What you will learn:
You'll learn about the architecture of passive optical networks (PON), understand how the key components - OLTs, splitters, and ONTs - work together, and gain detailed knowledge of the installation techniques and testing procedures that ensure a high-quality fibre connection. The course covers OTDR testing, optical loss testing, and how to interpret results to verify installation quality.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- describe the role of the components of a passive optical network (PON) delivering fibre-based broadband services.
- describe the role of optical splitters in a PON with reference to the effects of the chosen split ratio on service provision.
- describe and compare the benefits of the use of demountable connectors and fusion splicing as methods of connecting optical fibres.
- describe the role, features, and preparation of the various types of cable jointing closure employed in a PON.
- describe how the structure of, and the materials used in, optical cables depends on the environment in which they are to be installed, giving examples of typical structures of internal and external cables.
- describe the techniques and equipment used to prepare and install optical cables with reference to installation in ducts, overhead suspension, and air blowing in microducts.
- describe the function, features, and preparation of the various types of cable termination enclosure employed within and near customer premises in the provision of FTTH and FTTP services.
- describe the use of optical loss test sets and dual port power meters to check that optical links and passive optical networks meet their power budget requirements.
- describe the principles, characteristics and use of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) with particular reference to testing a passive optical network.
Course prerequisites:
An understanding of the basic principles of optical fibre transmission. It is recommended that the PTT course "Optical fibre principles" is studied before attempting this course.
Approximate study time: 6 hours
Delivery platform requirements:
To access the course, a computer/tablet running a browser such as Chrome, Safari, Edge etc. is required. The device should have an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024x768.