Fiber-to-the-tower and fiber-to-the-home deployments require trained technicians
In addition to moving indoors with a ramp up of small cell deployments, carriers are expanding 4G LTE mobile networks into rural parts of the country, while adding capacity in dense metropolitan areas.
As the demand for mobile data continues to boom, communications service providers are going to have to keep up by implementing infrastructure-heavy network improvement plans that, regardless of the hardware in play, share one thing in common—dependence on a fiber optic connection.
Consider recent actions by highly competitive telecom and tech companies: Google has spun off a much-hyped network arm, Google Fiber, that’s bringing fiber-to-the-home broadband connections to select markets across the US; Verizon continues to expand its FiOS plant; and competitor AT&T is promoting its GigaPower FTTH service. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
These large scale fiber roll outs create tremendous opportunity not just for consumers and enterprises, but also for trained technicians. Everywhere there’s fiber, there needs to be a qualified tech trained to complete the test and measurement work that ensures the success, or failure, of a network.
As the fiber space continues to gain momentum, a well-positioned tech needs to have a strong, working knowledge of fiber theory, mastery of optical connector cleaning and inspection, and proficiency in operating an OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometer).
For a one-stop shop to get the job skills needed to stay competitive, Anritsu provides industry-leading training and certification sessions specific to fiber optics and OTDR. Small class size, coupled with instructor-led sessions with an emphasis on hands-on learning, means the one-day courses are action packed.
“Anritsu manufactures a full array of optical test device including spectrum analyzers, power meters, network analyzers and OTDRs,” says Anritsu Training Program Manager Shawn Kelly, “and no one can teach you how to use the Anritsu Access Master OTDR better than Anritsu.”
The fiber optic and OTDR training and certification class comprises an opening lecture on how fiber optics work, including physical demonstration, followed by hands-on exercises; certification is based on passing a written and practical exam.
The skills learned during the training and certification process add value for carriers, base station OEMs, tower companies, field engineers, installers and site managers. The course costs $895 per student and private, on-site classes are available in the contiguous US starting at $7,160 for up to eight students.
The sessions are filling up fast. Upcoming dates include a Dec. 18 training and certification course in Miami, Fla., a Jan. 15 course in Honolulu, Hawaii, and a Feb. 5 course in Goldsboro, N.C.
“This a great opportunity to learn a valuable skill set for both indoor and outdoor technicians,” says OTDR instructor Dennis Burt. “Where there is fiber optic cable, there is a technician that needs to test while building and troubleshoot afterwards.”
