October, 2006

Looking For a Fiber Optic Installer?
Use the FOA Installer Database Free!
 
CFOTs - Register Now On The FOA Searchable Database of Installers, Contractors and Consultants. Go to the FOA Installer Database to register. Looking For Jobs? See Below

Read Previous Issues: 09/06, 8/06, 7/06, 6/06, 5/06, 4/06, 3/06, 2/06, 1/06,

12/05,11/05, 10/05, 09/05, 08/05, 07/05, 6/05, 5/05, 4/05, 2/05, 01/05,

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FTTH News

FOA's CFxT FTTx Certification Program Explained


ONE MILLION HOMES CONNECTED! Now that's a milestone!

Graph from Broadband Properties


Also from Broadband Properties, read about the FOA FTTx certification program.
http://www.broadbandproperties.com/2006issues/sep06issues/hayes_sep.pdf


Why FTTH? $ - what else?
Most analyses of the financial aspects of FTTx focus on the potential revenue from new services, but FTTx also offers big cost savings. A number of industry reports have noted that some phone companies with aging cable plant can benefit from lower operational costs in maintenance by converting to FTTx. Recently Verizon confirmed this by telling financial analysts and an audience at the FTTH Council Conference in Las Vegas that they would spend about $22.9 billion through 2010, but the capital expense would be offset by about $4.9 billion in savings on maintenance on its aging cable plant. Verizon, which has 33 million households in a 28 state area, includes some very old cabling (when we lived in the Boston area, our phone connected to the street on 60 year old wires!) so the benefits of FTTP will be very apparent. Verizon's plans include passing 18 million households, over half their served homes.
Many reports of the Verizon presentations only discuss the net investment - $18 billion - but the enormous savings in maintenance costs could be a very important factor in the decison of many other phone companies with aging cable plants to go FTTx.


Verizon Hiring Fiber Techs in Many California Towns
Verizon is looking for fiber techs in more than a dozen communities in Southern California. Besides fiber skills, they also would like other networking and PC skills, to complete installations. See below for more details. And you can apply online.

Want To Learn More About FTTx?
The FOA has created a special FTTx links page with lots of links to news, market reports, technical articles and vendor technical and product information. Here is a great place to start learning more about FTTx.

 
This NEFC meeting was cancelled
 
NE Fiber Optic Council November Meeting: Recent Developments In The Plastic Optical Fiber Field
Over the past year, there have been a number of developments in the Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) field both in new technology and applications. These will be reviewed and commented on. Of particular interest is a new development presented at OFC last year where " 10G over 100 meters of POF" was presented and demonstrated. This may turn out to be the "Copper Killer"! For those wishing to read up on the subject, there is a review article in the September Issue of the IEEE Communications magazine.
Dr. Paul Polishuk is President and Chairman of the Board of the IGI Group of Companies, which includes IGI Consulting Inc., Information Gatekeepers Inc., IGICom and twelve overseas offices. Information Gatekeepers Inc., the original company of the Group, was founded in 1977. All companies are involved in providing information and analysis of fiber optics and telecommunications markets and technology trends worldwide. He is a world renowned expert on fiber optics technology and markets. He received a B.S. degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1956, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from Ohio State in 1962 and 1964. In 1971, he received and S.M. in Management from MIT, after spending a year as a Sloan Fellow.
NEFC DINNER MEETING
NOVEMBER 9, 6:00 PM
DOUBLETREE, WALTHAM
(Exit 27B off Route 128)
Please register by Nov. 7
Member: $40 Non-Member: $45
Choice of: Salmon with Mango Salsa
or Roasted Sliced Sirloin
E-mail: <mailto:info@nefc.com>info@nefc.com or call (617) 548-NEFC


Fiber Optics on a Plane by Kate Greene
A new type of optical switch could help aerospace engineers replace heavy copper wires with fiber, making planes lighter. It could make a bigger difference than you can imagine, as the typical plane today has over 100 miles of wire!
See http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17533&ch=infotech


Real World Installation Puzzler:

Measured insertion loss of installed multimode cable: @ 850: 1.5 dB, @1300: 13.0 dB

Cause: Instrument problems? Lots of stress in the cable? Damage during installation?
Determined Problem: Severe bend radius violation as cable enters building.

Stress always affects fiber loss much more at longer wavelengths, so when test results like this are seen, look for a stressed cable.

From FOA Board Member Eric R. Pearson, CPC, CFOS
President, Pearson Technologies Inc.


