Hands-On Outside Plant Fiber Optics Construction

Students Will Learn

How to build OSP fiber optic cable plants
Introductionreview of fiber optic technology and terms
How outside plant construction of fiber optic networks is accomplished - underground and aerial
Preparing for construction projects
Safety issues for underground and aerial construction
Underground construction - trenching, directional boring, microtrenching
Aerial construction - installing poles, lashing cable, ADSS cable
What comes next - after the cable has been installed

Target Audience

- All those interested in the process of construction of OSP fiber optics - managers, designers, supervisors as well as contractors and installers - This course is particularly good for those involved in managerial roles whose responsibility includes fiber optic communications systems and who need to know how these systems are built.

- Those already working in or just getting started in fiber optics

- Designers, contractors and installers of fiber optic cable plants

- Users of fiber optic cable plants and communications systems involved in designing and managing outside plant networks

Course Outline

Module 1 -

A brief history of fiber optics
Some advantages of fiber optics
Basics of fiber optics, cables, termination and splicing

Module 2 -

The process of preparing to build a fiber optic OSP network
The complex issues that must be addressed by the design and planning of the project
Site surveys
Guidelines for worker health and safety
Managing traffic around the work site
Post installation repairs and restoration

Module 3 -

The types of underground construction - conduit, direct buried, micro-trenching and directional boring
Why "Dig Once" and "Call Before You Dig" Are Important
Techniques for trenching and burying conduit, direct burial of cable, micro-trenching and directional boring
Special installation issues like bridge crossings, working near other utilities, etc.
Installation of manholes and hand holes
Underground construction is one of the most important processes in fiber optic cable plant construction. This section will cover the basics of these processes and cover the requirements and the details the construction manager and workers need to know. In particular, the "best practices" are covered in detail for all the processes.

Module 4 -

How fiber optic cable is installed underground
How to test the cable before installation
How to pull cable in conduit
How to install air-blown fiber
How to figure-8 cable on long pulls
Once the construction is ready, the fiber optic cable is pulled or blown into the buried ducts. This section discusses how the cable should be inspected and tested before installation to ensure that it is undamaged and to get a baseline for testing after installation. Procedures for pulling cable in conduit or blowing cable are covered in detail.

Module 5 -

Why aerial installation is used instead of underground
How to install poles for aerial cable routes
How to install messenger wires and lash cables to them
How to install ADSS (all-dielectric self-supporting) cable
Deploying fiber above ground on poles or towers removes the need for underground digging and is particularly useful when the ground is uneven, rocky or both. Aerial installation is generally much less costly than underground construction also. This lesson covers the installation of poles and messenger wires, then lashing fiber optic cable to the messenger. It also covers ADSS cable, a popular choice because it does not require messengers or lashing.

Delivery Method

On-Site

Equipment Requirements
(This apply's to our hands-on courses only)

BTS always provides equipment to have a very successful Hands-On course. BTS also encourages all attendees to bring their own equipment to the course. This will provide attendees the opportunity to incorporate their own gear into the labs and gain valuable training using their specific equipment.

Course Length

5 Days