The Basics of Fiber Optic Technology

About Course

Fiber carries nearly everything a modern network moves, and the people who can install, terminate, and test it correctly are the people projects depend on. This course takes you from what a fiber strand actually is to pulling, splicing, testing, and handing over a working link. You learn the components, the cable types, the connectors, the standards, and the test results that prove the job was done right.

Start from zero, no networking background needed. Learn the vocabulary used on real job sites and in specifications. Understand why each choice is made, not just what to do. Check your progress with a knowledge check each module. Study on any phone, tablet, or computer.

This course provides general educational information. Always follow manufacturer instructions, applicable standards and codes, laser safety requirements, and your employer’s approved procedures.

Explain what fiber optic cable is, how it carries light, and where it is used.
Identify the core, cladding, coating, buffer, strength members, and jacket of a cable.
Choose between singlemode and multimode, ribbon and loose tube, simplex and duplex.
Select and inspect the right connector, ferrule, and polish for an application.
Splice, terminate, and clean fiber to a professional standard.
Install fiber within bend radius, tension, and fire rating requirements.
Test a link with a power meter and an OTDR and interpret the results.
Build a loss budget and troubleshoot a link that fails certification.

Course Content

Module 1: Fiber Optic Fundamentals
Module outcome: Explain what fiber optic cable is, what it is made of, and how the main cable types differ.

1.1 Overview and Definition

00:56
1.2 Core Components

01:13
1.3 Types of Fiber Optic Cables

01:33
1.4 Ribbon vs Loose Tube Cable

01:46
1.5 Simplex vs Duplex Cable

01:46

Module 2: Light Transmission and Link Performance
Module outcome: Explain how light travels down a fiber and calculate whether a link will work over its intended distance.

Module 3: Connectors, Splicing, and Termination
Module outcome: Select, terminate, splice, clean, and inspect fiber connections to a professional standard.

Module 4: Installation and Infrastructure
Module outcome: Install fiber safely and correctly within pathway, bend radius, tension, fire rating, and documentation requirements.

Module 5: Testing, Troubleshooting, and Handover
Module outcome: Test a link, interpret the results, find and fix faults, and certify the installation for handover.

Add this certificate to your resume to demonstrate your skills & increase your chances of getting noticed.

Sample reviews for demonstration. These ratings and reviews were created to show how this section looks and are not from real learners.

The Basics of Fiber Optic Technology

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Module 1: Fiber Optic Fundamentals
Module outcome: Explain what fiber optic cable is, what it is made of, and how the main cable types differ.

1.1 Overview and Definition

1.2 Core Components

1.3 Types of Fiber Optic Cables

1.4 Ribbon vs Loose Tube Cable

1.5 Simplex vs Duplex Cable

Module 2: Light Transmission and Link Performance
Module outcome: Explain how light travels down a fiber and calculate whether a link will work over its intended distance.

2.1 How Light Travels in Fiber

2.2 Singlemode vs Multimode in Depth

2.3 Wavelengths and Optical Windows

2.4 Attenuation and Loss Budget

2.5 Dispersion, Bandwidth, and Reflectance

Module 3: Connectors, Splicing, and Termination
Module outcome: Select, terminate, splice, clean, and inspect fiber connections to a professional standard.

3.1 Connector Types and Applications

3.2 Ferrules and Polish Types

3.3 Fusion Splicing

3.4 Mechanical Splicing and Field Termination

3.5 Cleaning and Inspection

Module 4: Installation and Infrastructure
Module outcome: Install fiber safely and correctly within pathway, bend radius, tension, fire rating, and documentation requirements.

4.1 Standards, Pathways, and Spaces

4.2 Cable Selection and Fire Ratings

4.3 Pulling, Bend Radius, and Tension

4.4 Enclosures, Panels, and Slack Management

4.5 Labeling and Documentation

Module 5: Testing, Troubleshooting, and Handover
Module outcome: Test a link, interpret the results, find and fix faults, and certify the installation for handover.

5.1 Fiber Safety

5.2 Tier 1 Testing: Light Source and Power Meter

5.3 Tier 2 Testing: OTDR

5.4 Troubleshooting Common Faults

5.5 Certification, Acceptance, and Handover

Earn a certificate

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Module 1: Fiber Optic Fundamentals Module outcome: Explain what fiber optic cable is, what it is made of, and how the main cable types differ.

1.1 Overview and Definition

1.2 Core Components

1.3 Types of Fiber Optic Cables

1.4 Ribbon vs Loose Tube Cable

1.5 Simplex vs Duplex Cable

Module 2: Light Transmission and Link Performance Module outcome: Explain how light travels down a fiber and calculate whether a link will work over its intended distance.

2.1 How Light Travels in Fiber

2.2 Singlemode vs Multimode in Depth

2.3 Wavelengths and Optical Windows

2.4 Attenuation and Loss Budget

2.5 Dispersion, Bandwidth, and Reflectance

Module 3: Connectors, Splicing, and Termination Module outcome: Select, terminate, splice, clean, and inspect fiber connections to a professional standard.

3.1 Connector Types and Applications

3.2 Ferrules and Polish Types

3.3 Fusion Splicing

3.4 Mechanical Splicing and Field Termination

3.5 Cleaning and Inspection

Module 4: Installation and Infrastructure Module outcome: Install fiber safely and correctly within pathway, bend radius, tension, fire rating, and documentation requirements.

4.1 Standards, Pathways, and Spaces

4.2 Cable Selection and Fire Ratings

4.3 Pulling, Bend Radius, and Tension

4.4 Enclosures, Panels, and Slack Management

4.5 Labeling and Documentation

Module 5: Testing, Troubleshooting, and Handover Module outcome: Test a link, interpret the results, find and fix faults, and certify the installation for handover.

5.1 Fiber Safety

5.2 Tier 1 Testing: Light Source and Power Meter

5.3 Tier 2 Testing: OTDR

5.4 Troubleshooting Common Faults

5.5 Certification, Acceptance, and Handover

Earn a certificate

Sample Student Ratings & Reviews

Module 1: Fiber Optic Fundamentals
Module outcome: Explain what fiber optic cable is, what it is made of, and how the main cable types differ.

Module 2: Light Transmission and Link Performance
Module outcome: Explain how light travels down a fiber and calculate whether a link will work over its intended distance.

Module 3: Connectors, Splicing, and Termination
Module outcome: Select, terminate, splice, clean, and inspect fiber connections to a professional standard.

Module 4: Installation and Infrastructure
Module outcome: Install fiber safely and correctly within pathway, bend radius, tension, fire rating, and documentation requirements.

Module 5: Testing, Troubleshooting, and Handover
Module outcome: Test a link, interpret the results, find and fix faults, and certify the installation for handover.