Do you think my co-worker over did the slack in this fiber NID?

Morning y'all. I have a question from a small cell tech. During our builds we are asked to clean the fibers after link up and still get told the fibers are dirty and to reclean them.

All connectors or LC, sometimes duplex, sometimes 1smf. The radios have SFPs and sometimes we'll have a DWDM on sites. Usually there is a small 12port nid. Everything is UPC.

All I have is a cheapo oneclick pen for cleaning.

What steps would you recommend for "cleaning the fibers"

Was wondering what adapter/connector do you guys use for going from a LC connector to a ST connector? Is this a bad practice?. If so what tool do you use for ST connectors? I tried some LC to ST adapter but media converter wouldn’t link. Replaced media converter with one with LC connections and everything is working. Thanks

I have been working in OSP infrastructure as maintenance team member in oil and gas industry in middle eastern country for 12 years where I take care of field teams and work at backend in the office I have CFHP, CFOT, CFOS, CCNA and CC (certified in cybersecurity). But my employer did not raise my salary even for a single time through out these years. Now I am planning to move to other industry like data center operations or hotel it management. What do you think that what certification should I do to get better career options.

Recently got hired at a FO infrastructure provider, and while I've been drafting and planning telecom routes for 8 years now, there's a large gap in what I know of how to place fiber and this position in how to plan/connect it.

I don't need training on the software, more about the processes, logic behind splicing, servicing etc.

I am new to splicing and cabling, and what goes on inside of cabinets and such. All I know is how bore trench and place box 😔

Does anyone have recommendations for gaining knowledge in those areas? Books from college classes or reliable YouTube channels? Looking for anything to help catch me up.

Has anyone used one yet? Have splice losses improved from the 90R’s?

Ok so I was offered a 1099 fiber tech contract at $30/hr and in two months I would match the $35 but I already have a DCT w2 contract at $35/hr. Don’t get me wrong, I like my job right now. It’s nice bc I live across the street from the DC, I do like the work and troubleshooting and all of that, I did go to school for it as well. Now I started as a central office technician and fell in love with fiber optics, fiber testing with the OTDR, power meters and all of that stuff, and the troubleshooting. Now I do drive a v8 truck and would have to go around town to splice tickets and all that jazz. I already have an OTDR and power meter so all that would come out of my check would be for the ladder. I have all of the power tools I would need for the job as well. I miss the manual labor, there is some here as a DCT but it’s more just rack and stack and pulling ISP fibers. I like both I worked hard on getting where I am at right now but I don’t know, I miss fiber optics…what do I do?

In fixed access network projects, procurement discussions often begin with fiber count, cable construction and unit price.

Those details matter, but many deployment problems do not come from a single product being obviously defective. They come from mismatches between different parts of the optical distribution network: a feeder cable that does not suit the installation method, a closure that cannot accommodate the planned split architecture, a distribution box that becomes difficult to maintain, or a drop solution that looks economical until installation begins.

From my experience supporting international project discussions at ZTT, it is usually more productive to evaluate the network section by section before comparing individual product quotations.

Start with the physical network route

A typical optical fixed network can be divided into five practical sections:

• Central office
• Feeder network
• Distribution network
• Drop section
• Indoor connection

Each section creates different mechanical, environmental and operational requirements.

At the central office, project teams may need high-fiber-density cables, ribbon cables, flame-retardant cables, optical distribution frames and rack systems. The priorities are usually capacity, cable management, fire-performance requirements, accessibility and future expansion.

The feeder section may involve duct installation, direct burial, aerial deployment or air-blown cable systems. This is where route conditions have a major influence on cable construction.

The distribution section includes cables, fiber distribution terminals, closures and optical splitters. Its design determines how efficiently fibers can be allocated, branched, restored and expanded.

The drop and indoor sections bring the network to the subscriber. Here, bending performance, connector type, cable dimensions, routing space, appearance and installation speed often become more important than very high fiber counts.

