Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to test optical communication systems and components in the field using portable test instruments
It applies to individuals who are installation contractors, technical staff and field officers from telecommunications service providers or other private and public organisations or regulatory authorities. They combine technical skills with organisational and administrative skills when working on broadband passive optical networks (PON), fibre to the x (FTTx) networks, hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) networks and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems during installation, maintenance, commissioning and troubleshooting phases.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to use optical measuring instruments | 1.1 Obtain relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards and prepare for given work 1.2 Notify client for site access, security arrangements and location details of optical system and test purpose 1.3 Identify site hazards and notify appropriate personnel to make site safe 1.4 Devise and implement risk control and safety measures when using high power laser test instruments and optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) associated with launch fibres, patch cords or enclosure adaptors 1.5 Prepare testing plan indicating type of measurement at nominated wavelength, based on equipment specifications and in consultation with client 1.6 Select appropriate tools and test instruments according to required measurement and enterprise practice |
2. Conduct optical measurements | 2.1 Set up test instrument according to manufacturer’s instructions, and according to work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements 2.2 Perform measurement using knowledge of appropriate testing techniques in safe manner to assess performance of optical system or component 2.3 Record test results and compare with standard test specifications from manufacturer and enterprise guidelines 2.4 Evaluate test results and report on functionality of optical component or equipment and performance of optical system |
3. Document measurement results | 3.1 Document test results for future reference and make recommendations on optimising component and system performance 3.2 Clean work site and make safe according to enterprise requirements and to client satisfaction 3.3 Notify appropriate personnel of job completion for sign off and present test documentation |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
carry out work according to job specifications and work health and safety (WHS) regulations
determine and plan optical tests and measurements
use optical measuring instruments and devices
perform and record optical measurements
assess and make recommendations from the test results
document and present test outcomes.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
explain the consequences of mating contaminated optical connectors
summarise downstream and upstream signals
discuss dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) metro and long haul system architecture
outline hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) architecture (optical section)
explain logarithmic power levels (decibels and dBm)
discuss optical connector types
summarise optical fibre and laser safety, practices, handling and application
identify optical spectrum limits, wavelengths used in various applications and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) grid
explain the role of optical transmitters and receivers
explain passive optical network (PON) architecture
discuss transmission system line rates:
optical ethernet
synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH)
summarise wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) and DWDM principles, and optical multiplexers.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications – broadband and wireless networks field of work and include access to:
a site where installation of supporting infrastructure may be conducted
plant, tools and equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 1.6, 2.1, 2.3, 3.2 | Interprets information from relevant sources to plan and identify all job requirements |
Writing | 1.2-1.5, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.3 | Accurately completes relevant reports and documentation using clear and technically specific language |
Oral Communication | 1.2-1.5, 2.4, 3.3 | Uses listening and questioning skills to confirm understanding of requirements, and participates in a verbal exchange of ideas and solutions Uses appropriate, detailed and clear language to address key personnel and clients |
Numeracy | 1.5, 1.6, 2.2-2.4 | Performs mathematical calculations to check, interpret and confirm results of system tests |
Navigate the world of work | 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 2.1, 2.3, 3.2 | Complies with explicit policies and procedures, and explores and implements where identified the implicit expectations of policies and procedures Understands roles and responsibilities for task and makes basic decisions on work completion parameters |
Interact with others | 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.4, 3.3 | Uses a limited range of accepted practices for communicating in a work environment Recognises common cultural and other differences of people in the work context and makes adjustments in addressing the differences |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2 | Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks and own workload for efficiency and effective outcomes Makes low-impact decisions within familiar situations, based on a range of predefined or routine solutions and evaluates the effectiveness of the outcome |
Range Statement
This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) should be included.
Instruments/devices to be used must include: | laser light source including visual laser light source laser power meter passive optical network (PON) meter optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) |
Optical measurements to be taken and recorded must include: | optical power levels insertion loss of a passive device end-to-end fibre loss (bi-directional) splice loss distance to fault, event, end of fibre using an (OTDR) |
Sectors
Telecommunications – broadband and wireless networks