Frequently Asked Questions
Is your training a certification course or certificate of completion?
If it is certification, who is it through? If it is not, is your training recognized through any of the major associations as a step toward certification?
Answer:
Our trainer, John Bruno, is recognized throughout the industry. Upon completion of the training course you will receive a certificate of completion from FIS, a certificate which is recognized by BICSI, and is also equivalent to one college credit, which is transferrable to most accredited universities. If you are already associated with BICSI, you can receive a Continuing Education Credit from BICSI as well.
What is the use of IOR (Index of Refraction)?
Answer:
Our trainer, John Bruno, is recognized throughout the industry. Upon completion of the training course you will receive a certificate of completion from FIS, a certificate which is recognized by BICSI, and is also equivalent to one college credit, which is transferrable to most accredited universities. If you are already associated with BICSI, you can receive a Continuing Education Credit from BICSI as well.
Can you tell me the difference or true meaning of a composite cable and a hybrid cable?
Answer:
Can you tell me the difference or true meaning of a composite cable and a hybrid cable. I've heard both terms used interchangeably. Are they the same? If so then how would you differentiate between a single-mode/multimode cable vs. fiber cable/copper cable?
I am sending video on a singlemode fiber from building A to building B. I would like to see if i can send two cameras back from building B to building A on the same singlemode fiber. If so what equipment will I need?
Answer:
By using WDM's (Wave Division Multiplexers), you can send two different signals on the same fiber in opposite directions. WDM's are generally a 1x2 device similar to a coupler or splitter, except that it will separate and/or combine wavelengths on a single fiber. For example, if your current video system is transmitting at 1550nm, you could use a WDM at each end and a 1310nm TX and Rx for the signal in the reverse direction.
Need to pad down single mode fiber between a FoxCom fiber transmitter and receiver for Satellite distribution solution. Can you recommend and solution?
Answer:
To "pad down" or attenuate a fiber signal, choices range from fixed level attenuators, or variable attenuators. Fixed attenuators are available as patch cables with built in attenuation, as build-out male to female devices which go on one of the connectors and then plugs into the device, or as bulkheads, which replace a standard mating sleeve with the correct level of attenuation. Variable attenuators for singlemode are usually a pigtailed device with choice of connectors on each end, and a small device in the center of the cable with a tunable set screw to adjust the attenuation level.
When testing a fiber using and OTDR, how can the technician determine the correct IOR for the fiber in order to set the proper parameters on the test set to ensure the measurements will be accurate?
Answer:
The index of refraction (IOR) can be found on the specification sheets for the fiber in question. This does actually vary by a small amount from batch to batch, and is usually marked on the original spool from the factory. As a baseline set of numbers, (based on Corning SMF28e, and Infinicor Multimode fibers) singlemode IOR should be set at 1.4682 for 1550nm and 1.4677 for 1310nm , 1.496 (850nm) or 1.491 (1300nm) for 62.5/125 multimode and 1.481 (850nm) or 1.476 (1300nm) for 50/125.
I have a number of people in my company who need training, who should I speak with?
Answer:
The FIS Training Program holds Fiber Training classes throughout the country. You can view the schedule online by clicking the training icon. To schedule a corporate training class for 15 or more people, contact our training coordinator at 1-800-500-0347. Customers are expected to pay for the price of the class and any related expenses.
We have to test a 9 micron loose tube outdoor fiber and a 50 micron loose tube outdoor fiber on the spool before installation. We have an FIS mini OTDR. Is there a bare fiber adapter? How would you suggest the testing be done?
Answer:
The most efficient method of testing bare fiber with an OTDR is to use a pigtail and mechanical splice. It is never recommended that a bare fiber adapter be placed in the OTDR's test port, as the unpolished fiber end can damage the connection in the port. Connect a pigtail of the correct fiber type and connector to the OTDR or far end of a launch cable. Cleave the opposite end of the pigtail and insert it into a mechanical splice. Cleave the end of your fiber to be tested and insert it into the opposite side of the mechanical splice. By using the "Real Time" function available on most OTDRs you can adjust the position of the fibers in the mechanical splice to get the best throughput. The cable is now ready to be scanned.