Understand the Passive Infrastructure that Underpins Your Network

Transcription

1 RESIDENTIAL/MDU OUTSIDE PLANT OUTDOOR CELL SITE SMALL CELL CENTRAL OFFICE FIBER TO THE HOME CATV HEADEND INDOOR WIRELESS COVERAGE DATA CENTER Understand the Passive Infrastructure that Underpins Your Network Online Training for Network Professionals MICROWAVE BACKHAUL INTELLIGENT BUILDING

2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Chapter 1 What is Passive Infrastructure Training? 7 Chapter 2 The Benefits of Passive Infrastructure Training Online 11 Chapter 3 Exploring Training Benefits For Individuals and Training Managers 13 Chapter 4 Recommended Passive Infrastructure Training Courses 22 Conclusion 2

3 Introduction Global telecommunications infrastructure demand is continually advancing. Growth estimates predict the fiber optic market alone to be worth c.$3.72 billion by Predictions for the Internet of Things (IoT) also expect that by 2020, between 20 to 30 billion devices will be connecting to networks; clearly the market is increasing. For anyone who works with passive network infrastructure (cables, connectors, antennas, panels, shelves or frames), this is huge news, presenting substantial opportunities for career growth, business growth and industry recognition. However: Staying up to date in an ever-growing, ever-evolving market is difficult. To make the most of opportunity, accessible passive infrastructure training is the gateway to success. Designed to help both individuals and training managers stay ahead of the curve, this ebook will: Explore key benefits of passive infrastructure training See how online training makes staying up to date easy Review specific benefits of online training for both individual and training managers Provide recommendations on the best passive infrastructure courses to take 1 Global Fiber Optics Market will reach USD 3.72 Billion by 2022: Zion Market Research - Market-will-reach-USD-3-72-Billion-by-2022-Zion-Market-Research.html

4 Chapter 1 What is Passive Infrastructure Training?

5 Chapter 1 What is Passive Infrastructure Training? Why invest time, budget or both on passive infrastructure training? With the infrastructure industry growing year on year, now is a great time to invest in training on the infrastructure technology that underpins the wireline and wireless networks that we all take for granted today. Passive infrastructure Transmission media Physical layer Whatever the term used, how data gets from A to B, relies on the infrastructure technology used; whether in an office building, MDU (Multi Dwelling Unit) or SFU (Single Family Unit); stadium, arena, or campus; central office, head-end or datacenter; or the many types of wired or wireless outside plant (OSP) networks. The term passive Infrastructure denotes the widest possible coverage of transmission media used in networks today copper (twisted pair and coax), fiber optic, RF wireless and microwave. As the name suggests, the focus is on the parts of the network often hidden in the wall, underground or above the streets, rather than the active components of a network that often get most attention. Passive Infrastructure Training is designed to give students a firm grounding in the connectivity used to and from active devices on a network. Because it is passive, passive infrastructure is often forgotten about, and therefore is not deemed the most exciting of technologies. However, as no user device would work efficiently without it, understanding all types of network infrastructure is fundamental to happy users and subscribers. 5

6 Chapter 1 What Can You Expect From Passive Infrastructure Training? From an engineer s perspective, passive infrastructure training presents a number of opportunities for knowledge building. Training can offer: Practical Topics - Enhanced understanding of the technology behind all types of passive infrastructure and their applications, with complete coverage of topics like copper and fiber optic cabling, wireless and microwave. No Pre-Requisite Required - Courses are of interest to anyone working with passive infrastructures, and all technical abilities. Easy Access - With training comes access to a course library, with regularly updated resources available both during and after your course has been completed. Comprehensive Online Video Webcasts - Multimedia classes and assessments make completion an achievement worthy of recognition, while engaging and interesting. With online classes you can train to your schedule and learn on the go; from your computer, tablet or mobile. Expert, Experienced Instruction - Experienced training developers are industry experts; dedicated to practical instruction and support to ensure you understand what can be complex material. Recognized Certification* - Certificates and Photo ID badges are available upon request for each individual course. Enhanced Career Prospects - Self-paced training that prepares you to further your career in networking and infrastructure roles. Learning Support - Easily contactable support team to offer practical, practiced advice, to support you throughout your training. * Training certification on its own does not infer or imply membership of the CommScope PartnerPRO Network or any other CommScope solution program. For further details of the PartnerPRO Network, visit 6

