In a broad sense, a fiber-optic technician installs and maintains fiber-optic systems, as well as locates and repairs defects within these systems. Within this field, there are numerous job and educational opportunities. Making sensors, performing optical inspections, or working in a specific field, such as lighting, communications, or medicine, are some examples of general areas of focus.
Fiber-optics is the science of sending signals through glass or plastic fibers in the form of light. The field began in the 1970s, and by the 1980s, fiber had supplanted copper as the preferred method of data transmission. This is due to the fact that fiber allows more information to travel longer distances in less time. It has also become a more cost-effective means of transmitting data.
Outside plant and premises cabling are the two main types of fiber-optics. A fiber-optic technician who works outside of buildings and installs fiber-optic systems is known as an outside plant. Fiber-optic cables can be run underground or underwater, and they can cover very long distances. When a fiber-optic technician works inside a building, this is known as premises cabling. Typically, technicians only do one of the two tasks, not both.
Because technicians must sometimes enter sewers or climb poles to install fiber-optic cables, the job can be dangerous. A fiber-optic technician’s other responsibilities include measuring signal strength and ensuring that it is operational. In this field, technical knowledge is crucial.
A high school diploma or equivalent certification is required for someone who wants to work as a fiber-optic technician. Those wishing to enter the field are increasingly obtaining a two-year associate’s degree from an accredited community college. Technical math courses, such as geometry and algebra, as well as fiber-optic-specific courses, can be found, with the difficulty level increasing as the student progresses toward his or her degree.