What is the design of the fiber optic network?

The design of the fiber-optic network is the specialized process that culminates in the installation and successful operation of a fiber-optic network. It implies determining the type of communication system / s that will be transported through the network, the geographical scope (internal plant, campus, external plant (OSP), etc.), the necessary transmission equipment and the fiber network through which equipment will work. In addition, to design a fiber-optic network it is usually necessary to interconnect with other networks that may be connected by a copper wiring and a wireless network.

Then, we must consider the requirements of permits, rights of servitude, authorizations, and inspections. Once we reach that stage, we must take into account the selection of the components, the location, the installation practices, the tests, and the installation and commissioning of the network and troubleshooting equipment. Finally, we must analyze the documentation, maintenance, and planning of restoration in the event of an interruption in the future.

The design of the network must be done completely prior to the installation itself, but also, it must be done since it allows estimating the cost of the project and allows the contractor to establish an offer for the work. The design not only affects the technical issues of the installation, but also the business issues.

Work with other people

To design a network it is necessary to work with other personnel teams that are involved in the project, apart from the client. These teams can be network engineers, usually from IT departments (information technology), architects and engineers who oversee a larger project, and contractors involved in the creation of projects. Other groups, for example, engineers or designers involved in issues related to project design, such as designers of industrial systems, cable television (CATV) or security, or designers specializing in wiring in the internal plant They can also monitor different parts of a project that involves the design and installation of cable networks and fiber optic systems. It is possible that even managers who do not belong to the technical area of ​​the company get involved if they want to display parts of the system to visitors.

Requirements for fiber optic network designers

Designers must have a vast knowledge of fiber optic systems and components and installation processes, as well as all current local standards, codes, and regulations. In addition, they should be familiar with virtually everything related to telecommunications technology (wired or wireless network), site surveys, local policies, codes and standards, and should know where to turn to experts in those areas when needed. It is clear that the fiber optic network designer must know the electric power systems since, in any location, the electronic hardware must be fed with uninterrupted high-quality energy. On the other hand, if the designer works for the contractor it is very important to make an estimate since that is the way to determine whether there will be gains or losses.

Fiber optic technician salaries

All persons involved in the design of fiber optic projects must have prior knowledge in the area of ​​fiber optic, such as having completed a course to obtain the certified fiber optic technician (CFOT) certificate from the Optical Fiber Association (FOA), and may have a specialization in the design of cable networks and/or electrical installations. It is also very important to know how to find detailed information, mainly on the web, about products, standards, codes and, in the case of OSP networks, how to use online map services, such as Google Maps . Finally, experience in CAD systems (computer aided design) is highly valued.