Open Awards
    Level 3
    QN: 603/7809/8
    Curriculum Active

    Open Awards Level 3 Certificate in Communications Networks (RQF)

    Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Open Awards. Classified as a Other Vocational Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 360 hours.

    Qualification Level
    Level 3
    Awarding Body
    Open Awards
    Syllabus Units
    13 Units
    Guided Hours
    360 hrs
    Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.

    Course Syllabus & Study Modules

    Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.

    1

    Advanced Fibre Networks and Technology

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand light propagation through optical fibres 1.
    • Explain the physics behind the wavelength windows used for fibre optic transmission 1.
    • Explain at least 3 of the basic optical characteristics important to optical fibres 1.
    • Explain the structure of an optical fibre and understand how light travels along a fibre 1.
    • Explain the difference between analogue and digital transmission2.
    • Understand the principles of power/loss budgets and evaluate the options for optical amplification 2.
    • Explain why dB units are used in fibre optics and describe the origins of the dBm unit 2.
    • Analyse loss budgets against power budgets in dBs 2.
    • Explain the principles, potential use and limitations of an EDFA amplifier 2.
    • Explain the principles, potential use and limitations of a RAMAN amplifier3.
    • Understand the principles of dispersion and be able to calculate a dispersion budget 3.
    • Explain how dispersion limits the potential signal transmission speed 3.
    • Explain the origin of modal, chromatic (CD) and polarisation mode dispersion (PMD) 3.
    • Analyse a dispersion budget for an optical link 3.
    • Critically compare methods of dispersion compensation4.
    • Understand the principles and use of advanced fibre types and optical components 4.
    • Explain the international specifications for fibre types
    • explain the difference and how this affects their potential usage and limitations 4.
    • Explain the difference between passive and active optical components 4.
    • Explain the principles and technology of splitters, couplers, WDMs, circulators, gratings, interleavers, add/drop multiplexers, modulators and MEMS 4.
    2

    Advanced OTDR Testing

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand and use dB units 1.
    • Explain why dB units are used in fibre optic testing 1.
    • Describe the origins of the dBm unit 1.
    • Convert dB loss/gain to equivalent linear (percentage) unit 1.
    • Analyse loss budgets against power budgets and measured link loss results 1.
    • Compare loss budgets against power budgets ad measured link loss results2.
    • Perform insertion loss measurement (ILM) tests and basic fault finding 2.
    • Explain different methods of referencing a light source and power meter or an equivalent ILM test set 2.
    • Evaluate the components included and excluded in a given test method and potential sources of measurement errors 2.
    • Explain the tests that could be carried out to fault find a fibre system and the limitations of such tests3.
    • Be able to use an OTDR effectively to test or measure a fibre system 3.
    • Set-up an OTDR to perform a measurement, using suitable test parameters for the system 3.
    • Manipulate the OTDR trace 3.
    • Measure features and events on the OTDR trace such as: connectors; splices; bends; and combination events 3.
    • Identify features and events on the OTDR trace 3.
    • Analyse features and events on the OTDR trace 3.
    • Analyse connector reflectance or return loss, demonstrating an understanding of the measurement sign (positive or negative) 3.
    • Explain the purpose of and use of launch leads and tail leads 3.
    • Explain why it is important to match the fibre types in the launch lead and the fibre under test4.
    • Understand and overcome measurement problems 4.
    3

    Advanced Polarisation Mode Dispersion and Chromatic Dispersion Testing

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the impact of signal dispersion on a digital communications system 1.
    • Describe the relationship between the signal bit rate to the time duration of each bit in the signal 1.
    • Explain how the spreading of a series of digital pulses can degrade the quality of the digital signal at the receiver 1.
    • Apply a dispersion limit (e.g. ITU 10% limit) to a digital signal to determine the maximum permitted pulse spread2.
    • Understand the concept of light as an electromagnetic wave and the effects of the refractive index 2.
    • Identify the wave length for a sinusoidal wave 2.
    • Describe how the refractive index of a material relates to the speed of a light wave3.
    • Understand the concept of chromatic dispersion 3.
    • Describe the concept of chromatic dispersion in optical fibres 3.
    • Explain the concept of the ‘wave group’ 3.
    • Explain how the optical fibre dispersion value is related to the group delay curve 3.
    • Describe how the dispersion of standard optical fibre varies with wavelength 3.
    • Identify the wavelength of minimum dispersion in a dispersion curve 3.
    • Demonstrate the use the chromatic dispersion value of an optical fibre to calculate the amount of pulse spreading 3.
    • Describe the basic principle of chromatic dispersion compensation4.
    • Understand the principles of chromatic dispersion testing 4.
    • Identify why it might be necessary to measure the chromatic dispersion of an optical fibre link 4.
    • Describe one method for measuring Chromatic Dispersion in the field 4.
    • Describe the concept of curve fitting with regard to Chromatic Dispersion measurement 4.
    • Recognise when a curve fit is appropriate to the data 4.
    4

