school or
college,) for managers involved with broadband projects, or for anyone
who just wonders how all this stuff works.
The Fiber Optic Association Guide To Fiber Broadband
Paperback ($12.95) and Kindle ($9.95) versions available from Amazon or most booksellers. Kindle version is in color!
New In Spanish - Nuevo en español
FOA Spanish Textbook And Online Guide Updated
The FOA Spanish textbook and Online Guide on basic fiber optics has just
been updated. The new version includes all the latest updates and is
intended for use with FOA CFOT certification classes presented in
Spanish. Both paperback and Kindle versions are available. The textbook and the updated CFOT class
curriculum are available now.
Libro de texto en español y guía en línea de FOA actualizados
Se acaba de actualizar el libro de texto en español y la Guía Online de FOA
sobre fibra óptica básica. La nueva versión incluye las últimas
actualizaciones y está diseñada para usarse con las clases de
certificación FOA CFOT presentadas en español. Están disponibles
versiones de bolsillo y Kindle. El libro de texto y el plan de estudios
actualizado de la clase CFOT ya están disponibles.
FOA Adds Fiber Optic Network Design in Spanish
The FOA Design textbook and course curriculum are available in Spanish also. The FOA CFOS/D curriculum in Spanish includes the necessary materials
for an instructor to present the course in Spanish and give thCFOS/D
certification exam in Spanish. The material is available to any
FOA-approved school. For more infirmation on becoming a FOA approved
school, go here.
El libro de texto de FOA Design y el plan de estudios
del curso también están disponibles en español. El plan de estudios de
FOA CFOS/D en español incluye los materiales necesarios para que un
instructor presente el curso en español y dé el examen de certificación
CFOS/D en español. El material está disponible para cualquier escuela
aprobada por la FOA. Para obtener más confirmación sobre cómo
convertirse en una escuela aprobada por la FOA, vaya aquí.
Translations of FOA Textbooks
 FOA is a very international organization and it works hard to
accommodate the language needs of everyone. We have been translating our
books and website into the languages most requested, and this month, we
add two more textbook translations. We also want to thank Jerry Morla,
FOA CFOS/I instructor and Director who has been doing the recent
translations into Spanish, his native language.
Here is a listing of all the FOA textbook Translations
Spanish Editions:
Guía de Referencia de la Asociación de Fibra Óptica (FOA) Sobre Fibra
Óptica: Guía de estudio para la certificación de la FOA Amazon
La Referencia de Cableado para Predios de la FOA: Guía para Certificación de la FOA Amazon
La Asociación de Fibra Óptica Manual de Fibra Hasta el Hogar : Para
Planificadores, Gestores, Diseñadores, Instaladores y Operadores De
FTTH Amazon
Guía de Referencia de la FOA sobre Diseño de la red de fibra óptica: Guía de Estudio para la Certificación de la FOA Amazon
And the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics:
French Edition: Le
Guide de référence de la FOA pour la fibre optique et et
guide d'étude pour la certification FOA: Guide d'étude pour
la certification FOA Amazon
Portuguese Edition: Guia de Referência sobre Fibra Óptica da FOA : Guia de Estudo para a Certificação da FOA Amazon
The subject matter of these books is also translated in the FOA Guide online.
FOA Video
Lectures On YouTube
Did
you know YouTube will close caption videos in many
languages?
Sign in with Google to get translations for closed
captioning. Click on the settings icon (red arrow.)
Choose "Subtitles". English is the default
language. Click on the arrow after "English
(auto-generated) >". In the new window click on
"Auto-translate" and choose the language you
want.
FOA Loss Budget
Calculator On A Web Page 5/2020
FOA
has written many articles about loss budgets,
something everyone involved in fiber optics needs to
know and needs to know how to calculate. We recently
discovered how to get a spreadsheet ported to a Web
page, so we created this web page that calculates
loss budgets. We have an iOS loss budget app, but
with this web page, you can calculate loss budgets
from any device, smart phone, tablet, laptop, or
desktop computer that has web browsing capability.
Bookmark this page (especially on your
smartphone): FOA Loss Budget Calculator
Online
We are continually updating the Online Reference
Guide to keep up with changes in the industry and
adding lots of new pages of technical information.
When you go to the FOA
Guide Table of Contents to see the latest
updates - look for  .
Fiber Optics (4 languages), Premises Cabling, OSP
fiber and construction, Network Design, Testing,
FTTH Handbook and our latest - FIber Broadband
The FOA has it's own
reference books for everyone working in fiber
optics - contractors, installers and end users as
well as for use as textbooks in classes at
educational institutions. They are available as
printed books or Kindle at much lower prices than
most textbooks since we self-publish and sell
online, cutting out the middlemen. Click on the
book images for more information. The Reference
Guide To Fiber Optics is also available in
Spanish, French and Portuguese. The Design book is available in English
and Spanish.