7 Chapter 2 The Benefits of Passive Infrastructure Training Online

8 Chapter 2 The Benefits of Passive Infrastructure Training Online Why online training? When most infrastructure professionals think about training, they picture having to schedule regular time out of their work calendar to go to a classroom, run through the syllabus, and complete a certification within a set timeframe. Yet as technology (and the infrastructure that supports it) expands and evolves, this traditional training model is increasingly outdated. Choosing online infrastructure training over classroom learning makes maintaining regular education easier for individuals. Online training and resources are up to date and available, enabling the training to be flexible, fast-moving and adaptable in the face of a rapidly changing and expanding industry. Key advantages online training The benefits of online include: Saved time - Online training doesn t need to be scheduled, so doesn t interrupt work, or impact capacity Saved budget - Time and expense in travelling to courses is avoided Consistent training - Training managers know exactly what the course will contain for each student - anywhere in the world Ease of securing management buy in - Online training minimizes barriers to training adoption such as lost time and resource Accessibility and flexibility - Training can be taken 24/7, 7 days a week to suit individual requirements 8

9 Chapter 2 Certifications on demand - There s no waiting around to enrol on scheduled classes Online access - Courses and support materials can be accessed any time via any online device. This offers the additional benefit of resource availability to support on-site work Paced to suit the individual - Training doesn t have to be completed in one sitting, and individuals can plan to their schedule No travel expenses - Online training is accessible from anywhere, meaning there are no travel or accommodation expenses, plus impact on everyday work schedules and income are reduced 70/20/10 development - 70% of learning comes from real life experience, 20% comes via feedback from managers or supervisors and 10% comes via formal training. Online training supports the 70/20/10 development model, offering a consistently available point of reference, learning material, and support to help infrastructure professionals while on-site and learning via practical experience Multilingual - Online training can be made available in multiple languages to support student preferences 9

10 Chapter 2 How to find the right online passive infrastructure training? With many training options available, what makes a training course or certification stand out beyond the next? To help with the selection process, below are points to consider when selecting training courses: Do the courses support a full range of student abilities and knowledge needs? Is certification offered across the required range of topics and applications? What resources does the training provider have to keep courses relevant and up to date? Is the provider s training credible and well known? How is the training delivered? Are students free to learn at their own pace? How the course is assessed? Is an assessment required? Review what support is available. Are study resources available after the course is complete? What certification will students receive after passing the course? For example, do they receive a certificate, ID badge etc? Is the online training portal easy for staff to access and use? Is training widely accessible across all necessary devices? 10

11 Chapter 3 Exploring Training Benefits For Individuals and Training Managers

12 Chapter 3 Exploring Training Benefits For Individuals and Training Managers As we ve seen in earlier chapters, investing in passive infrastructure training makes sense from multiple perspectives. For network solution providers, these benefits can lead to business growth, and a more qualified and productive workforce. Specific benefits of training for both individual Engineers and Training Managers For individual Engineers, online training means: The ability to gain certification and progress in RF and network engineering, communications technology, and other fields Practical topics and expert instruction to improve understanding of the importance of passive infrastructure and its applications Enhanced prospects for fiber optic and infrastructure related jobs - now, and in future Improved skills as a result of better understanding of network infrastructure principles and applications User-friendly training with all the benefits of classroom courses - such as training certificates and ID badges For Training Managers, online training means: Flexible training for teams of all abilities and specialisms Training support for teams regardless of their location An effective way to keep teams up to date with the latest information, regulation and best practices Support for both new staff, and staff who need updating A cost-effective and adaptable training option that lets teams learn at a pace that suits them Enhanced staff productivity as training integrates easily with everyday work schedules Improved employee retention as staff are better skilled, and productivity is enhanced 12

13 Chapter 4 Recommended Passive Infrastructure Training Courses

14 Chapter 4 Recommended Passive Infrastructure Training Courses Now you know the benefits, business value and future proofing advantages of passive infrastructure training, the next step is to start learning. Typically the best way to gain experience of a training solution is to try it, so below, we ve listed seven infrastructure courses covering a range of network infrastructure solutions and applications. Students are provided with a photo ID badge and printable certificate post-assessment. 14

15 Chapter 4 1. [SP6500] RF Wireless Infrastructure Fundamentals This course will suit anyone involved in Wireless communications, and addresses a range of ability levels; from those just starting out, to those involved in specifying and designing, as well as RF/ RAN Engineers. Topics covered include wireless terminology, cabling, antennas, modulation schemes, spectrum, data rates, radio channels and microwave backhaul. Other topics included are antenna design, fiber optics, fault finding, PIM and VSWR. With this course students will learn the basics of RF wireless systems and infrastructure, and understand the components involved in creating a successful radio link. This course will: Help students understand the basics of wireless systems and infrastructure Detail need-to-know terms used in wireless, including units of measurement Discuss wireless design and the components involved from one end to the other Explore cellular transmission, covering past, present and future technologies from 1G to 5G and WiFi Review different cabling options and examine Antenna theory and design Illustrate transmission methods; including modulation schemes, data rates and spectrum Explore ways to increase antenna coverage to meet ever increasing wireless demands Examine complexities of connectivity such as Link Budget, Path Loss, Signal to Noise Ratio, Cell Foot Print and coverage Consider Cell Site Design - this includes antennas, jumpers, feeders, filters, combiners and amplifiers Explain the detail of RF measurements at a Cell site, including line sweeping and VSWR Show students the importance of good connections, and the resultant PIM issues of poor connections Provide an introduction to Microwave backhaul v fiber options. Enrol for the [SP6500] RF Wireless Infrastructure Fundamentals course here. Estimated study time: 5h Webcast duration: 2h 58m 15

