FIBER OPTICS TECHNOLOGY:
A technology that uses glass (or plastic) threads (fibers) to transmit data. A fiber optic cable consists of a bundle of glass threads, each of which is capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light waves.
Fiber optics has several advantages over traditional metal communications lines:
Fiber optic cables have a much greater bandwidth than metal cables. This means that they can carry more data.
Fiber optic cables are less susceptible than metal cables to interference.
Fiber optic cables are much thinner and lighter than metal wires.
Data can be transmitted digitally (the natural form for computer data) rather than analogically.
The main disadvantage of fiber optics is that the cables are expensive to install. In addition, they are more fragile than wire and are difficult to splice.
Fiber optics is a particularly popular technology for local-area networks. In addition, telephone companies are steadily replacing traditional telephone lines with fiber optic cables. In the future, almost all communications will employ fiber optics.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
The modern world is hinged on internet and telecommunication connectivity. We cannot imagine a world without the internet or telephone/cellphone connections, primarily because most of our daily business is based on connecting with people living hundreds and thousands of miles away. The only way we can conveniently and quickly connect with these people is through these mediums. Therefore, fiber optic jobs are very much in demand these days.
Fiber optic engineers are part of a whole team of people who make this global connectivity possible. In this article, we will look at the fiber optic engineer job description and requirements for fiber optic jobs.
These professionals are responsible for the installation and repair of fiber optic cables, creating and maintaining high-speed communications. Job duties include laying cable lines, testing connections, and troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment. Challenges of this profession may include working with electronics and construction equipment in inclement weather as well as working at great heights or in confined spaces. It is not an entry-level position and requires a high degree of technical expertise and understanding of communications and signal flow.
REQUIREMENTS;
There are various requirements for that they need to fulfil to pursue a career in being . The requirements are classified under three heads –
EDUCATIONAL AND GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:
A fiber optics technician needs to possess the following qualifications
Technical knowledge of communications networks
Troubleshooting and mechanical skills
Fundamental knowledge of computers and associated electronic systems
Skill with a variety of hand tools and power tools
Ability to operate large equipment
May need to possess a commercial driver's license
While some opportunities exist for those with a high school diploma to learn this trade in an apprenticeship program or in the military, for those choose not to take this route, other paths exist. The most efficient way to enter this job field is a professional technical preparation course that focuses on getting students ready to attain the certifications required of all fiber optics technicians.
Certificate programs in broadband cable and technology can be completed relatively quickly. A typical program consists of around 25 credit hours, less than half of the requirement for an associates degree. These courses include practical demonstrations of necessary skills such as testing and maintenance of cables, introductions to standard principles of communications, and other technical skills required for successful installation of communications equipment.
The certifications earned from these programs include the following certificates:
Certified Fiber Optics Technician (FOT)
Certified Fiber Optics Designer (FOD)
Data Cabling Installer Certification (DCIC)
Certified Military Fiber Optics Installation Professional (MFOI)
Which certification is best for an employee depends upon the technical position that they are applying for but in general, a Certified Fiber Optics Technician (FOT) is a great entry certification for starting techs. It has a prerequisite of Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) FOI certification but is the fundamental building block of a career in a fiber optics installation and maintenance career. The course includes the certification exam on the last day of the course and is a streamlined way of attaining certification.
ETA provides the criteria which tests the knowledge and/or hands-on skills needed in today’s electronics industries constantly gaining information, verifying the validity and current relevance of its assessments and means to augment to support evolving practices and standards.
Certified Fiber Optics Installer (FOI)
Certified Fiber Optics Installer (FOI) validates the knowledge and skills to certify and troubleshoot fiber optic cable networks accurately and efficiently by troubleshooting different cable systems with a combination of fibers, connectors, and splices on the most commonly occurring problems. The ETA FOI exam is administered on the last day of this course.