    Basic Principles of Telecommunications

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Identify safe working practices in communications systems 1.1 State the rules for safe working including
    • Undertaking installation
    • Preparing cutting and stripping tools
    • Safe handling and containment of cleaning materials
    • Disposing of waste materials
    • Terminating cables2.
    • Know the basic principles of SI units and symbols and electromagnetic waves 2.1 Identify basic SI units 2.2 Identify names and symbols for preferred SI prefixes 2.3 Identify waves and wave motion 2.4 Define amplitude, wavelength, frequency and the unit of frequency 2.5 State the relationship between velocity, frequency and wavelength 3.
    • Know the basic principles of communications systems 3.1 List common terms used in communications systems 3.2 Identify basic communications systems including information source, information destination and transmission/transfer link 3.3 Outline the basic principles of cable systems 3.4 Identify the properties of differing types of transmission links 3.5 Identify passive and active equipment and networks 3.6 Identify various methods of communicating over a channel 3.7 Identify types of information carried by communications systems 3.8 Categorise signals into audio, video and data types 3.9 Distinguish between baseband and broadband 3.10 Explain how analogue information can be converted to digital signals and vice versa4.
    • Know the basic principles of data communication 4.1 Explain the purpose of data networks 4.2 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of analogue and digital communication 4.3 Identify analogue and digital signals 4.4 Explain the differences between bits and bytes 4.5 Identify the type of coding typically used on digital networks 4.6 Explain how to calculate the bit error rate (BER) 4.7 Give typical figures for copper and optical fibre systems 4.8 Explain the difference between serial and parallel methods of transmitting data 4.9 State the main categories of computer networks 4.10 Identify the basic topologies of computer networks
    5

    Copper Communications Cable Testing and Fault Finding

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the principles of electrical circuits 1.1 Explain the principles of
    • Electrical current flow
    • Potential differenceElectrical resistance 1.2 Identify the units used for measuring and quantifying electrical current 1.3 Explain that current will only flow when there is a complete circuit 1.4 Explain Ohm’s Law2.
    • Understand the reasons for testing copper communications lines 2.1 Describe the copper communications cables used in different networks 2.2 Discuss potential testing methods for different copper communication cable net
    • work installations 2.3 Explain that lines may be tested to:a) Check for normal line conditions.b) Test for fault conditionsc)
    • Identify the type of faultd) Check that the correct cable, pair or wire has been identified 2.4 Describe when and why cables are tested:a) Prior to installationb) After they are first installedc) As part of a maintenance programmed) To find faults3.
    • Be able to use multi-meters to test copper cables 3.1 Set up multi-meters to perform testing using suitable test settings (resistance, voltage and current etc.) for the circuit under test 3.2 Explain why testing for power on the line is the first test 3.3 Test for the correct line conditions with a multi-meter using the correct sequence of testing 3.4 Demonstrate how to measure
    • Short circuit
    • Disconnections with a multimeter4.
    • Be able to use an Ohmmeter and Insulation Resistance Tester (Bridge Megger or similar) to test copper cables 4.1 Set up an Ohmmeter to perform resistance measurements using the correct test leads and instrument settings 4.2 Set up an Insulation Resistance Tester to perform an insulation Resistance measurement 4.3 Demonstrate the ability to record the results of Loop Resistance and Insulation Resistance5.
    • Be able to use a Certification Tester to test FTP, UTP and multicore copper links 5.1 Explain how to set up a Certification Tester with suitable parameters to test:a) FTP and UTP copper cable linksb) A multi-core cable installationc) Installations to relevant performance standards6.
    • Be able to operate a TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) 6.1 Connect a TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) to a copper line 6.2 Explain the theory and principles of operation of the TDR 6.3 Describe the more common events on a line and the resulting effects on the TDR trace7.
    • Understand how to interpret test results 7.1 Analyse the information from a multi-meter to ascertain the line condition and possible ca
    • use of fault 7.2 Analyse the information from an Ohmmeter and Insulation Resistance Tester to ascertain the condition of a cable 7.3 Analyse the information from a TDR to ascertain the line length, the location of any events on the line, and the most likely ca
    • use of each event
    6

