Way back In 2019, everybody was raving about the prospects for new technologies such as smart cities, 5G wireless, autonomous vehicles, internet of things (IoT) and numerous other applications that would disrupt the status...
One of my recent magazine columns focused on a noncommunications use of fiber optics—lighting. In this article, I’ll revisit the topic to flesh out that topic even more, using illustrations to show how fiber optic lighting...
Since optical fiber transmits light, it’s obvious that it could be used for illumination. Put a bright light at one end and most of that light will come out the other end. Many people are familiar with this application...
Last month, I wrote about types of fiber optic sensors that are used in specialized applications. Most of these affect the transmission of light in the fiber to allow the physical parameter to be sensed either along the...
In last month’s column, I discussed other uses for optical fiber beyond communications. I mentioned lighting, viewing and laser surgery. I also mentioned sensors, the topic I elaborate on this month. One thing all techs learn...
When we discuss our work in fiber optics with people who are not communications contractors or installers, many people assume we work with medical fiber optics because that’s the fiber optics most people are familiar with...
One of the first customer visits I made after starting a company making fiber optic test equipment was in the basement of a government building in Washington, D.C. I brought along one of our test kits for demonstration, with...
For the last couple of columns, I’ve focused on learning new things and techniques. Last month, I wrote about high fiber count cables—1,728, 3,456 and 6,912 fibers—and the need to use ribbon or mass fusion splicing with them...
Last month, I wrote about how a newcomer could get started in fiber optics and learn the basics. What if you are already experienced in fiber optics and want to keep up with new technology? I can empathize with you. I have...
My last two web exclusive articles (part 1 and part 2) have covered how optical time domain reflectometers (OTDR) work and make measurements. Now let’s get into several ways they try to confuse you. Have you heard of “gainers...
To get started in fiber optics, you need to follow a simple path. First, if you are looking at it as a new career, you must research the available jobs and determine what is expected of a worker in that field. If you are...
It seems you can’t pick up a newspaper today without seeing an advertisement touting a cellular company’s coming 5G wireless network. Some ads claim the service provider offers 5G connections to the home and you should sign...
In my previous article about OTDRs, I covered the basics of how the instrument works and how it is used to make basic measurements of attenuation, splice or connector loss and reflectance. If you need to, go back and review...
It’s always nice to hear from my readers. In December 2018, I wrote about aerial fiber optic cables, and that column prompted a very interesting inquiry. Usually these inquiries are technical in nature and come from...
Recently, I attended a meeting for local residents on my city’s plans to allow numerous “small cell” cellular sites around the city. The city’s website showed more than 600 potential sites, all on city-owned street lights. No...
The most powerful—and complicated—instrument used for fiber optic testing is an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR). In the hands of an educated tech, the OTDR is a powerful testing and troubleshooting tool, but it can...
It’s human nature to be more vocal when complaining than complimenting. That means I hear a lot more about what goes wrong than what goes right. I retell these stories because you should learn from your (and others’) mistakes...
I’ve been doing a fiber update for ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR every January for 16 years. I enjoy sitting back and taking an overview of the current fiber optic technology and markets, distilling it down to what I see as the most...
In several recent columns, I have discussed the perils of installing underground fiber optic cables and how to locate the buried cables and pipes that represent danger to the contractor. Digging up or puncturing gas lines...
Recently, I have been working with one of the Fiber Optics Association’s (FOA) overseas instructors, who teaches a program in outside plant (OSP) fiber optic cable plant construction, to create a curriculum for all FOA...