Certified Military Fiber Optics Installation Professional (MFOI)
Certified Military Fiber Optics Installation Professional (MFOI) validates the ability to address the general criteria for using either military tactical fiber optic connector assemblies (TFOCA) or MIL-STD-2042()(SH) M28876 & M29504 connector assemblies, as well as, gaining skills for installation, testing, and troubleshooting of fiber optic systems in accordance with military standards. Knowledge to terminate Single Terminus (ST), Multiple Terminus (MT) and Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) connectors in accordance with Military Standards is achieved. The ETA FOI exam is administered on the last day of this course.
Certified Fiber Optics Technician (FOT)
Certified Fiber Optics Technician (FOT) validates the knowledge and skills needed to certify and troubleshoot fiber optic cable networks accurately and efficiently. Troubleshooting different cable systems with a combination of fibers, connectors, and splices on the most commonly occurring problems is confirmed. (Pre-requisite: ETA FOI certification). The ETA FOT exam is administered on the last day of this course.
Certified Fiber Optics Designer (FOD)
Certified Fiber Optics Designer (FOD) validates an in-depth knowledge of optical local area networks, with skills gained for a successful fiber optic system design from network protocols, network configurations, optical cabling, industry communications standards, determination of fiber count, hardware selection, splicing/termination methods, and cable system testing and documentation. (Pre-requisites: ETA FOI and FOT) The ETA FOD exam is administered on the last day of this course.
Data Cabling Installer Certification (DCIC)
Data Cabling Installer Certification (DCIC) validates the knowledge and skills needed to install and troubleshoot voice and data outlets at workstations, and punch down blocks and cross connects in telecommunication rooms. Skills for cabling pathways and spaces, understanding different types of cabling, how to work with contractors, how to evaluate the work, and how projects are implemented are achieved with this certification. Basic concepts of copper cabling installation and applicable service adhering to the required safety regulations while competently installing communications cabling is understood.
The ETA DCIC exam is administered on the last day of this course.
Certifications
Hiring a Certified Fiber Technician will prove beneficial to the organization. Both full-time or a Freelance will come in handy during any crisis or unexpected situations.
Among all the certifications, the top certification that is available for the professionals is Fiber Optic Association Certified Fiber Optic Technician (FOA CFOT). The other certification offered is the ETA (Electronics Technician Association). FOA Certification.
The international professional society offers fiber Optics Association (FOA) certification for fiber optics. This certification is in high demand and is quite popular in the Fiber Technicians circles. It has some sub-certifications as well to offer in specific desired fields to the candidates.
Various FOA Certifications
Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT): This specific certification gives the professional on overall understanding of Fiber Optics Systems.
Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT): The certification is for candidates who will look into the installation of fiber, copper, and wireless in an environment. It will come in handy for candidates who would want to work with enterprise networks. It will help them to keep the security management system intact.
Certified Fiber Optics Specialist (CFOS): It has two subsets such as skill-based and application-based. The skill-based certification gives knowledge about the installation and tests and troubleshoots of the fiber optics cable, while the application-based certification looks into the specific application of fiber optic cabling.
SKILLS:
Perform fiber optic splicing while correlating engineering and splicing drawings to procedure.
Installed and repaired fiber optic/power cables in high security commercial locations.
Spliced specialty fibers and tested/documented fiber optic components and systems.
Assembled fiber optic amplifier according to schematic and specific tolerances.
Install fiber optic communication terminals for computers and telephone service
Perform Fiber Optic fusion splicing and mechanical terminations.
Created fiber optic cables to customer specifications.
Terminated fiber optic cable in aerial/underground enclosures.
Produced fiber optics components used in telecommunications.
Performed mechanical fiber optic terminations.
Handle troubleshooting of fiber optic links Assemble and repair fiber cables and connectors Assist other technicians as well as train new technician
Provide installation, troubleshooting and repair of short haul and long haul fiber optic networks and systems on a nationwide basis.
Realized connections between telephone distribution centers, supervised cable spans and fiber optic underground installation, as well as fusion splices.