16 Chapter 4 2. [SP4420] Fiber Optic Infrastructure Specialist This course will suit anyone involved in fiber optic communications, supporting a wide range of ability levels and experience. Exploring fiber types, connectors, apparatus, termination, design, losses, installation, planning, inspection and testing, the course is designed to improve your understanding of fiber optic cabling, and covers the communications, fiber transmission and components required to support it. Estimated study time: 9 hours Webcast duration: 7h 20m This course will: Explain the market trends and development for fiber optics Investigate fiber transmission theory Explore different fiber types and assess suitability for the types of applications run over them Show the various manufacturing processes involved Help students make informative decisions on cable design and alternative construction methods to suit various environments Explore connector types and termination methods Show administration solutions such as fiber shelves, fiber polarity and duplex Review fusion splicing, and external plant termination into housings Help students to understand the requirements for intra- and inter- linking buildings with fiber and the necessary considerations to be taken into account Discuss the importance of cleanliness and how to inspect fibers connectors Look at project planning, safety, rights of way and responsibilities Enrol for the [SP4420] Fiber Optic Infrastructure Specialist course here. 16

17 Chapter 4 3. [SP1000] Infrastructure Solutions for Broadband Applications This course is designed to provide a broad insight into all areas of Broadband Access and FTTx infrastructures. It will suit anyone involved in the design, installation and project management of infrastructures for Broadband Access, HFC, FTTx and PON solutions. Topics covered include fiber types, connectors, apparatus, termination, design, losses, installation, planning, inspection and testing. This course will: Help students to understand the infrastructure solutions that support Broadband Access Networks Review the impact that fiber has had over copper in the broadband market, as it offers higher speeds and greater bandwidth Review copper based network technologies including CATV, DOCSIS, G.Fast Look at optical networks including HFC, RFoG and PON and learn where these are used today Detail the topologies and architectures of FTTx networks Show ways of connecting and splitting fibers in the field Help students understand loss budgets and contributors Examine the latest advances in wave division multiplexing, and the fiber cables than can be used to support this Detail different fiber cable characteristics, and what each can have on impact signal quality Review network deployment cost exercises and compare different network architectures Enrol for the [SP1000] Infrastructure Solutions for Broadband Applications course here. Estimated study time: 9 hours Overall content duration: 6hr 41m 17

18 Chapter 4 4. [SP8850] Pre-Terminated Data Center Solutions Created for Data Center infrastructure designers, technicians and managers who want to increase their knowledge of cabling choices and architectures, this course covers Data Center infrastructure technology and design. This course covers the latest in pre-terminated cabling solutions for both copper and fiber and has been created to address not only the technology available today, but also new and emerging systems and components. Estimated study time: 7h Webcast duration: 6h 19m This course will: Give students a fresh look at data center infrastructure design and how all aspects involved affect the end result Detail how changing data center technology and architecture is increasing the density required with integrated and more converged equipment Review how copper pre-terminated solutions and their use can affect installation times and moves adds and changes Look at fiber pre-terminated solutions, including MPO connector types, and explore how polarity and future migration capabilities impact system selection Ensure that students understand fiber losses, can calculate them correctly and minimize loss Show how correctly designed data center infrastructure has long term benefits especially in regard to upgrade paths to faster communication speeds Discuss cable routing designs especially when using HVAC cooling in relation to hot and cold aisles Look at cable containment options and routing for both copper and fiber cable. Discuss rack/cabinet cross connect and interconnect layouts with examples. Look at advantages and disadvantages of cross connect and inter-connect designs Ensure students know how to test and inspect during installation, and explain how to ensure on-going maintenance is completed (including the importance of cleanliness of fiber connections) Review the standards including the TIA-942 DC infrastructure standard Enrol for the [SP8850] Pre-Terminated Data Center Solutions course here. 18

