Level 2 Cleerline SSF™ Certification

Module 1 - Traditional Fiber

Welcome to the Cleerline level 2 certification course. In this first module we will remind ourselves of the physical makeup of traditional fiber and discover elements of traditional fiber you may not know about. We'll also explain the mechanical splicing process of traditional fiber and further demonstrate how that is achieved, and by the end of this module you will have a clearer understanding of traditional fiber which is important when later explaining the benefits of Cleerline SSF fiber over its traditional counterparts. 

Level 2 Cleerline SSF™ Certification

Module 2 - Cleerline SSF Fiber

SSF™ incorporates the same 9-micron core as traditional Single Mode fiber and a 50-micron core with Multimode fiber. Both SSF™ and traditional fiber have a cladding around the core building it up to 125 µm, the difference with SSF™ is it includes a very thin layer of polymer as part of its 125 µm structure.  This allows for up to 10,000 times the bend tolerance and 2 to 3 times the tensile strength compared to traditional fiber.

Much like the glass on your windshield or cell phone, it has been improved to make it incredibly durable and safe.  SSF™ fiber is the next step forward in fiber optic cable being STRONGER, SAFER, and FASTER to terminate.

Level 2 Cleerline SSF™ Certification

Module 3 - Connector Types and Polish

There are various kinds of connectors available, and at times can be a bit overwhelming as to which you need for your current or upcoming project. Identifying the best connectors for the project can help determine the impact on cost and labor, as well as the overall functionality of the endpoint devices. For now we can start with the basics of the types of connectors as well as polish.

Level 2 Cleerline SSF™ Certification

Module 4 - Preparing and Terminating SSF Fiber

The required termination tools for traditional fiber include a precision wheel cleaver, tri-hole fiber optic strippers, visual fault locator, Kevlar shears and additional tools for the preparation of different cable types.  Also required are safety glasses, cleaning products and a ruler for the correct preparation of traditional fiber.

Level 2 Cleerline SSF™ Certification

Module 5 - Link Budgeting and Testing

Attenuation is the decrease in strength of the signal as it passes through the fiber and any associated connectors or adapters.  The amount of attenuation varies depending upon the wavelength of light, but the intention is to minimize induced attenuation to as low as possible.  In the examples here, an increase of 1dB in attenuation results in a loss of 20% of the power (light).  An increase of 3dB in attenuation results in a 50% loss of power.

Level 2 Cleerline SSF™ Certification

Module 6 - Media Extension and Conversion

The small form-factor pluggable or SFP is a device that essentially converts data in the form of electrons, into photons (or light), transmits them through optical fiber and delivers them to their corresponding receiver, where they are converted back into electrons for interpretation by the remote device.  The advantage of using SFP’s over, say, a fixed interface port such as an RJ45, is that individual SFP slots can be populated with specific SFP modules, depending upon the type of fiber being used and the requirements of the installation. 

Level 2 Cleerline SSF™ Certification

Module 7 - Enclosures, Rack Lacing and Fanout Kits

We’ve learned about the benefits to using fiber, the various types of fiber, their different constructions and the connectors commonly used, so the final pieces of the fiber infrastructure (often referred to as the ‘Fiber Distribution Frame’) are the enclosures and accessories.

Enclosures and the accessories used within them, provide organization and protection for the fiber cables.  This component to the fiber infrastructure also allows outdoor-rated or duct-grade cables coming into the building, to be safely terminated and converted to a construction that is compliant with local building and fire safety codes.

Level 2 Cleerline SSF™ Certification

Module 8 - Applications, Design and Layout

The applications of Optical fiber spans across all industries from Medical equipment, ISP/Data Centers, Hospitality, Gaming and Aerospace. With its complete resistance to EMI, bend insensitive constructions to its limitless bandwidth capabilities, Fiber Optics is the future of the communications industry, and that future is now.

Level 2 Cleerline SSF™ Certification

Level 2 Cleerline SSF™ Assessment

Take a 45 question assessment to test your knowledge of the Level 2 Cleerline SSF™ Certification. A pass mark of 35 is required to gain your certificate.