Install fiber optic and Cat 5 cable systems in highly sensitive areas such as the Pentagon and the State Department.
Lead a project to build a new Cable TV system using fiber optics to replace the original Coax based system.
Installed, arranged, and reconnected fiber optic and/or associated copper wiring at pole, underground or building terminals.
Assigned with tasks for service orders and repair activities associated with network facilities (copper and fiber optics).
Cable and Fiber Optic Splicing Technician - Well versed in troubleshooting, repair, and installation of fiber optics.
House of Representatives, installed and terminated fiber optic and copper cables for new installs and upgrading old cabling.
Applied fiber optic theory and related test parameters, assemblies and test measurement quality jumper and custom cable builds.
KNOWLEDGE:
So, what are fiber optic jobs? What is it that these folks do? Well, the job of a fiber optic engineer is centered on the installation of broadband telecommunication cables, which include fiber optic cables. These cables transmit information by converting messages into light pulses which travel through these cables rapidly over long distances. These cables have an edge over steel cables since the transfer of information on this medium is much quicker. The job of the fiber optic engineer is to install and test these cables, perform maintenance checks on them, and take care of any malfunctioning that may happen.
The job itself is something of a challenge since fiber optic engineers often have to brave a lot of rough weather and conditions, climb heights or descend into deep caverns, crawl into cramped spaces, perform a lot of manual labor which involves carrying around heavy tools and material, and perform a lot of repairs and fixes on the cables and poles. That being said, fiber optic jobs allow for a lot of field work and is best suited for people who enjoy working outside and interacting with people.
Quite often, fiber optic engineers spend time working in specific areas as maintenance officials. This means that they rapidly become a part of the community in which they work, allowing them an opportunity to make long-term acquaintances and friends. This is a very rewarding part of their job and perhaps even makes up for the tough working conditions that these folks sometimes have to work in.
Fiber optic jobs can be found in many places. Most of the companies that have placed advertisements for fiber optic engineer job vacancy are telecommunication firms. These firms are looking for individuals who are qualified to perform the type of work they require. The job mostly includes laying and installing fiber optic cable lines, LAN and DSL routers and maintenance checks with the customers who utilize the product.
At times, however, the fiber optic engineer must double down as a company representative and collect service charges and repair fees on behalf of the company. The fiber engineer jobs do not only involve repair work; they also entail a lot of traveling between sites and dealing with suppliers to procure specific parts.
Therefore, on the fiber optic engineer resume, one of the first things that should be mentioned is a willingness to work in the field and face the challenges of the environment out there.
SALARY;
An early career Fiber Optic Technician with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of ₹303,391 based on 14 salaries. A mid-career Fiber Optic Technician with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of ₹244,898 based on 18 salaries.
JOB OUTLOOK;
The Fiber Technician’s job involves various tasks from a large to multi-story office buildings to small housing buildings. The primary functions of the Fiber Technician include:
Resolve, repair and install fiber optics systems and ensure that they work properly
Examine and replace faulty and old fiber optic cables and also organize scheduled maintenance routines
Take care of fiber splicing and rectify fiber optic problem areas
Develop sensor indicators and conduct timely inspections to make sure that faulty fiber optic system does not destabilize its performance
Execute premises cabling and take care of the underground and underwater cabling requirements
Keep track of the signal strength of different devices such as television, telephone to provide adequate performance
Formulate and maintain system records and system designs
According to The Occupational Outlook Handbook projects, there is expected to be a growth of 14 percent between 2010 and 2020. The work opportunities are supposed to witness a steady growth with the extensive usage of the internet and communications in addition to installations and ongoing maintenance. Employers should hire candidates with hands-on experience and formal schooling.The world's largest global online marketplace has countless opportunities for freelance Fiber Technician. When you sign up with Field Engineers, you automatically can connect with businesses looking for skilled and talented professionals. The portal connects more than 40,000 freelance field engineers and can help you find the position you want.