Course Outline
Fiber Basics for OT Troubleshooting
- Overview of fiber usage in operational technology (OT) environments and the impact of link issues on operations
- Explanation of single-mode and multimode fiber in practical field applications
- Identification of common causes of communication loss, degradation, and intermittent faults
- Differentiation between issues that OT teams can diagnose in the field and those that require contractor repair
Safe Handling, Inspection, and Cleaning
- Ensuring eye safety, laser safety, and the safe use of fiber test tools
- Proper handling of patch cords, connectors, ports, and jumpers
- Inspecting connector end faces for dirt, contamination, and damage
- Correctly cleaning connectors and verifying they are ready for retesting
Essential Diagnostic Tools
- Utilizing a visual fault locator to identify visible breaks and severe bends
- Employing an optical power meter and light source to confirm signal presence and basic loss
- Using an inspection scope to assess connector condition before testing
- Understanding OTDR capabilities, interpreting basic results, and recognizing when to escalate for OTDR testing
Practical Troubleshooting Workflow
- Confirming symptoms and gathering relevant information from the affected link
- Implementing a check, inspect, clean, retest workflow
- Isolating likely causes such as dirty connectors, excessive loss, macro bends, or fiber breaks
- Distinguishing fiber-related problems from issues with ports, transceivers, or devices
Field Scenarios, Documentation, and Escalation
- Troubleshooting scenarios involving no link, intermittent communication, and high attenuation
- Documenting test results and observations in a clear and concise field report
- Communicating findings to internal support teams or external contractors for government
- Determining when to cease testing and escalate for repair or specialist diagnostics
Hands-On Practice and Review
- Guided exercises using typical OT fiber fault scenarios for government
- Applying the full troubleshooting workflow from symptom identification to escalation decision
- Review of best practices, common mistakes, and next steps for government
Requirements
- Fundamental knowledge of network infrastructure and communication links
- Practical experience in troubleshooting network or operational technology (OT) communication issues in the field
- Basic hands-on experience with cabling, ports, and network devices
Audience
- OT technicians
- Network and communications support staff
- Field personnel responsible for initial fiber issue diagnosis
This content is tailored to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals for government and private sector environments, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage and resolve network and OT communication challenges.
Testimonials (3)
The clarity with which it was presented
John McLemore - Motorola Solutions
Course - Deep Learning for Telecom (with Python)
Trainer knows very well the subject. He try to give a lot of examples in order that we understand "how" it is working. He answer to all questions raised. Very available.
christel salve - BICS
Course - Blockchain for Telecom
The varied topics