 
Fact Or Fiction?
Are these comments from Australia real or imaginary? Comments? Email to info@thefoa.org
1. A number of early railway installations using the "loose tube" fibres experienced problems due to the nature of the vibrations induced by passing rail traffic. When laid adjacent to tracks used for separate "up" and "down" lines, the vibration induced by trains passing on only one direction forms a "travelling wave" that tended to cause the fibre to creep along in the tube, eventually leading to tensile loading and fracture.
Maybe some of the newer gel-filled cable types address this issue so that it is no longer a problem?
2. There is also plant in Western Australia that likes to puncture optical fibre cables of a certain size because it (mis-)identifies them as roots of other plants and it wants to get at the water... This caused a number of failures of telephone cables until a different type of cable sheath was used that was "obviously" not a root.

 
New Hampshire College Holds First FOA FTTx Certification Class
 
Dave Miller, CFOS/I, Professor at New Hampshire Community Technical College at Pease (the ex Air Force Base) recently held the first FOA FTTx certification class and his students became the first FOA CFxT techs. Congratulations to all involved, especially Dave, a dynamic instructor along the lines of "Mr. Wizard" who amazed and amused all his fellow students while attending the first FOA Instructor Certification Course in 2002 with his fabulous classroom demos.
 
The FOA is providing schools with material for their FTTx curriculum, since the 3rd Edition of The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual contains only a brief mention of FTTx, as it has developed, no exploded, in the last year. The CFxT exam has now been reveiwed by many instructors and vendros and has been tested by Dave Miller's students. The exam passed with flying colors, so we at the FOA consider our CFxT program officially launched.
 
Watch for more schools offering this program this fall.

 


Special Offers On Equipment, FTTx Background Materials and T-Shirts From Mississauga Training Consultants

FOA T-Shirts: Mediun, Large and Extra Large only. And all are white and 9oz cotton.

400 X microscopes and at a discounted price of 140.00 US while supplies last.

The FTTX text by Mississauga Training is complete and ready for sale. It is about 100 pages with lots of pictures.

VISA and MCard accepted.


If you are looking for an odd item for your show and tel in your class let me know. I probably have it and can help you.
We can give a quantity discount to FOA approved schools


William Graham, CFOS
Mississauga Training Consultants
6117 Clover Ridge Crescent
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L5N 7B2
<http://www.fiberoptictraining.com>
e-mail: <mailto:mrfiber@canada.com>mrfiber@canada.com
Tel: 905-785-8012


 
FOA Textbook published in Spanish
The FOA's textbook, The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual, is used by our approved schools around the world to teach fiber optics.
Now we have our textbook in Spanish, we have also translated our CFOT exams and will have other FOA materials available in Spanish soon, greatly facilitating the training of fiber optic technicians in Spanish-speaking countries.
Contact us if you need more information.
 
Book Details: Manual Del Technico De Fibra Optica, Published by Thomson Delmar Learning, ISBN 1-4180-6121-2
 
If you are getting started in fiber optics and Spanish is your native language, you can download an introduction to fiber optics in Spanish here.
 

 
NEW-FOA Technical Bulletins
How do you design and manufacture fiber optic systems? Choose and install one to serve your communications needs? Troubleshoot problems? The FOA Fiber Optic technical Bulletins will provide step-by-step guidelines to help you. All are PDF files you can print and use.
Designing and manufacturing fiber optic communications products for manufacturers.
Choosing, installing and using fiber optic producst for users.
Troubleshooting fiber optic cable plants and communcations systems.

 


Job Openings
 
Verizon: Fiber Network Field Technician (Outside Field Technician)
Openings in the following California areas:
US-CA-Malibu
US-CA-Camarillo
US-CA-Pomona
US-CA-Hemet
US-CA-Huntington Beach
US-CA-Indio
US-CA-Rancho Cucamonga
US-CA-Lakewood
US-CA-Menifee
US-CA-Redondo Beach
US-CA-Santa Monica
US-CA-Victorville
US-CA-San Bernadino

Take your career to new heights at a company that's a leader in global communications: Verizon. We offer an unparalleled opportunity to advance your career while contributing in an enthusiastic, team-oriented environment.
Primary duties include, but are not limited to:
Install, remove, rearrange, program, test, troubleshoot and maintain fiber network services.
Install and configure routers, set top boxes.  May assist with installation of PC software as needed and ensure proper configuration of the customer's PC.  Interact with the Fiber Solution Center as needed.  May install appropriate inside wire/cable.
Install, maintain and repair outside and inside fiber equipment/facilities including inside wiring and fiber jumpers at the distribution hub.
Interface with customer to negotiate the placement of equipment; may assist with account registration, e-mail, and web access, and training the customer on how to use the new equipment.  Ensure customer satisfaction.  Respond to inquiries and provide follow-up, as necessary.
Interpret schematic work order drawings to determine job specifications and installation needs.  Order and/or obtain required equipment.  Effect problem solving where appropriate.
Utilize various test equipment to analyze equipment trouble and take appropriate maintenance action.
Skills/Requirements:
Requires high level of customer contact to ensure customer satisfaction.
Climbing poles and ladders; lifting 75-100 pounds on a regular basis; pushing, reaching, bending and stooping; manual dexterity; good sense of balance; and good color vision.
Must have a current/valid California Drivers License and a clean driving record.
Qualified candidates must pass all company required tests, a pre-employment drug screen and a background check. In addition, candidates will be required to successfully pass a legally required DOJ Criminal Records Check/screening process (fingerprinting).
Candidates must be able to work any shift given, including days, weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
Verizon offers:
Hourly rate for this position is $12.87-28.55.  Wage credit may be granted for related work experience and/or college degree.
Benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k) with Company match and paid vacation
interested candidates should go to www.verizon.com/careers to apply AND schedule themselves for testing.
Thank you for showing an interest in Verizon!
Verizon is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer supporting workforce diversity. m/f/d/v. Principals only! 
 