    Copper Datacoms Cable Installation and Testing

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand basic electrical theory with reference to data communications cabling 1.1 Explain the principles of electrical current flow, potential difference and electrical resistance 1.2 Identify the units used for measuring and quantifying electrical current flow, potential difference and electrical resistance 1.3 Explain why current will only flow when there is a complete circuit 1.4 Use Ohm’s law to solve electrical circuit problems2.
    • Work safely with copper cabling in an internal environment 2.1 Conduct risk assessments prior to installation of copper cables in internal environments 2.2 Work safely when installing, terminating and testing copper cables in internal environments3.
    • Plan installation of a copper datacoms link 3.1 Explain the different cable topologies available for the installation of copper cables 3.2 Compare the different cable types and cabling standards 3.3 Select appropriate cable types and standards for given installations 3.3 Identify the relevant classes, standards and categories of datacoms cabling 3.4 Calculate maximum link distances according to current standards4.
    • Be able to install copper datacoms cabling, in accordance with current standards 4.1 Check cable and components before installation 4.2 Undertake a site survey prior to commencing work 4.3 Lay cables in line with instructions and procedures5.
    • Be able to terminate copper datacoms cabling 5.1 Explain the benefits and disadvantages of different termination tools and methods 5.2 Select the most appropriate termination tools and methods for given hardware terminations 5.3 Terminate hardware in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations 5.4 Correctly mount termination hardware into communications panels/wall/floor boxes/cabinets and frames 5.5 Terminate connectors from different vendors on to UTP and FTP cabling6.
    • Be able to Test FTP, UTP and multicore copper links 6.1 Explain how to use a multi-meter to measure voltage and resistance 6.2 Explain how to use a range of commercially available cable testing equipment to test:a) a FTP and UTP copper cable permanent linksb) a multi-core cable installationc) installations to relevant performance standards 6.3 Carry out datacoms certification testing 6.4 Analyse test results required for certification of installations 6.5 Document relevant test results required for certification of installations 6.6 Explain the terms
    • transposed/crossed pairs
    • reversed pairs
    • mixed pairs 6.5 Explain the correct methods of measuring:a) NEXT from both ends of the cableb) return loss (dB)c) cable lengthd) resistance (Ohms)e) cable attenuation (dB)f) wire mapsg) FEXT and ELFEXT
    7

    Distribution Side Copper Cable Jointing

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the terminology used in telephone networks 1.1 Identify the benefits and drawbacks of using copper telephone cables 1.2 Identify the types of signal used in telephone networks 1.3 Describe how attenuation affects the signal on copper cable pairs 1.4 Identify the main components of external telephone cabling networks 1.5 List the functions of cabinets in external line plant networks2.
    • Understand the different types of telephone cables 2.1 List common characteristics of external copper telephone cables 2.2 List common applications of copper cables 2.3 Identify common copper cable types 2.4 State the colour code of local distribution layer type cables3.
    • Be able to terminate external telephone cables 3.1 State current methods used to terminate copper telephone cables 3.2 Terminate external grade multi-pair telephone cables in cabinets and boxes4.
    • Be able to prepare copper cables for jointing 4.1 Prepare
    • Armoured cable for termination and jointing
    • Un-armoured cable for termination and jointing 4.2 Safely remove the sheath from a cable using the correct stripping tools5.
    • Be able to joint external ‘D’ Side cables 5.1 Identify situations when cable joints may be required 5.2 Identify methods of jointing cables 5.3 Join two multi-pair copper cables using current jointing methods6.
    • Be able to close and seal a ‘D’ Side cable joint 6.1 List at least two common characteristics of joint enclosures 6.2 Identify current methods used to seal joint enclosures 6.3 Close and seal cable joints with
    • Mechanical closures
    • Heat shrink closure sleevesCap-ended closures 6.4 Re-enter and re-seal previously closed joints7.
    • Be able to safely handle external cable 7.1 List safety precautions to be carried out before installing cables through ducts and cable pits 7.2 Handle external cable on a cable drum in line with relevant safety legislation and guidance 7.3 Identify equipment used to protect and install cables in pits and ducts 7.4 Name the correct methods for sealing cable in ducts and building entries 7.5 Seal ducts with recognised industry methods8.
    • Know how to identify cable routes 8.1 Identify cable routes using charts and diagrams 8.2 Route jumper wires through DPs and cabinets following wiring schedules 8.3 Use a multi-meter appropriately to
    • Identify cable pairs
    • Test cables pairs
    8

