Fiber optic training program with intensive experiments using both real laboratory and simulation environments

Abstract

This paper highlights a fiber optic training program developed according to the occupational competencies using real and simulation platforms to train young people aged between 15 and 24. The most important objective is to overcome the shortages of fiber optic employees by providing training qualifications accredited by the Fiber Optic Association. This training program was designed on three levels, and participants were tested at the end of each level. Successful participants continued with a higher level of training. Theoretical knowledge was given to the participants at the first two levels and extensive practical applications were done. At the third level, computer networks trainings were provided to identify the much more fiber optic network modules by using simulation software tool. The training program includes installation of DVB‐X (Digital Video Broadcast – satellite, cable) and the FFT‐X (fiber‐to‐the – home, building, curb) devices that have a fiber optic cable infrastructure, and point‐to‐point line measurements. This training program differs from similar programs due to the inclusion of effective real laboratory, simulation platform, and field practices. It is significantly found that this training program supported by more extensive real experiments and simulations besides of theoretical education increases the technical qualifications and satisfaction ratio of the participants.

A testbed and a simulation laboratory for training engineering students in optical access network technologies

“…It should be emphasized that companies and associations in the field of fiber optics support the deployment of this type of professional network laboratory for training future engineers. This idea is also aligned with some experiences described in Section 2, for instance, experiments in Reference [2] were based on interviews with industry representatives in fiber optic installations. Besides this, photonic companies (Thorlabs [33] or Fiber Optika [7]) provide educational kits regarding optic technologies and companies (Corning [3]) offer training courses regarding optical networks.…”

“…This WDM-PON simulator makes it possible to analyze physical parameters such as power penalties, Q-factors, or eye diagrams, which helps to understand the principles of operation of next-generation access networks infrastructures using simulation techniques. Finally, a quite recent paper, by Aydin et al [2], describes a fiber optic training program that combines real equipment and simulation platforms. This program includes the installation of FTTx and DVB-X (digital video broadcast-satellite, cable) devices typical in fiber optic cable infrastructure, and includes real laboratory experimentation, simulation platforms, and field practices.…”

A thematic review of the present photonic education

“…Firstly, there is an increasing demand for engineers and technicians to deploy and convey these technologies to everyday living areas and scientists who study to develop these technologies [4]. As the photonics industry progress, the need for qualified labor forces who promote this field will increase [5]. Secondly, although society and students everyday use photonics technologies, face photonics-related issues, or encounter problems that can be solved with the aid of photonic technologies [6], their awareness and understandings of photonics are open to discussion [7].…”

Banco de pruebas didáctico para implementación y testeo de una red óptica pasiva para acceso banda ancha hasta el hogar

“…En el trabajo de Hayes et al (2013), es presentado un enfoque interesante que usa realidad virtual para proponer un laboratorio educativo en temas de comunicaciones ópticas limitado a aspectos básicos y que no permite las complejas configuraciones de una red FTTH/PON. Nuevamente en Aydin et al (2019)es definido un enfoque de laboratorio de pruebas que combina experimentos reales con simulaciones para definir una ruta de aprendizaje para temas en comunicaciones ópticas que limita las pruebas FTTH/PON a la simulación. En Merayo et al (2017)es propuesto un banco de pruebas real para analizar mediante un OTDR parámetros de la capa física de una red GPON como factor Q, diagrama de ojo o tiempos de subida/bajada.…”