OTDR and Optical Loss Testing

FOT 110 delves into the core principles of optical fiber loss characteristics, equipping students to understand and calculate crucial loss budgets for various fiber optic deployments. The curriculum covers the proper operation and interpretation of results from essential testing equipment, including optical light sources and power meters for end-to-end attenuation measurements, and optical time domain reflectometers for detailed event analysis and fault location. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on laboratory exercises, participants will develop proficiency in analyzing fiber optic traces, identifying common impairments, and ensuring compliance with industry performance standards. This course is designed to build a strong foundation in optical fiber testing methodologies for aspiring and current technicians.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

FOT 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Optical Fiber and Signal Propagationlecture

02Lesson 2: Optical Fiber Loss Mechanisms and Characteristicslecture

03Lesson 3: Introduction to Loss Budgets and System Design Considerationslecture

04Hands-on Lab: Calculating Loss Budgets and Interpreting Specificationslab

05Lesson 5: Principles of Optical Light Sources and Power Meterslecture

06Lesson 6: Performing End-to-End Attenuation Measurements with LS/PMlecture

07Lesson 7: Understanding Connector Loss and Reflectancelecture

08Hands-on Lab: Performing Attenuation Measurements and Verifying Continuitylab

09Lesson 9: Introduction to Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR)lecture

10Lesson 10: OTDR Trace Analysis and Event Interpretationlecture

11Hands-on Lab: Operating an OTDR and Analyzing Traceslab

12Lesson 12: Advanced OTDR Functions and Troubleshooting Techniqueslecture

13Lesson 13: Documentation and Reporting of Test Resultslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Comprehensive Optical Fiber Network Testing and Analysisassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Optical Fiber and Signal Propagation","Week 2: Lesson 2: Optical Fiber Loss Mechanisms and Characteristics","Week 3: Lesson 3: Introduction to Loss Budgets and System Design Considerations","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Calculating Loss Budgets and Interpreting Specifications","Week 5: Lesson 5: Principles of Optical Light Sources and Power Meters","Week 6: Lesson 6: Performing End-to-End Attenuation Measurements with LS/PM","Week 7: Lesson 7: Understanding Connector Loss and Reflectance","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Performing Attenuation Measurements and Verifying Continuity","Week 9: Lesson 9: Introduction to Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR)","Week 10: Lesson 10: OTDR Trace Analysis and Event Interpretation","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Operating an OTDR and Analyzing Traces","Week 12: Lesson 12: Advanced OTDR Functions and Troubleshooting Techniques","Week 13: Lesson 13: Documentation and Reporting of Test Results","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Comprehensive Optical Fiber Network Testing and Analysis"]