Get Into The Movie Biz!

Marshall Media in the LA Metro area is building a fiber network to connect movie studios over dark fiber. They need fiber optic experts preferably with video knowledge. Contact Charlie Marshall, Marshall Media Inc, 818-299-4961, "charlie marshall" <marshallmedia@charter.net>

 

FIBER OPTIC INSTRUCTOR OPPORTUNITIES!

UIT ­ United Information Technologies

United Information Technologies (UIT) is a provider of Consulting, Staffing and Training Services specializing in servicing the needs of the Telecommunications Industry. We were established in 1987 and now hold major contracts with most of the leading Telecom companies. We have open instructor positions every month!

We are looking for candidates with industry experience and we understand and appreciate the value you can bring to our company!

Our training services include Instructing, Curriculum Development, Testing and Project Management in the fast paced world of fiber optics and POTS. Instructors are needed for all facets of FTTX deployment and maintenance. Assignments vary from daily, weekly and monthly, travel may be required.

Consultants are needed for the following positions:
Training Instructors (Outside Plant, Central Office, Data Services / Broadband, Fiber Optics, Video, Help Desk, Call Center, Sales, Management Education, Soft Skills)
Curriculum Developers (all areas of Development and Telecom Expertise)
Web Designers
Network and Engineering Specialists
Service Center Personnel (Billing, Provisioning and Service Bureau)
System and Application Testers
Quality Assurance Specialists
And more ­ if you don't see your area of expertise, understand we are still interested in you!

UIT offers competitive wages and benefits.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN THE UIT TEAM?

Contact UIT today for your opportunity! Resumes can be submitted via our company website: www.uitonline.com or directly using the email address of: staffing.services@uitonline.com

Please reference Fiber Optic Association on your application or correspondence


Fiber Optic Sales Jobs

Have a  need for 3 sales Directors with international experience and in-depth knowledge of the Optical Fiber / Fiber Optic Cable Industry. This company is looking for individuals to achieve a significant multiple in terms of volume and profit growth. This is an urgent need with lots of opportunity within this large international corporation.I


RESPOND DIRECTLY TO al@bratlandcareers.com
Al Bratland ð President

Bratland & Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box  63 St. James MN. 56081
Phone: 507-375-4110 ð Email: al@bratlandcareers.com
Web:http://www.bratlandcareers.com

A Preferred Member of Top Echelon Network of Recruiters

 

 

Photonics Sales
Axsun currently has an opening for a Senior Sales Executive in our corporate headquarters, located in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Brief Company Overview
At Axsun, we've redefined light based technology with a bold new approach to instrument and optical-component design. A leading supplier of optical monitors to the telecommunications industry, Axsun Technologies is applying its expertise in micro-optics and precision manufacturing to pioneer completely new, miniaturized, high performance analytical instruments.
Please visit our website at <<http://www.axsun.com>> for more detail:
Julie Cincotti
Human Resources Generalist
Axsun Technologies
1 Fortune Drive
Billerica, MA 01821
978-439-3498

 
Instructor
National Communications Training Centers (NCTC) is currently looking to hire an evening instructor. The candidate must have 2 plus years experience with HANDS ON fiber installation and be FOA certified. The class hours are 6pm to 10 pm Monday through Thursday for 6 weeks.
National Communications Training Centers (NCTC) is now nationally accredited by ACCSCT as well as graduates receive BICSI credits upon completion of the course.
Please fax (only) a resume to 760-471-0291.
Dan Postoskie
Director of Training
National Communications Training Centers
1324 E. Mission Rd.
San Marcos, CA, 92069
 
 
 
Also Check Recent Job Openings In Previous Issues of The FOA Newsletter

 


 
 
Tech Puzzler
What connector is this? We're going to run a few months of having you try to identify fiber optic connectors, some common, some obscure. Recognize this one? It's still used in some process control and military applications. Why are there two versions?
 