    Fibre Optics Installation and Testing

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the terminology and principles of light transmission through optical fibres 1.
    • Explain the difference between analogue and digital transmission 1.
    • Explain the physics behind the wavelength windows used for fibre optic transmission 1.
    • Explain the structure of an optical fibre and how light travels along a fibre2.
    • Understand the principles of working safely with optical fibres 2.
    • Identify the main environmental, optical, chemical, electrical and fibre fragment hazards 2.
    • Explain safe working practices to minimise the hazards3.
    • Understand the components of a fibre-based communications net
    • Explain the standard features of fibre optic cables 3.
    • Propose solutions to common cable requirements 3.
    • Explain the functions of the basic component parts of an optical connector 4.
    • Understand the standard techniques used to join fibres 4.
    • Explain at least two common problems occurring when joining fibres 4.
    • Evaluate appropriate method for joining fibres in different circumstances 4.
    • Select appropriate joining methods for fibres in a range of different circumstances 4.
    • Recommend measures to reduce connector reflectance5.
    • Know how to work out system power budgets 5.
    • Explain why dB units are used in fibre optics 5.
    • Analyse loss budgets and compare against power budgets and measured link loss, in dBs6.
    • Know how to prepare a fibre optic cable and join cables by fusion splicing 6.
    9

    Fibre Optics Introduction

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the terminology and advantages of fibre optic 1.
    • Identify and use Systeme Internationale (SI) prefixes/units 1.
    • Describe analogue and digital transmission 1.
    • Describe the wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum used for fibre optic transmission 1.
    • State the main components of a fibre-based communications system 1.
    • List at least two benefits and one drawback of using optical fibre over copper cable2.
    • Understand the concept of light transmission through optical fibres 2.
    • Describe the structure of an optical fibre 2.
    • State standard sizes for communications fibres 2.
    • Describe how light travels along a fibre3.
    • Know the different types of fibre optic cables 3.
    • State at least two common requirements for external and internal grade cables 3.
    • Describe the standard features of external and internal cables4.
    • Understand the standard techniques used to join fibres 4.
    • State at least two common problems encountered when joining fibres 4.
    • Describe two methods of joining fibres 4.
    • Describe the main steps involved in performing a fusion splice5.
    • Understand the principles and function of connectors 5.
    • Identify at least three main types of fibre connector 5.
    • List two accepted methods of cleaning connectors 5.
    10

    Health and Safety in Communications Networks

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the key features of health and safety legislation and regulations 1.
    • Explain the key features of relevant regulations on health and safety2.
    • Understand the process of risk assessment and control measures for risk 2.
    • Critically compare methods of identifying hazards and risks in communications net
    • work environments 2.
    • Investigate risks for work activities in a specified communications net
    • work environment 2.
    • Complete a formal risk assessment for a specific communications net
    • work environment to meet legal requirements and identify individual responsibilities. 2.
    • Recommend suitable control measures to mitigate identified risks3.
    • Understand how to record
    • communicate and review workplace health and safety risk assessments 3.
    • Explain how the risk assessment record should be kept and communicated to ensure control measures are implemented 3.
    • Explain why, how and when a review of the risk assessment should take place
    11

    Laser Safety

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the regulations relating to laser safety in the workplace 1.
    • Explain how the Health and Safety at Work Act relates to laser safety in the workplace 1.
    • Explain the difference between hazard and risk 1.
    • Explain the difference between a chronic and an acute exposure 1.
    • Describe non-beam hazards associated with the use of lasers 1.
    • Identify the reference number of the main laser safety standard (i.e. IEC 60825, BAS EN 60825)2.
    • Understand the concept of the electromagnetic spectrum 2.
    • Identify the wavelength of a light wave 2.
    • Describe the main bands of interest in the electromagnetic spectrum. 2.
    • Describe the difference between light emission from a natural light source and that of a laser3.
    • Understand the concept of beam irradiance 3.
    • Explain the principal terms for optical power used in Laser Safety 3.
    • Explain the different definitions of beam diameter for a Gaussian beam 3.
    • Explain the difference between collimated and divergent beams 3.
    • Explain why divergent beams may be safer for viewing 3.
    • Explain what is meant by ‘viewing aid’ 3.
    • Explain the effects of viewing aids on laser beams 3.
    • Explain the differences between diff
    • use and direct reflection of a laser beam4.
    • Understand the basic physiology of the eye and laser related issues 4.
    12