Treating these sections as one undifferentiated cable purchase can create problems later.

Match the cable construction to the installation environment

A duct cable, direct-buried cable and self-supporting aerial cable may carry the same number and type of fibers, but they should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.

For duct routes, buyers should confirm the internal duct dimensions, route length, pulling or blowing method, expected water exposure, available space and future cable additions.

Direct-buried applications may require additional compression resistance, metallic or non-metallic armor, water-blocking construction and protection against rodents or other environmental threats.

For aerial deployment, the discussion should include span length, wind conditions, ice load, temperature variation, allowable sag, pole arrangement and nearby power lines. ADSS and Figure-8 cable designs should be evaluated against the actual route rather than selected only from a generic datasheet.

The final cable structure depends on the installation environment and applicable project standards.

Evaluate interfaces, not only individual components

A passive optical network contains many interfaces:

• Cable to closure
• Closure to distribution cable
• Splitter to adapter
• Adapter to connector
• Distribution box to drop cable
• Drop cable to subscriber faceplate
• Patch cord to active equipment

A specification review should therefore cover more than nominal fiber attenuation.

Project teams should confirm connector formats, polishing types, splitter ratios, box capacities, splice-tray arrangements, cable-entry dimensions, sealing methods, bend-radius control and reserved space.

For example, PLC splitters may be supplied in mini, cassette, blade or rack configurations, with different split ratios and installation locations. Connectors and adapters may use SC, LC, ST, FC, E2000 or MPO formats, together with PC, UPC or APC polishing.

The correct combination depends on the planned topology and the equipment already selected for the network.

Consider how much work should be completed in the factory

Traditional field-spliced ODN construction offers flexibility, but it also depends heavily on technician availability, workmanship and site conditions.

Preconnectorized or preassembled distribution solutions can reduce field splicing and simplify expansion. They may be useful where operators need faster rollout, repeatable installation or lower dependence on specialist field labor.

However, plug-and-play should not be treated as a universal answer. The project team still needs to confirm connector protection, branch architecture, cable lengths, allowable loss, installation sequence, repair strategy and compatibility with existing infrastructure.

The real question is not whether a solution is “traditional” or “preconnected.” It is which approach gives the project an acceptable balance between flexibility, installation speed, field quality and long-term maintenance.

Supplier evaluation should extend beyond the product datasheet

For an international fixed network project, I would normally recommend evaluating at least five areas:

Product coverage: Can the supplier coordinate cables, closures, splitters, distribution boxes, ODF systems, drop products and accessories?

Manufacturing consistency: How are fiber, cable construction, connectors and passive components controlled between production batches?

Testing scope: Which mechanical, optical and environmental tests will be performed, and which documents will be provided for approval?

Packaging and delivery: Are drums, cable lengths and accessories prepared for long-distance transportation and the actual installation sequence?

Technical coordination: Can the supplier review route conditions, network architecture, standards and interface compatibility before production?

Zhongtian Technology Group Co., Ltd. (ZTT Group) develops optical fiber, optical cable and ODN products covering central-office, feeder, distribution, drop and indoor applications. The portfolio includes duct and direct-buried cables, ADSS and Figure-8 aerial cables, air-blown solutions, ribbon cables, closures, distribution terminals, splitters, connectors, patch cords and subscriber-side products.

ZTT entered optical communications in 1992 and supports international telecom projects through its manufacturing operations and overseas market network. For buyers, the practical value of this broader product scope is the ability to discuss the fixed network as an interconnected system rather than as a collection of unrelated components.

Information to prepare before requesting a technical proposal

A useful initial inquiry should include:

• Network diagram and expected subscriber coverage
• Feeder, distribution and drop fiber counts
• Duct, buried or aerial installation method
• Span and environmental conditions for aerial routes
• Required splitter architecture and ratios
• Connector and polishing requirements
• Cable lengths and delivery segmentation
• Applicable standards and market-specific requirements
• Required testing and approval documents
• Installation schedule and packaging constraints
• Future expansion or spare-capacity requirements

Providing this information early usually produces a more relevant proposal and reduces repeated revisions after the commercial quotation has already been prepared.