 
 
Answer below
 
 
 

Understanding FOA Certifications
To answer questions on FOA certifications, we've created several new web pages:
Overview of FOA certifications
CFOT
CFxT
AFOT
CFOS
Training Requirements - What Schools Are Teaching
 
Reading these will help you understand what each FOA certification covers and how to prepare for them.
 

New Professional Society for Structured Cabling Recognizes Importance of Fiber Optics (and Wireless)
The new Structured Cabling Association, Inc. (http://www.scausa.org/) is a professional society aimed at installers of "structured cabling" or premises cabling. Structured cabling has been focused on so-called "Cat 5" or UTP cabling for years, while network speeds have left UTP behind. Now most backbones for LANs are fiber optics and every network seems to have wireless. The SCA, founded in part by FOA activists Tom Collins and Jim Hayes, intends to make structured cabling training and certification more relevant to today's world.
 

 
New: FOA Logo Merchandise
FOA has arranged with EmbroidMe to provide FOA logo merchandies. Identify yourself as a FOA-certified tech or instructor. The lab coats are super impressive for either cabling techs and instructors. Check out the selection.
 

 

 

 
FOA CFOT Renewals Get Free Copy of NECA/FOA Installation Standard
Every CFOT renewal will now receive a free copy of NECA 301-2004, Installing And Testing Fiber Optic Cables, produced by The FOA in cooperation with NECA (The National Electrical Contractors Association). This is an important reference document for defining the installation and testing of fiber optic cable plants in a "neat and workmanlike manner."
The FOA feels this is such an important document that we are giving a free copy (normally priced at $15) to every active CFOT when they renew their active status.
The FOA has also sent free copies to all FOA-Approved schools. The new FOA CFOT exam to be used after August, 2005, will include questions from the standard. Schools should be including information from the standard in their classes already.
 
 
 

 

New Tech Topics

FOA Tech Bulletins - for those designing FO communications products or installing cable plants.
How do you design and manufacture fiber optic systems? Choose and install one to serve your communications needs? Troubleshoot problems? The FOA Fiber Optic Technical Bulletins will provide step-by-step guidelines to help you. All are PDF files you can print and use.
Designing and manufacturing fiber optic communications products for manufacturers.
Choosing, installing and using fiber optic products for users.
Troubleshooting fiber optic cable plants and communcations systems.

 

Does Glass "Flow"? Is it really a liquid?

 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on General Topics and Testing

Fiber Or Copper? Making decisions, overview and LANs

What Happens When You Mate Mismatched MM Fibers?

 
New PowerPoint Presentation Introduces Fiber Optics - in English or Spanish!
The FOA has created a short PowerPoint presentation that introduces you to fiber optics and talks about job opportunities in the field. It was intended for instructors to introdcue studnets to the field, but it's a good introduction for anyone. It's about 3 meg file so it takes a while to download and you need PowerPoint to view it. See http://www.thefoa.org/ppt/

 
 
 
FOA Certification Top Choice

The FOA CFOT and CFOS programs continue to gain momentum in fiber optics. Over 18,000 CFOTs have been certified by over 160 schools as the FOA completed its 10th year. Since our founding in July, 1995, we have dedicated ourselves to promoting fiber optics and professionalism in fiber optics personnel, focusing on education and certification. We are continuing to add new schools and more CFOTs as users of fiber optics learn that a CFOT is the indication of a professional, well-trained fiber optic technician. Now with FTTH (fiber to the home) finally taking off, demand for CFOTs is rising and schools are responding by expanding programs rapidly.
The FOA now has approved programs at 160+ organizations, welcoming new additions like the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Corning Cable Systems and AFL for their installation training programs and NASA's Goldstone Tracking Station. The complete list of FOA-Approved schools is at http://www.thefoa.org/foa_aprv.htm.

 


 

Your Name, CFOT - It pays to advertise!

The FOA encourages CFOTs to use the logo on their business cards, letterhead, truck or van, etc. and provides logo files on this site for that purpose. But we are also asked about how to use the CFOT or CFOS certifications. Easy, you can refer to yourself as "Your Name, CFOT" or "Your Name, CFOS/T" for example.

Feel free to use the logo and designations to promote your achievements and professionalism!

 


Remember To Renew Your Certification !

Remember to renew your FOA certification. All current CFOTs have a ID Card with their certification data and we keep a database of current CFOTs to answer inquiries regarding your qualifications if needed. If you forgot to renew, use the online application form or the FOA online store to renew NOW!

 


 

To Contact The FOA:
 
The Fiber Optic Association
1119 S Mission Road, # 355
Fallbrook, CA 92028
 
Office Hours 10AM-5 PM Pacific Time
Telephone: 760-451-3655
Fax: 781-207-2421
info@thefoa.org
info@thefoa.org




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(C)1999-2006, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.

 

Tech Puzzler: MT

It's the NEC D4 from Japan, one of the first SM connectors.
See the FOA Tech Topics Connector ID page.