    Optical Fibre and Cable Blowing

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the principles, advantages and limitations of fibre duct, subduct and blown fibre installation 1.1 List typical sizes and specifications of duct, subduct and microduct 1.2 List typical sizes, specification and construction of blown fibre cables 1.3 Critically compare the different options for duct, subduct and blown fibre cabling for different types of net
    • work installation2.
    • Understand the options and techniques for installing duct for a fibre net
    • work 2.1 Compare the advantages and limitations of duct installation. 2.2 Carry out duct bundle jointing, branching, mid-span access and split duct repair. 2.3 Explain the importance of gas sealing 2.4 Choose appropriate tools and techniques to complete gas seals 2.5 Explain common duct system quality issues 2.6 Explain how to ensure a high quality of finish with ducting3.
    • Understand the principles of working safely with fibre and cable blowing equipment 3.1 Identify the main environmental, chemical and electrical hazards related to fibre and cable blowing equipment 3.2 Explain safe working practices to minimise the hazards 3.3 Explain when Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be used4.
    • Know how to plan a route and select, set up and use the appropriate blowing equipment 4.1 Explain the functions of the blowing equipment components 4.2 Explain how the different components of blowing equipment work together. 4.3 Explain the usage limitations of different types of blowing equipment 4.4 Plan a suitable route for a fibre link, ensuring the appropriate duct and blowing equipment for the distances 4.5 Plan appropriate locations for building entries, blowing access chambers5.
    • Be able to install blown fibre 5.1 Set up equipment for blown fibre installations 5.2 Test fibre blowing equipment for blown fibre installations 5.3 Carry out blown fibre installations following the standard procedure for the task 5.4 Select the most suitable tube joints and seals for the tasks in hand 5.5 Follow correct procedures when completing tube joints and seals6.
    • Be able to install blown microduct and fibre cable 6.1 Set up microduct and cable blowing equipment for blown microduct and blown fibre installations 6.2 Test microduct or cable blowing equipment for a blown microduct and cable installations 6.3 Select most suitable duct lubrication for the installations 6.4 Select correct cable/duct drum supports for the installations 6.5 Carry out a blown microduct and fibre cable installations 6.6 Select most suitable duct joints, water and gas seals 6.7 Follow correct procedures when completing
    • Understand the requirement for documentation and labelling 7.1 Explain how to label
    • Duct correctly according to net
    • work specifications 7.2 Explain how to document an installed route using standard line diagrams
    13

    Optical Network Design and Planning

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand light propagation through optical fibres 1.
    • Explain the structure of optical fibres 1.
    • Explain how light travels along fibres 1.
    • Describe the physics behind the wavelength windows used for fibre optic transmission 1.
    • Explain why dB units are used in fibre optics 1.
    • Describe the origins of the dBm unit 1.
    • Describe the principles of WDM, DWDM and CWDM multiplexing in optical networks2.
    • Understand the principles and use of fibre types and optical components 2.
    • Identify the international specifications for fibre types and their potential usage 2.
    • Explain the difference between passive and active optical components 2.
    • Explain the function of splitters, couplers and WDMs 2.
    • Analyse a loss and power budget for a fibre link3.
    • Understand the principles, advantages and limitations of the different types of fibre duct, subduct, fibre tubes, bundles and cables 3.
    • List common sizes and specifications of duct, subduct and microduct 3.
    • List common sizes, specification and construction of fibre cables 3.
    • Explain the priorities and requirements for different types of net
    • work such as backbone, metro and FTTX 3.
    • Critically compare the options for duct and fibre cabling for different types of net
    • work installation4.
    • Know how to plan a route and select the appropriate equipment 4.

    Regulatory & Verification Details

    Qualification Number (QN)
    603/7809/8
    Regulated Status
    Available to learners
    Awarding Body
    Open Awards
    Qualification Type
    Other Vocational Qualification
    Operational Start
    Sept 2021

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