Punjab PSEB Matric NSQF Telecom (Optical Fiber Splicer) study plan

Explain in writing how total internal reflection, numerical aperture and core/cladding refractive index difference produce light guidance in a step-index and graded-index multimode fiber.

Compare single-mode and multimode fiber on core diameter, typical wavelength window (850, 1300, 1310, 1550 nm), attenuation per km and typical reach, and state which is used in access PON networks.

Describe the fusion splicing sequence end to end (strip, clean, cleave, load, align, arc, estimate, protect, proof test) and name the purpose of each step.

List the main causes of splice loss at the joint (end angle, end-face defect, core offset, mode-field mismatch, contamination, bad arc parameters) and match each cause to the corrective action.

Demonstrate on practice fiber the correct strip length and coating removal with a precision stripper without nicking the cladding, and inspect the result under a magnifier.

Produce cleaved end faces and evaluate them for angle, hackles, chips, lip and mist, rejecting any end face that fails a visual check.

Practice cleaning bare fiber and ferrule end faces with lint-free wipes and approved solvent, and explain why dry wiping and reusing wipes cause contamination.

Set and adjust splicer arc power, arc time, pre-fuse and overlap parameters for the fiber type in use, and explain what happens when arc power is too high or too low.

Execute a mechanical splice in a protection sleeve or connector and compare its typical loss and reliability with a fusion splice.

Classify cables as tight-buffered, loose-tube, ribbon, armored, ADSS, figure-8 and drop cable, and state where each is used in access and premises networks.

Decode fiber colour codes for a 12-fiber and 24-fiber loose tube using the standard sequence, and identify tube and fiber position from a written colour list.

Describe the internal construction layers of an outdoor loose-tube cable (strength members, gel or dry water blocking, armor, sheath) and their mechanical purpose.

Prepare a cable end for splicing: sheath removal at the correct window length, trimming of strength members and tubes, and safe gel and aramid handling.

Explain bend radius, tensile load and crush limits and give the minimum bend radius rule for installation and for long-term storage.

Set up an OTDR correctly for a given fiber: range, pulse width, refractive index, scatter coefficient and averaging time, and explain the trade-off between pulse width and dead zone.

Read an OTDR trace to locate splice events, connectors, bends and a break, and measure splice loss using the two-point and least-squares methods.

Explain the difference between one-way and bidirectional OTDR measurement and why bidirectional averaging is required for accurate splice loss.

Use a light source and power meter to measure end-to-end loss and calculate loss budget from fiber attenuation plus splice and connector losses.

Diagnose a splice with high estimated loss on the splicer and confirm or reject it with an independent measurement.

Select a splice closure type (inline, dome, horizontal, pre-terminated) for aerial, duct and direct-buried situations and justify the choice.

Describe the sealing and re-entry method for a mechanical and a heat-shrink closure, including gel, mastic tape and O-ring placement.

Organize a splice tray: fiber routing, bend radius, splice sleeve seating, ribbon management and spare fiber storage, and explain why tray discipline prevents future faults.

Assemble a tool kit list for splicing work covering strippers, cleaver, splicer, sleeves, OTDR, power meter, light source, cleaning supplies, safety glasses and PPE, and state the calibration or maintenance need of each.

Explain laser safety classification, eye hazard at 1310 and 1550 nm, and the rule for never looking into a fiber or connector end.

Draw a PON from OLT through feeder, distribution and drop cable to ONT, and label splitter position, split ratios and typical distances.

Distinguish GPON, XGS-PON and EPON by downstream and upstream rate and split ratio, and explain why downstream uses 1490 nm while upstream uses 1310 nm.

Explain the role of the OLT, passive splitter, ONT and optical distribution network, and what a technician may and may not touch in the live network.

Interpret PON power levels at the ONT against the receiver sensitivity and overload limits, and decide whether a low reading points to a bad splice, dirty connector or excessive split.

Explain why a 1:32 splitter introduces roughly 15 to 17 dB of loss and how that changes the loss budget.

Identify workplace hazards in splicing work (laser, glass shards, chemicals, ladders, road traffic, confined spaces) and state the control for each.

Describe correct disposal of fiber offcuts, gel, solvent and used sleeves, and explain why bare fiber must never be left on the floor or in clothing.

Prepare a job record: work order, fiber and cable IDs, splice matrix, measured losses, OTDR file naming, as-built sketch and customer sign-off.

Explain the main compliance duties for a technician working on public infrastructure, including permit-to-work, safe excavation near underground utilities and traffic management.

Draft a simple business case for an independent splicing service covering tools, transport, pricing per splice and per joint, and customer retention.

Run a full timed mock job: prepare cable, splice four fibers, close the closure and measure the link, within a set time limit.

Re-measure every splice bidirectionally and produce a final acceptance report against a stated loss limit.

Review all weak areas flagged in weeks 1 to 7 and rewrite the personal checklists for cleaving, arc setup, tray routing and documentation.

Answer timed practice questions across all ten domains and record the score per domain to target the final revision.