SKILLS
on new, developing, and existing standards such as Internet of Tings (IoT), energy microgrids, proactive network maintenance (PNM), interoperable node and amplifier platorms, spectrum expansion to 3 GHz, next-generation video technology, and distributed access architectures (DAA). As the only ANSI-accredited platorm for developing technical specifications supporting cable telecommunications, SCTE recently released the generic access platorm (GAP) standards 273-1 and 273-2 for nodes and amplifiers. One of our goals with GAP is to help direct the industry toward a standard and evolvable platorm. ‘Overall, we are focused on establishing
specifications and providing test methods and procedures that promote the long-term reliability of broadband communications facilities. Te initial GAP standards address the needs of the North American telecommunications market, but will increasingly accommodate the global growth of markets by cultivating projects on a more international scale.’ Harris believes that the success of standards
can be exemplified in the ITU-T standards that play a role in optical networks. ‘For fibre installers specifically,’ he said, ‘the latest G.657 edition for SMF cable further optimises fibre deployments. G.657 improves on existing networks that are aligned to the G.652 SMF cable standard. G.652D is the most current sub-category used offering reduced water peak for full optical spectrum operation. However, G.652D has limits on bending radius. Tere are many engineer-friendly advantages for operators that align to Edition 4 of G.657. G.657 provides improved bending performance that works well in our fiber access networks by reducing atenuation. G.657 allows for easier deployment in the access network where tight areas exist because of miniaturization of enclosures (e.g., SCTE GAP), cabinets, pedestals, and terminations. G.657 also works well in FTTH multiple dwelling unit (MDU) deployments.’
Training the workforce of tomorrow Te telecoms industry is evolving every day at a lightning pace. Harris believes that, while we will continue to see significant work through artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive measurement tools to develop and enhance 10G, we must also remain cognisant of supporting skills acquisition in our workforce so they can knowledgeably deliver the latest capabilities to customers and society. ‘We believe,’ he said, ‘it’s not only about bandwidth, it’s about latency, security, and reliability as well.’ Learners are spending more time than ever
online, so maintaining engagement levels and facilitating retention requires innovative
Fibre Yearbook 2022
approaches. Continued Harris: ‘SCTE’s expertise in training professionals in cuting-edge fibre capabilities creates efficiencies across the entire industry. For example, our Broadband Fiber Installation (BFI) online course is designed to provide learners with the benefits of working with fibre to the x (FTTx) networks to service premises and business telecommunication customers.’ In this interactive course, learners will be
able to describe the types of passive optical networks (PON) used by telecommunication operators and differentiate these networks from existing HFC and fibre deep access networks. Tey also identify the installation equipment and customer premises equipment (CPE) needed to support FTTx networks, along with preparing fibre, working with multiple wavelengths, calculating power budgets, contrasting optical measurements, and troubleshooting FTTx service issues. Upon completion, learners will be prepared
to earn the SCTE Broadband Fiber Installer (BFI) certification that is designed for individuals interested in working in the telecommunications industry for a telecommunication provider, contractor, or vendor. Said Harris: ‘Tere are many options
for today’s fibre technicians, installers, and innovators to gain the knowledge needed to install, maintain, and troubleshoot the myriad of services that telecommunications customers require. SCTE’s mission is to help them accomplish their tasks more effectively and efficiently and to develop the expertise needed to excel in the industry.’
What are the challenges? Richard Ednay, technical director at Optical Technology Training, offered a training provider’s perspective. ‘Designing, planning, upgrading and operating optical networks really has become a lot more complex,’ he said. ‘Tere have been the obvious challenges of needing to cope with some dramatic increases in traffic and changing paterns of network usage, as we have gone through different phases of the pandemic. But the adoption of coherent technologies for transmission at data rates of 100Gb/s, 400Gb/s and above has changed some basic historical fundamentals. And of course, there are also increasingly differences in the way that we manage and operate our networks, with disaggregation and SDN now coming to the fore.’ Ednay has found that there are many high-
level demands to be met and balanced out. ‘Tese include increasing capacity, extending reach, increasing flexibility, controlling latency, assuring quality of service, going open and interoperable… and of course doing all of this whilst also reducing the costs and electrical
“
Whatever methods you choose, you do need a coherent approach to upskilling in 2022 to make sure that you get the full picture of modern optical networking”
power consumption of the networks,’ he said. Perhaps the biggest challenge for optical
networking engineers now, according to Ednay, is that they need to understand the capabilities and limitations of a much broader range of technologies and concepts, if they are to design, build and operate networks that successfully harness the latest advances. ‘As well as the optical aspects,’ he said, ‘it is
essential, for example, to have a reasonable grasp of the role of electronics in digital signal processing to overcome optical limitations. And they need to be able to talk sensibly to other contributing professionals such as soſtware engineers, without being daunted by yet another set of jargon. For some this is a challenging change from being a specialist, concentrating on the optical infrastructure layer, to being able to take on board, and act on, the bigger picture.’ It’s of litle surprise then, said Ednay, that
there is a shortage of optical networking engineers with the skill set required to produce optimum solutions for each different network. ‘All networks have their unique set of requirements and constraints,’ he said. ‘Tere is no universal, one size fits all, optical networking solution that meets the needs of metro, core, data centre interconnect, cloud, subsea. And no standard upgrade path for every network. So, understanding enough to be able to identify the right solution for your network is important.’ But how do you go about acquiring the
required skill set and learning enough about all the technologies and how they work together? ‘Oſten,’ said Ednay, ‘working engineers become reliant upon picking up things piecemeal. Snippets on social media, white papers writen from a specific vendor’s perspective, a webinar half-listened to while carrying out other activities. Webinars on a narrow topic, either delivered superficially or sometimes way more in depth than many need, can just add to a sense of confusion and intimidation. It’s not unusual to be leſt with the question “was that relevant to our network and if so, how?”’
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