Course Overview
This course introduces students to advanced fiber optic topics including optical network designs, fiber optic analysis using link budgets, Optical Loss Test Sets (OLTS) and Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR). Troubleshooting is emphasized for new installations as well as maintaining existing systems as students gain hands-on experience testing optical components installed in outside plant systems to current ANSI/TIA (American National Standards Institute / Telecommunications Industry Association) standards. For their final exam, students will write the Fiber Optic Association (FOA) industry recognized exam for Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT). Successful completion of the exam will result in certification; if students require further attempts, they may register with the FOA separately.
Prerequisite(s)
- 70% in TELX 3010
Credits
1.5
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$882.75
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify modern day communication networks using fiber optics.
- Assemble outside plant fiber cable into an outdoor splice enclosure using a fusion splicer.
- Describe how to install fiber cables following industry and manufacture standards.
- Calculate a fiber optic link/power budget using current TIA standards.
- Demonstrate fiber optic connector end-face cleaning and inspection.
- Analyze a fiber optic system with an Optical Loss Test Set to current TIA standards
- Test a fiber optic system using an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
- Test and troubleshoot a failed fiber optic link using current TIA standards
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2023
Related Programs
Fiber Optics: Testing and Repair (TELX 3020) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Energy
- Fiber Optics - Principles, Installation and Repair
Microcredential Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of TELX 3020 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 69018
Dates
May 30 - Jun 13 Loading
- CRN 69018
- $882.75 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 30 - Jun 13 | Sat | 09:00 - 16:00 | Burnaby NE25 Rm. 205 |
Duration
3 weeks
Instructor
Mike Lowe
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This is the second course in the Fiber Optics - Principles, Installation and Repair Microcredential program. Please contact soepts@bcit.ca for more information and to register. Note: BCIT reserves the right to cancel courses. In the event of a course cancellation, you will be notified at least two business days prior to the course start. Please ensure that your contact information is current in your myBCIT account.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.