Punjab PSEB Sr. Sec. NSQF Telecom (Optical Fibre Technician) study plan

Explain the principles of light propagation in optical fibre, including total internal reflection, numerical aperture, and acceptance angle, using a ray diagram you draw yourself.

Differentiate between single-mode and multi-mode fibre in terms of core diameter, attenuation, bandwidth, and typical deployment scenarios.

Identify the standard colour coding for optical fibres in cables (e.g., TIA-598 or IEC 60793) and decode a 12-fibre colour sequence from memory.

List the main types of optical fibre cables (tight-buffered, loose-tube, ribbon, aerial, duct) and state one application for each.

Calculate the critical angle for a given core-cladding refractive index pair using Snell's law.

Describe the step-by-step procedure for fusion splicing, including fibre stripping, cleaning, cleaving, splicing, and splice protection.

Compare fusion splicing and mechanical splicing in terms of typical insertion loss, cost, and use cases.

Demonstrate the correct use of a fibre cleaver and explain how to achieve a good cleave angle (within 1 degree).

Identify the safety hazards in OFC work (laser radiation, glass shards, chemicals) and state the personal protective equipment required for each.

Explain the process of connectorisation using epoxy-polish and pre-polished connectors, and list common connector types (SC, LC, ST).

Perform a fusion splice using a training splicer, achieving an estimated loss of 0.1 dB or less on at least three consecutive attempts.

Use an optical power meter and light source to measure the insertion loss of a mated connector pair.

Explain the working principle of an OTDR and how it locates faults and measures distance.

Interpret a simple OTDR trace, identifying events such as splices, connectors, and breaks.

Use a visual fault locator (VFL) to detect a break or high-loss point in a fibre patch cord.

Set up an OTDR with correct parameters (range, pulse width, refractive index, averaging time) for a given fibre link and explain the effect of each parameter.

Measure end-to-end loss and optical return loss of a fibre link using a power meter and light source.

Describe the steps for laying optical fibre cable in ducts, including pulling tension limits, bend radius, and lubrication.

Explain aerial installation methods (ADSS, lashed) and underground installation (direct burial, duct) with their advantages and constraints.

Identify the causes of common faults (high loss, breaks, reflections) and the appropriate test equipment to localise them.

Outline the procedure for installing an FTTH drop cable from a distribution box to a customer premises, including wall penetrations and cable routing.

Terminate an optical outlet (OTB) or fibre access terminal and perform connectorisation with SC/APC connectors.

Explain the architecture of a simple FTTH network: OLT, splitter, ONT, and the role of each.

Describe the process of splicing a drop cable to a feeder cable in a closure, including closure sealing and fibre management.

List the tests required before handing over a customer connection (power level, loss, continuity) and their acceptable limits.

Configure a basic ONT (or simulate configuration) for VLAN and Wi-Fi settings, and verify service using a power meter.

Explain the importance of documentation (as-built drawings, splice schedules, test results) and describe how to maintain them.

Perform a restoration procedure for a cut fibre cable: locate the fault, prepare the cable, splice, and test.

Use an OTDR to measure the distance to a break and calculate the required cable length for replacement.

Describe preventive maintenance activities for an OFC network (inspection, cleaning, power monitoring).

Draft a professional email to a customer explaining a service interruption and the expected restoration time.

Explain the concept of entrepreneurship and identify two business opportunities in the OFC sector (e.g., FTTH installation contractor, maintenance services).

Demonstrate effective workplace communication skills, including active listening and clear reporting, through a role-play scenario.

Describe the importance of teamwork and coordination during a fibre restoration operation.

List the key components of a cost estimate for a small OFC installation project.

Review all domains by completing a comprehensive 50-question practice test covering all nine domains, with at least 80% accuracy.

Revisit weak areas identified from the practice test and create a summary sheet of key formulas, colour codes, and procedures.

Simulate a full end-to-end FTTH installation and testing scenario within 2 hours, including splicing, connectorisation, and OTDR testing.

Explain the safety protocols and documentation requirements for a typical OFC project.

Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot a fibre fault using OTDR and VFL in a timed exercise.