19 Chapter 4 5. [SP3000] Structured Cabling Infrastructure Design Created for those involved in the Design and Engineering of Structured Cabling Systems. This course provides a complete foundation for enterprise designers, and is founded on industry best practice and cabling standards. This course will suit designers, technicians, field support personnel, account managers, consultants and network managers involved in infrastructure specification. Initial design considerations, background knowledge, detailed design concepts and project planning are covered. This course will: Detail designer s roles and responsibilities Teach students about project and installation planning with respect to cabling infrastructure Provide a foundation of essential knowledge to support Infrastructure design Examine data communications fundamentals including IP (Internet Protocol) Review basic transmission principals Give an overview of industry standards Help students understand architectural design issues Discuss horizontal design for copper and fiber cabling Show students how to design a fiber and copper backbone riser system Ensure students know what to consider for campus designs Discuss how to select optimum products for the design Enrol for the [SP3000] Structured Cabling Infrastructure Design course here. Estimated study time: 12h Webcast duration: 10h 19

20 Chapter 4 6. [SP6180] Microwave Radio Antenna Site Planning Perfect for anyone involved in microwave communications, this course suits a range of ability levels; from those starting out, to those specifying and designing, to field engineers. The course aims to help students understand the technical aspects and criteria involved in microwave radio theory, site planning, selection of tower type, and how to create a reliable microwave link. Identification of possible areas of interference, choice of radio and towers, antenna selection, path design and more are considered. Estimated study time: 6h Webcast duration: 3h 54m This course will: Help students understand the parameters and criteria involved in microwave radio link planning Look at microwave backhaul and the advantages over fiber or copper cabling Discuss the regulatory bodies and available frequencies together with planning and documents required to be submitted to the local authorities Show different methods of configuration of the radio equipment to provide optimum performance Review modulation techniques required for differing scenarios and reliability requirements Look at how to consider different tower options depending on location and environment Help students identify the correct transmission line types and understanding the performance differences between antennas Investigate microwave paths and help understand losses as a result of reflection, absorption and diffraction Discuss Fresnel zones, look at terrain and how obstacles can interfere with the quality of transmission Help students understand line of site surveys and why they should be completed Investigate interference calculations mathematically to insure the link is viable Enrol for the [SP6180] Microwave Radio Antenna Site Planning course here. 20

21 Chapter 4 7. [SP3500] Field Testing of Cabling Systems This course has been created for anyone interested in learning more about testing copper and fiber optic cabling installations. Local area networks, copper twisted pair cabling, DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems), internal and external fiber links, FTTx installations, coaxial cabling and FTTA (Fiber to the Antenna) are all covered. The training details test equipment options, correct set-up of testers, how to test, what to test, and how to analyze results so faults can be identified and corrected. This course will: Explore different field testing requirements and methods together with the latest standards and specifications Look at the differences between Certification, Verification, and Testing Help students understand why visual testing is almost as important as electronic testing Investigate the range of field testers on the market, their capabilities, what they test, and examine if the tests meet standards requirements Review pre-testing requirements, set up, cleanliness and tools Show students how to ensure correct test procedures are used when testing, including parameters, what to test in a link and which components in the link are included Explain test results, analysis, fault finding and repair, and show comparison of test results against predicted ones Ensure students understand requirements for test documentation in line with standards Enrol for the [SP3500] Field Testing of Cabling Systems course here. Relevant testing standards for inspection and documentation are also explored. Estimated study time: 4 hours Webcast duration: 3h: 43m 21

22 Conclusion Whichever certification you choose, investing in passive infrastructure training is a way to prepare and make the most of the expanding and converging network infrastructure. As we ve discussed, passive infrastructure is an often forgotten about, but crucial technology; fundamental to maintaining good service and connection to users and subscribers. So if you haven t already, be sure to consider your options, secure buy-in and invest to stay ahead of the technology curve. 22

23 About CommScope Training As the complexity of wireless, broadband and enterprise networks continues to grow, maintaining expertise is vital to stay productive, profitable and prepared. The CommScope Infrastructure Academy supplies the training you need to support your work, through a flexible RESIDENTIAL/MDU online program that fits your busy schedule. OUTSIDE PLANT Whether you are a network installer, technician, engineer or integrator, the CommScope Infrastructure Academy has a comprehensive selection MICROWAVE BACKHAUL CENTRAL of courses that provide in-depth training on today s advanced wireless, OFFICE broadband and enterprise solutions. OUTDOOR CELL SITE SMALL CELL FIBER TO THE HOME DATA CENTER CATV INTELLIGENT HEADEND The CommScope Infrastructure Academy is a proud supporter of the BUILDING CommScope PartnerPRO Network. INDOOR The PartnerPRO NetworkWIRELESS matches customers who need help, with the COVERAGE best solutions and the ideal partners. The network includes independent consultants, integrators, installers, distributors and industry alliances all trained and certified to deliver CommScope s broad range of network solutions with superior service. Training certification on its own does not infer or imply membership of the CommScope PartnerPRO Network. For further details of the PartnerPRO Network, visit Like what you read? Check out our course catalog to explore the full range of training courses that the CommScope Infrastructure Academy offers on today s advanced wireless, broadband and enterprise solutions Commscopetraining.com