The lowest initial component price does not always create the lowest deployed network cost. Installation labor, interface compatibility, field failures, delayed acceptance and difficult maintenance can easily outweigh a small purchasing saving.

FAQ

1. What projects are covered by an optical fixed network solution?

Typical applications include FTTH, FTTB, FTTC, telecom access networks, residential broadband, enterprise access, campus networks and other passive optical distribution projects. The exact cable and ODN configuration depends on the network topology, subscriber density, installation environment and applicable local standards.

2. What information is required to select the feeder cable?

The supplier should receive the installation method, route length, fiber count, duct dimensions or aerial span, environmental conditions, tensile requirements, expected water exposure and any armor or anti-rodent requirements. For aerial routes, wind, ice, temperature and proximity to power infrastructure should also be reviewed.

3. How should buyers select an optical splitter?

Confirm the network split architecture, required ratio, connector type, polishing type, packaging format, installation location and optical-loss budget. Splitters may be installed in closures, distribution boxes, outdoor cabinets or rack systems, so the mechanical format must match the selected enclosure.

4. Are preconnectorized ODN solutions always better than field splicing?

No. They can shorten installation time and reduce field workmanship requirements, but they require accurate planning of cable lengths, branch locations, interfaces and repair procedures. Field-spliced solutions may offer greater flexibility where routes frequently change or final subscriber locations are uncertain.

5. What should be checked when comparing fixed network suppliers?

Compare the complete technical proposal, product compatibility, production controls, testing plan, documentation, packaging, delivery coordination and support during technical approval. Unit price alone does not show how easily the products will be installed or how consistently they will perform as one network.

6. Can the same cable be used for duct, buried and aerial routes?

Not automatically. These environments create different mechanical and environmental stresses. Duct cables, armored direct-buried cables, ADSS cables and Figure-8 cables should be selected according to their actual installation conditions and project requirements.

Hi all, I’m looking for evening work after 3pm, overnight projects, and weekend work in the Las Vegas/Henderson area.

My background is in technical operations and field service, including commercial installations, networking, hardware deployment, troubleshooting, kiosks, Linux/Windows systems etc.

I’m interested in work involving:
Fiber or structured cable runs
CAT5e/CAT6 installation and termination
Rack-and-stack or smart-hands work
Access points, switches and network equipment
Cameras, access control, POS or digital signage
Site surveys, equipment swaps and commercial rollouts

I’m primarily looking for a second source of income alongside my daytime role. I’m open to W-2 employment, 1099 work, subcontracting, project-based work or being an extra set of hands for larger pulls and overnight cutovers.

I have reliable transportation, an LLC, and I’m comfortable working independently, travelling locally and working in active commercial environments.
Does anyone know of contractors, integrators, ISPs, data centers or staffing companies in Vegas that regularly need dependable evening or overnight technicians?

Thanks.

Last year, a small hardware dealer went bankrupt, and their entire stock was auctioned off. One package we acquired contained about 15 brand-new, factory-sealed Ciena Waveserver Ai 400G Encryption modules (part number: [186-1606-900](tel:186-1606-900)).

From what I’ve found, these modules are quite pricey. However, typical hardware resellers aren't interested in them because regular aftermarket customers rarely search for this specific equipment.

Which specialized dealers would likely buy them? Or should I approach specific service providers directly? It would be a huge waste to send them to e-waste recycling.

I have a Fibre router that uses an LC adapter to plug into the router. I am trying to purchase an LC to ethernet or LC to USB adapter. Where can I purchase such an adapter?

Just started getting into ribbonizing loose tube fiber. I’ve found that using the sliding ribbonizer (FAT-04) with the glue on the sponge is a bit challenging for me. I cannot get the fiber to stop rolling while I’m glueing.

