5-Day Course Outline for Optic Fibre Planning
Day 1: Introduction to Optic Fibre and Safety
Learning Outcomes:
- Safety when working with Optic Fibre
- History and Development of Optic Fibre
Topics:
- Welcome and Course Introduction
- Overview of the course objectives and structure
- Importance of Optic Fibre in modern communication
- Safety Protocols
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Handling and disposal of fibre optic materials
- Health risks associated with optic fibre work and how to mitigate them
- History and Evolution of Optic Fibre
- Early developments and pioneers
- Major technological milestones
- Current trends and future directions
- Hands-On Activity: Safety Drills
- Practicing the correct use of PPE
- Demonstration of safe handling techniques
Assessment:
- Quiz on safety protocols and history
- Group discussion on the importance of safety and historical advancements
Day 2: Optical Transmission and Network Architectures
Learning Outcomes:
- Know the relation between Attenuation and Wavelength in Optical Transmission
- Discuss various Optic Fibre Network Architectures
Topics:
- Basics of Optical Transmission
- Understanding light propagation in fibres
- Factors affecting signal attenuation and wavelength dependencies
- Attenuation and Wavelength
- Detailed exploration of attenuation causes
- Wavelength selection for different applications
- Optic Fibre Network Architectures
- Point-to-Point
- Ring Topology
- Star and Mesh Topologies
- Passive Optical Networks (PONs)
- Case Studies
- Analysis of existing network architectures
- Pros and cons of each architecture type
Assessment:
- Problem-solving exercises on attenuation and wavelength
- Group presentation on different network architectures
Day 3: Designing a Fibre Optic Network
Learning Outcomes:
- What is involved in designing a fibre optic network and how to choose components appropriate for communications systems
Topics:
- Fundamentals of Network Design
- Steps in the design process
- Key considerations and constraints
- Component Selection
- Types of fibres (single-mode vs. multi-mode)
- Connectors, splices, and other passive components
- Active components like transceivers and amplifiers
- Design Tools and Software
- Overview of software tools used in fibre optic design
- Hands-on practice with a selected design tool
- Workshop: Designing a Basic Network
- Creating a simple network design
- Selection of appropriate components
Assessment:
- Design project: Create and present a basic fibre optic network design
- Peer review and feedback session
Day 4: Installation Planning and Documentation
Learning Outcomes:
- How the proposed routing of the cable plant affects component choice and installation
- Using loss budgets to ensure the communications systems will work over the fibre optic proposed cable plant
- What paperwork and documentation will be needed for the project
Topics:
- Routing and Installation
- Planning the route for fibre optic cables
- Environmental and logistical considerations
- Loss Budgets
- Calculating and using loss budgets
- Ensuring system performance over proposed cable routes
- Documentation and Paperwork
- Types of documentation required
- Importance of accurate record-keeping
- Hands-On Activity: Route Planning
- Developing a detailed route plan for a hypothetical installation
- Creating a loss budget for the planned route
Assessment:
- Quiz on installation planning and loss budgets
- Group activity: Prepare a set of project documents
Day 5: Testing, Documentation, and Project Management
Learning Outcomes:
- How to determine what should be tested and documented
- How to create a plan and manage the installation
Topics:
- Testing and Quality Assurance
- Types of tests (insertion loss, return loss, etc.)
- Testing procedures and standards
- Project Documentation
- Creating and maintaining test records
- Final project documentation requirements
- Project Management
- Steps in managing a fibre optic installation project
- Roles and responsibilities in project management
- Workshop: Project Simulation
- Simulating a complete project from design to documentation
- Managing a team and handling unexpected issues
Assessment:
- Final project: Complete a simulated fibre optic installation project
- Peer and instructor evaluation of the project
Conclusion and Wrap-Up:
- Review of key concepts
- Q&A session
- Course feedback and certificates distribution
This 5-day course outline ensures a comprehensive understanding of optic fibre planning, covering theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and project management techniques essential for successful fibre optic network installations.
