Volume II is divided into two chapters.  Chapter one covers optical fiber designs including single mode and multimode fibers.  Optical fibers are either single mode or multimode fibers.  Fibers are classified, among other things, according to the number of modes that they can propagate. 

The second chapter covers the design of optical fiber cables.  Optical fibers have small cross sectional areas. Without protection, optical fibers are fragile and can be broken. The optical cable structure protects the individual optical fibers from environmental damage and includes buffers, strength members, and jackets.

At the end of the course is a summary of the key terms presented.

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

Upon completing the course, the learner should be able to do the following:

• Describe multimode and single mode step-index and graded-index fibers
• Explain the terms refractive index profile, relative refractive index difference, and profile parameter
• Identify the two basic types of single mode step-index fibers
• Identify the basic cable components, such as buffers, strength members, and jacket materials
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of OFCC cable, stranded cable, and ribbon cable designs