Our journey into the foundations of Time and Frequency networks continues, with the learning unit “Introduction to Fibre”. Completing the first set of five introductory units in GÉANT’s Optical Time & Frequency Networks (OTFN) eAcademy, this unit is designed to help you familiarise with the essential concepts, components and technologies related to fibres.
The unit starts with two sections about the physics behind fibres, specifically covering electromagnetic waves and the principles underpinning optical communication systems. Next, it goes on to explore the topics of fibre structure, the different types of fibres, the phenomena occurring in fibres, the main features of an Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR), and the specifics around cables and connectors.
As usual, at the end of the learning unit you will find useful links for further reading, and you will also have a chance to test your knowledge with a quiz.
Access the unit here: https://e-academy.geant.org/moodle/course/view.php?id=542 (login required).
Course duration: 30 minutes
Trainers: Wojbor Bogacki and Krzysztof Turza (PSNC)1 and the Time and Frequency Networks Training Development Team
Did you already go through the first five introductory units in the OTFN eAcademy? Would you like to learn more about CERN’s White Rabbit technology? We then invite you to follow the White Rabbit training developed by CERN, starting from “Introduction to White Rabbit”, and continuing with the presentations on more advanced topics.
About the OTFN eAcademy
The Optical Time & Frequency Networks (OTFN) eAcademy is a new training programme in the GÉANT Network eAcademy, developed by the GÉANT Project’s Network Development team. The programme consists of eleven units, currently being released at a regular pace, covering different types of T&F services, monitoring, how-to cookbooks, and a specific focus on CERN’s White Rabbit technology.
You can find all courses and also the familiar course map – this time in a “clock format” – by visiting the Optical Time & Frequency Networks (OTFN) eAcademy. Follow the programme at your own pace – either by advancing through each learning unit clockwise or by simply selecting the units that interest you the most.
Visit the Network eAcademy training portal (part of the NETDEV wiki) to access the Network Automation eAcademy, the Quantum Tech eAcademy, and the OTFN eAcademy. If you have any questions, please contact network-eacademy@lists.geant.org.
Finally, don’t forget to register to the upcoming infoshare about the GÉANT Network eAcademy, taking place on 7 May 2025, at 15:00 CEST, to hear about the most recent updates around this initiative and to share your feedback with the Network Development team: https://events.geant.org/event/1849
If you would like to find out more about the Time and Frequency work in the GÉANT community, check the new Special Interest Group on Time and Frequency Network (SIG-TFN) by visiting the dedicated page on the GÉANT Community website and the SIG-TFN wiki.
1- The scientific work is published for the realisation of the international project co-financed by Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education from financial resources of the programme entitled “PMW”
