To begin this course we will look at the types of losses that affect the joining of fiber optic cables including coupling losses and reflection losses.  Fiber preparation issues such as alignment and mismatches are then discussed.  Next splices are considered followed by connectors and finally couplers are discussed.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance your understanding of the course materials.

Upon completion of this course, the learner should be able to do the following:

• Describe a fiber optic splice, connector, and coupler and the types of connections they form in systems
• List the types of extrinsic and intrinsic coupling losses
• Understand the degree to which fiber alignment and fiber mismatch problems increase system loss
• Identify the types of fiber optic mechanical and fusion splices
• Understand the procedure for installing a fiber optic connector on an optical fiber
• Discuss the types of fiber optic passive couplers