ICTOPN4115B
Install and test a dense wavelength division multiplexing system

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to install dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) equipment in optical networks.

Application

Telecommunications technical staff who install long haul or metropolitan area DWDM equipment apply the skills and knowledge in this unit. They install the DWDM unit and circuit cards and inspect, clean, and install optical fibres, connectors and associated equipment and prepare the system for subsequent testing and commissioning.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to install DWDM units

1.1 Determine the number of racks and DWDM units at each site by referring to installation documents

1.2 Determine the DWDM unit and equipment positions within the individual racks

1.3 Assemble equipment racks according to safe industry practice and manufacturer’s instructions

1.4 Select tools and equipment

1.5 Prepare patch panels with connectors according to installation plan

2. Install DWDM units and associated cabling

2.1 Install DWDM unit in the designated rack position in order to maintain the planned link budget margin

2.2 Install patch panels and ancillary equipment and connections into equipment rack in preparation for commissioning procedures

2.3 Insert circuit cards into specified slot locations in readiness for commissioning procedures, but do not seat cards into backplane nor lock into position at this stage

2.4 Connect optical fibre cables between circuit cards, optical multiplexers, adjoining DWDM units and patch panels according to manufacturer’s specifications

3. Test power connections and complete the installation report

3.1 Measure the main and redundant power supplies to verify the correct polarity of the ground and power connections

3.2 Rectify any identified power wiring fault if applicable

3.3 Confirm that cooling fans, panel lights, indicator lights and alarms behave according to the manufacturer’s prescribed specifications when power is applied

3.4 Complete the installation report and reinstate site

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to liaise with internal and external personnel on technical and operational matters

literacy skills to interpret technical documentation

technical skills to:

assemble and secure standard telecommunications equipment rack, associated ironwork and optical fibre support ducting

clean optical fibre connector

examine optical fibre connector for contamination and assess whether cleaning is required

prepare and connect power and ground wires

use a digital multimeter to measure DC and AC voltage and to check continuity.

Required knowledge

DWDM principles of operation

electrostatic discharge

optical fibre connector types and characteristics

optical fibre types and characteristics

specific OHS requirements that impact on the safe inspection of optical connectors and the safe measurement of optical power from laser transmission systems.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

conduct installation of DWDM systems and associated cabling according to plans and specifications

test power and ground connections

complete installation reports.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

suitable site for DWDM equipment installation

access to tools and equipment required for installation

a range of optical fibres to suit the installation.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of the candidate installing a DWDM unit from a DWDM system together with installation of optical fibre interconnecting cables

review of DWDM installation report prepared by the candidate

oral or written questioning of the candidate to assess knowledge of DWDM installation practices.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICTTEN3056A Install telecommunications network equipment

ICTBWN3088B Install optical fibre splitters in fibre distribution hubs.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Site may include:

optical add drop multiplexer (OADM) site

terminal site.

Equipment racks may include:

19 inch type

23 inch type

535 mm (ETSI rack) type.

Tools may include:

hand tools:

crimping tool

screwdrivers

wire cutters

wire stripping tool

optical fibre connector cleaning cassette

microscope or video fibre connector inspection instrument.

Patch panels may include:

rack mounted

wall mounted.

Ancillary equipment and connections may include:

air filter

alarm connections

C/L band splitter tray

cooling fan assembly

coupler tray

craft terminal

data communications connections

equaliser tray

Ethernet hub

fibre management trays

optical attenuators

optical fibre patch cords

optical multiplexer

optical service channel tray

telemetry connections

variable optical attenuators.

Power wiring fault may include:

battery and ground wires are reversed to the DWDM unit

battery wire is open or missing

return wire is open or missing.


Sectors

Telecommunications - Optical networks


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.