Who installs fiber optic cables?
Connectivity or cables; Fiber optic cables have played a very vital role in the data and connectivity transmission. But who physically puts these cables through which signals are transmitted using light pulses, is a question that comes to mind. There are a few key professions involved.
Fiber Optic Technicians
Those individuals in charge of implementing fiber optic technologies also might be assigned the duty of maintaining fiber networks. Their training covers splicing, termination, testing, fault diagnosis, and fiber optic technology management, including reparations of fiber cables.
Fiber optic techs need to know more about the characteristics of fiber optics and working procedures concerning the cables required for efficient installation without compromising on the fiber optics cables. For these tasks, they employ specific instruments and equipment to work effectively. They can be self-employed or employ several professionals to help them install security systems.
Their daily tasks involve:
- As part of the planning process, fiber routes have to be designated, and installation techniques have to be identified.
- Running cables over conduits and then connecting them
- Joining fibers by aligning fibers and merging glass cores and cladding through a process called splicing.
- Ending optic fibers with connectors to connect them to equipment
- Checking cables to see whether the signal is passing through or if it has been interfered with.
Some employers have standards for techs that include certifications that can be obtained through organizations such as the FOA. Techs can be beginner and then move up to more advanced positions based on their level of training and experience gained through work.
Telecom Line Installers
Telecommunications line installers set up all the telecommunication cables including fiber optics. Their work includes laying off the utility as well as the extensions to the homes and buildings.
They install various conduits through which fiber will be pulled, including
- Underground ductwork
- Power and/or communication cables suspended from electrical power poles
- Piping helps protect the fiber lines that lie buried below the surface.
After this, they then use the raceways to pull fiber optic cables once the infrastructure is complete. They employ specific on and off tools such as winches and pulleys to effectively lift and pull long cables.
Crews also perform end connections where necessary during the final stages. This includes work like:
- Connecting cable ends together to switch on signal processing
- Ending fibers to connect to cupboards or apparatus
- Controlling to know whether cables are working correctly
A lot of precaution is taken when having to work at a considerable height from the ground on overhead poles or even near underground utilities. It should also be noted that most of the telecom line crews have their background established in electrical or other trades such as tower rigging. This means that on-the-job training for the organization involves training that is specific to the fiber.
Outside Plant Engineers
Open Network Interface, OSI Network Interface, OSP engineers, design and build networks’ “outside plant” construction. This includes the trunking sector together with the distribution portion that connects to consumer premises.
Although they are not the ones who directly lay fiber optic cables they supervise the deployment teams and contractors. Responsibilities include:
- The responsibilities involve mapping the routes and the infrastructure requirements of the networks.
- Designating items which include enclosures, splice closures, terminals, and others.
- The last one is concerned with determining the cost estimates for the project and the man-hours needed to complete it.
- Obtaining the right of passage permits or getting the nod from local government bodies
- By having construction crews' progress and workflow managed
They help make sure that those who are charged with the responsibility of developing the network infrastructure do it right and in the quickest way possible. They are capable of planning functional designs and have profound insights into the local access networks and fiber optic technology.
Despite this, many OSP engineers have a trade background although the engineers possess four-year engineering or engineering technology degrees. Special knowledge of Computer-aided design (CAD) expertise and project management skills may also be needed.
Specialty Fiber Contractors
More often than not, the telecommunication companies or the enterprises they work for do not hire the construction crews or technicians who are involved in fiber deployment. They employ specialty contractors who only deal with fiber optics hence saving time and costs as these companies have specialized in handling fiber optics.
These outside fiber contractors supply
- Technicians who are fully trained, qualified, and certified to work on vehicles.
- The teams should have prior experience in building specific structures.
- Specialized equipment
- Superproject managers should bear the major responsibility
They enable fiber customers to leverage external arrangements of physically deploying the cables. Some of them are involved in offering planning, designing as well as engineering consultancy services. They deal with various clients but fibres installation is what they do and specialize in.
In summary, there are several talents required to install fiber optics and bring up networks as described in this paper. Fiber optic technicians are more specific about the practical responsibilities of installing the cables. Telecom line crews must construct other relevant infrastructure that is needed to support fiber. Outside plant engineers manage and coordinate the entire process of installation from design to implementation. Specialty contractors offer deployment services for fiber optic networks, be it for a single building or a whole city. The accumulation of these professionals ensures that data transmissions go at the speed of light.
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