Click on any book for more information
about it.
FOA
has reprinted
"Lennie Lightwave's Guide"
on its 25th anniversary in a special print
edition.
Lennie
and Uncle Ted's
Guides are online.
Click on any of
the books to learn more.
- Fiber
Optic Safety Poster to download and
print
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.
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Safety
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On Safety
New Fiber U Course: Fiber
Optic Safety
Safety
must be the first concern of everyone involved in a fiber optic
project, including those planning, designing, managing or supervising
and of course those doing the installation.
FOA is often asked about safety for fiber optics. Some
inquiries ask where it's covered in the FOA Online Guide or textbooks or
if we have a course on safety at Fiber U. Almost all Fiber
U Courses have lessons covering safety, because
safety is important in every aspect of a fiber optic project.
This
new Fiber U course will focus on safety alone. There are two lessons in this course,
fiber optic construction and fiber optic installation. The dividing
line between the two courses is the installation of the fiber optic
cables. Construction leads up to and/or is completed when the cables are
installed. Installation begins when the fiber tech installs the cable,
then completes the splicing, termination testing and documentation. The
overlap between the two is the installation of the cables where both
construction personnel and fiber optic techs are involved.
Here is the new Fiber U "Fiber Optic Safety" self-study program. Take the course and get your certificate of completion.
Enhance your safety with the FOA Safety Vest.
The FOA is concerned about safety!
FOA
considers safety an integral part of all our
programs, curriculum materials and technical
materials. We start all our textbooks and their
online versions with a section on safety in the
first chapter, like this: Before
we get started - Safety First!
There are pages on the FOA Guide on Safety
procedures Including Eye Safety and. Digging
Safely
And a YouTube lecture: FOA Lecture 2: Safety When Working
With Fiber Optics
In our OSP Construction Section, these pages cover
many safety issues including those related to the
construction of the cable plant: Project Preparation And Guidelines,
Underground Cable Construction,
Underground Cable Installation
and Aerial Cable Installation.
There is even a safety poster for the fiber
activities: PDF Safety Rules For Fiber Optics
Other Safety Resources:
There is a toll-free
"call before you dig" number in the USA: Dial 811. See www.call811.com
for more information in the US. Here is their map of resources by states.
In Canada, it's "Click Before You Dig.com" They also have a page of resources by US states and Canadian provinces.
The Common Ground
Alliance has an excellent "Best Practices Guide"
online
- The US Department
of Transportation has a website called "National
Pipeline Mapping System" that allows one
to search for buried pipelines.
Why We Warn You To
Be Careful About Fiber Shards
Photo courtesy Brian Brandstetter,
Mississauga Training Consultantcy
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FOA/About
About The FOA
- Contact
Us: http://www.foa.org
or email <info@foa.org>
FOA has a company page
and four LinkedIn Groups
FOA
- official company page on LinkedIn
FOA
- covers FOA, technology and jobs in the fiber optic
marketplace
FOA
Fiber Optic Training - open to all, covers
fiber optic technology and training topics
Grupo de La Asociación de
Fibra Óptica FOA (Español)
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What is The FOA?
The FOA is a, international non-profit
educational association chartered to promote
professionalism in fiber optics through education,
certification and standards.
Founded in 1995 by a dozen prominent fiber optics
trainers and leaders from education, industry and government as a professional society for fiber
optics and a source of independent certification,
the FOA has grown to now being involved in numerous
activities to educate the world about fiber optics
and certify the workers who design, build and
operate the world's fiber optic networks.
Read More
FOA History
FOA Timeline of Fiber Optics
Contact
Us
The Fiber Optic Association Inc.
https://www.foa.org or email
<info@foa.org>
https://www.thefoa.org or email <info@thefoa.org>
Telephone/text: 760-451-3655
The
FOA Home Page
Want to know more about fiber optics? Study
for FOA certifications? Free
Self-Study Programs are on "Fiber U®."
Looking for specific information? Here's the largest
technical reference on the web: The
FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide.
Free online self-study programs
on many fiber optics and cabling topics are
available at Fiber U,
FOA's online web-based training website.
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Contact Us
The Fiber Optic Association Inc.
The FOA Home Page
Fiber Optic Timeline
(C)1999-2025, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.
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FOA Logo
Merchandise
New FOA Swag! Shirts,
Caps, Stickers, Cups, etc.
The
FOA has created a store on Zazzle.com offering lots
of new logo merchandise. It has lots of versions of
shirts and other merchandise with "FOA," "Fiber U,"
"Lennie Lightwave" designs and more so you should
find something just for you! See FOA on Zazzle.
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Privacy Policy (for
the EU GDPR): The FOA does not
use cookies or any other web tricks to gather
information on visitors to our website, nor do
we allow commercial advertising. Our website
hosts may 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.
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