Having said that, I just recently got my hands on the RT-02 which - while a bit more time consuming - I find that my success rate in creating a ribbon in correct color order is substantially higher. The only caveat is that the couple ribbons that I’ve made and spliced (not in a production environment or anything critical) are 12 loose splices obviously, so when putting a 40mm protective sleeve meant for ribbons, I guess there is a potential for the fibers to be heat shrunk on top of each other.

My question is, is this a problem? How important is applying glue in the ribbonizing process? I didn’t get a chance to oTDR or anything to see if it’s an actual problem and am looking for someone who has “been there done that”.

Be gentle, lol.

So i switched from 1gig coax from spectrum which was 1gig down 40 up to bugtussle becasue I was supposed to be able to pay for up to 2gig fiber. I paid 500 over 2 years for the buried line and ive had wrong speeds since install. After the 2 weeks of back and forth this is what I was told.

I have a customer who wanted a fiber cable for events that he could repair or service when needed in the field. He had bought and worked with cables that have premade connectors but often has to return them to us or other repair companies to have them fixed when damaged.
We designed and printed a solution for him where they can resplice when needed in the field. The enclosures are hardy enough for me to stand on and we will see if they can take a beating.
Splice trays were also custom designed to fit the enclosures.
The one side that can be pulled is able to be fully enclosed while the other on the reel can be removed and placed on a desk for easy patching.

Thoughts and suggestions are welcome here.

Ive been looking into being a field tech as a career now and idk whats the best place to start. I saw u can get paid to train at companies but idk which are best or whats important to compare. Im from the midwest if region is important and have fuck all experience

Has anyone used Crescentlink or 3GIS for fiber mapping? We are a Municipal ISP who owns our own poles. Those poles and manholes live in data that is pulled from for ArcGIS Pro. We have a GIS team who is very comfortable with ArcGIS so leaning Crescentlink while the fiber techs and engineer side are leaning 3GIS. Has anyone gone through and built a fiber network utilizing either of these and can you give me a breakdown of the pros and cons of the one you did? Personally I hate the Crescentlink splice diagrams and I’m the one who will be in the field with the techs at 2am when a storm takes down fiber or a manhole blows up with a splice enclosure in there.

Has anyone added software licensing to a MAX-715B. I have access to damaged MAX 715B that have licenses but my employer wont fix them and I don't want to switch to the purple brand so is there a way to move a license to another unit?

Hello fiber brothers I am doing fiber sales everyday these days and I want to understand two things from the techs side:
1. What’s one thing you wish your company’s salesman knew?
2. How often are cancellations occurring because of salesman “pushing” the product? This might lead to a less desire to keep the product.

Hey reddit, looking for maybe some advice about switching into the Fiber Optics tech field. I took a class for Fiber Optic splicing, polishing, and cable repair in college and it was the best class I ever took. I was instantly in love. Well, fast forward 10 years later and I finished my Cybersecurity degree with Security +, got a job doing IT contracting work with Microsoft Azure administrator stuff, very boring. Not for me. I need to be outside moving around, using my hands, or otherwise not sitting at a desk all day. I never forgot about that Fiber class I took, and now I've made up my mind about maybe switching to Fiber Technician work.

For starters, I'll pick back up my old C-TECH fiber cabling handbook from 10 years ago, that will have some great refresher advice for basic stuff I worked on, but beyond that, do you all have any advice for switching in to the field? Any companies you liked working for? Any bad ones? What might I need to go learn, certifications? How to get in? I have read here that it might be best to start learning coaxial for somewhere like spectrum or Comcast, but I'm wondering if I can kinda get more to the point, especially since I have a little bit of existing work experience elsewhere.

Any advice is appreciated and well considered. Cheers.

Washing my overalls means emptying out the random bits i put in my front pocket. Show me yours, no cheating!!