Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to test optical communication systems and components using advanced optical test equipment. It involves using the optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), optical spectrum analyser (OSA) and optical return loss (ORL) test set for performance testing and link budget calculation.
It applies to individuals who combine technical skills with organisational and administrative skills. They may be installation contractors, technical staff and field officers from telecommunications carriers or other private and public organisations or regulatory authorities.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to use advanced optical measuring instruments | 1.1 Obtain relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards for compliance when conducting work 1.2 Notify customer 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 measures of hazards with handling of optical fibres and lasers in consultation with appropriate personnel 1.5 Prepare a testing plan indicating the type of measurement, procedures and nominated wavelength, and seek approval from customer 1.6 Select appropriate tools and test instruments according to required measurement and enterprise practice |
2. Evaluate optical performance and link budget using advanced optical test equipment | 2.1 Set up test instrument according to manufacturer’s instructions and work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements 2.2 Perform measurement using knowledge of appropriate testing techniques and advanced test equipment in a safe manner to evaluate performance of optical system and component 2.3 Record test results and compare with standard test specifications from manufacturer’s and enterprise guidelines 2.4 Perform end-to-end measurements on an optical link to a customer and record test results and test points 2.5 Calculate optical losses for a link budget figure of an optical link to determine if within operational margins as specified in manufacturer’s manual 2.6 Evaluate test results and report on functionality of the optical component or equipment and performance of the optical link |
3. Document measurement results | 3.1 Document test results for future reference and make recommendations on optimising component and system performance 3.2 Clean worksite and make safe according to enterprise requirements and to customer satisfaction 3.3 Notify appropriate personnel of job completion for sign off and present test documentations |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of ability to:
obtain operation documentation for advanced optical test instruments
plan and prepare a schedule of tests to be performed
conduct optical tests
record measurements for a range of parameters
test, calculate and document optical link budget
comply with all related work health and safety (WHS) requirements and work practices.
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:
describe an optical system and its main components
identify hazards and risks for health and safety associated with optical systems
identify and describe common tests, measurements and testing plans used for optical systems
identify common wavelengths involved with optical systems
list and describe use of tools and test equipment for optical systems
explain consequences of mating contaminated optical connectors
perform calculations using decibels, dBm
discuss downstream and upstream signals
outline dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) metro and long haul system architecture
summarise measurement of DWDM signals
explain measurement of gain and gain flatness of optical amplifier
discuss measurement of laser spectral stability, drift and unexpected variation in spectral transmission characteristics
explain non-linear effects, four-wave mixing
identify optical connector types
outline optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR)
summarise optical spectrum limits, wavelengths used in various applications and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) grid
identify optical transmitters and receivers
describe optical return loss (ORL)
discuss OTDR dead zones, dynamic range and launch cable reflectance
outline safe handling procedures with optical fibres
describe transmission system line rates:
optical ethernet
optical transport network (OTN)
synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH)
explain wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) and DWDM principles and optical multiplexers
identify and explain influence of legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to advanced optical work.
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 – Optical Networks field of work and include access to:
tools and equipment required for measurements
manufacturer’s documentation for test instruments and equipment under test.
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, 2.5, 2.6 | Interprets textual information from relevant sources to plan, identify all job requirements and adhere to procedures and standards |
Writing | 1.2-1.5, 2.3, 2.6, 3.1, 3.3 | Accurately completes relevant reports and documentation using clear and technically specific language and numerical data |
Oral Communication | 1.2-1.5, 2.6, 3.3 | Uses listening and questioning skills to confirm understanding for requirements, participates in a verbal exchange of ideas and solutions, and uses appropriate, detailed and clear language to address key personnel and customers |
Numeracy | 1.5, 1.6, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5 | Uses mathematical formulae to gather and record technical measurements |
Navigate the world of | 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 | Takes personal responsibility for adherence to legal and regulatory responsibilities relevant to own work context with specific reference to workplace safety Understands main tasks, responsibilities and boundaries of own work |
Interact with others | 3.3 | Actively identifies requirements of important communication exchanges, selecting appropriate channels, format, tone and content to suit purpose and audience |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 2.2, 2.6 | Takes responsibility for planning and organising own workload, identifying ways of sequencing and combining elements for greater efficiency Takes responsibility for routine decision-making by selecting from a range of predetermined options in routine situations, identifying and taking some situational factors into account Considers purpose, needs and limitations when selecting devices and applications for different tasks |
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.
Test equipment that must be used includes: | optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) optical spectrum analyser (OSA) optical return loss (ORL) |
Measurements that must be performed include: | optical power level insertion loss of optical network end-to-end fibre loss (bi-directional) |
Sectors
Telecommunications – Optical Networks