Optical access networks

This e-learning course is intended for staff involved in the planning, installation and testing of the fibre-based access networks that provide broadband services.

After completing this course the trainee will be able to describe the use of optical fibre in the access network, the role of the active and passive components of optical access networks and the practical aspects of installing and testing broadband access systems including Fibre to the Home (FTTH), Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) and Fibre to the Building (FTTB).

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the various configurations and role of the components of point to point and point to multipoint links in an optical access network and explain what limits the maximum length of these links.
• describe and compare the capabilities and applications of point to point optical links, and FTTH, FTTB, FTTC and FTTdp broadband connections.
• describe how the structure of, and the materials used in, optical cables depends on the environment in which they are to be installed, giving examples of typical structures of internal and external cables.
• describe the techniques and equipment used to prepare and install optical cables with reference to installation in ducts, overhead suspension, and air blowing in microducts.
• describe the function and typical internal layout of various types of cable termination enclosure.
• describe the topology of an access network providing point to point links to business customers and describe the role of the components of such a network including the various types of optical enclosure.
• describe the role of the passive and active components of a passive optical network delivering FTTH and FTTB services with reference to both single and multiple dwelling unit installations.
• describe the role of the components of a network delivering an FTTC service with reference to the role of the ONU / DSLAM and VDSL splitter in the street cabinet.
• describe the use of optical loss test sets and dual port power meters to check that optical links and passive optical networks meet their power budget requirements.
• describe the principles, characteristics and use of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) with particular reference to testing a passive optical network.