:: The Light Brigade, Inc.

Illuminating the Fiber Optics Industry since 1986.

The Light Brigade, the world's leading fiber optic training company, was founded in September 1986 by Larry Johnson, who wanted to provide a growing population of fiber-optic end users in the Pacific Northwest expertise with the technology. The name "The Light Brigade" evolved from the concept of a group of specialists that could be called upon to assist clients with their fiber-optic needs and to serve as an engineering and installation consulting company. By the 1990s demand for training had grown, so the company minimized its contractor services, although high-level design and installation projects continued in order to acquire expertise for classroom applications. Over the last two decades, the company has trained more than 30,000 people from a wide variety of industries. The company is internationally recognized and is often invited to conduct short courses and to coordinate fiber-related special events at conferences around the world, including the annual Optical Fiber Conference, Outside Plant Expo, European Conference for Optical Communication, and many others.

The Light Brigade's instructors are technically skilled and have a wide variety of practical experience with fiber optic systems from small local telephone networks to sophisticated military facilities. Many have taught college-level courses in electronics and telecommunications. Others have built and operated fiber-optic networks or served as consultants for international companies. They are constantly evaluating new products and learning new techniques in order to maintain a leading-edge awareness of the industry.

Who We Teach

Our students and clients permeate the fiber optic workplace as technicians, engineers, installers, supervisors, network designers, managers and consultants from all industries using or planning to use optical systems. The companies we serve include:

• Telecommunications companies and network carriers
• Public utilities
• State, local and federal government agencies
• National and international military organizations
• Aerospace industries
• Electrical, telecom and data communications contractors
• Engineering and research institutes, K-12 schools, universities and colleges
• Other industries, including manufacturing, medical-related, security, broadcasting, financial, and more.
  

What We Teach

The Light Brigade's courses have no vendor bias and teach techniques that are applicable to any product. The best equipment and supplies available are used, regardless of their manufacturer.

The company offers standardized courses covering the entire spectrum of fiber optics. These classes are open to anyone and are scheduled at locations around the country and at the company's state-of-the-art training facility in Tukwila (Seattle), Washington.

• Fiber Optics 1-2-3 — Provides a practical understanding of fiber-optic communication systems and the latest in fiber-optic technology. The content covers theory, fiber, cables, connectors, splicing, storage, installation, testing, restoration, safety, light source, active and passive devices, system design, more.
• FTTx for Installers and Planners — Specifically addresses installations using the ITU-T G.983 standard, focusing on the knowledge and skills required for proper installation of optical cables; splicing for trunk, distribution and drop cables; and the unique testing, documentation and troubleshooting requirements including OTDR, and reflection and optical loss testing.
• Advanced Hands-on Modules — These one-day modular classes teach advanced skills and techniques in some of the major fiber optic disciplines: cable preparation and storage; advanced connectorization; optical loss testing, troubleshooting and documentation; OTDR theory, operation and emergency restoration; and splicing (fusion and mechanical).
• Fiber Characterization: PMD, CD, and ORL — Examines the principles behind optical dispersion, including optical return loss (reflectance), polarization mode dispersion (PMD), and chromatic dispersion (CD), addresses how to perform reflection measurements using an OTDR, deadzone boxes, splicing, inspection and cleaning, span testing, and documentation.
• Fiber Optics for Intelligent Transportation Systems — Tailored for those who design, install or maintain fiber-optic intelligent transportation systems for city, county or state transportation departments, this course covers basic fiber optics, the outside plant, system design, video and video transmission, and traffic control systems.
• SONET — Designed as a background primer for those new to SONET or telecommunications. The content discusses what SONET is and why it is important, its transmission principles, transport signals, network elements, and also examines multiplexing, broadband technologies and delivery options.
• DWDM — This course is designed to provide a solid understanding of how DWDM technology works, including theory, components, wavelength routing, switching, add/drop multiplexing, and more.
• MIL-Aero — This course is a primer on fiber optics for the military and aerospace fields, covering optical theory, components, system and network design, installation, testing and safety. The course also details fiber-optic standards specific to MIL-Aero applications.

The company offers two "self-study" courses that include a manual, reference materials and multiple DVDs featuring taped lectures, relevant movies, and additional bonus materials. These courses, "Singlemode in the Outside Plant" and "Fiber to the X" allow an individual to learn the content at their own pace and then attend a Light Brigade hands-on session at their convenience. The company also offers a self-paced FTTx/PON computer-based training module that features 300 content slides, 200 graphics and animations, and two interactive system design exercises.

The Light Brigade produces a series of professional-quality educational DVDs, which were a natural progression from its earlier video and CD materials. Utilizing interactive menus, these DVDs enable both the student and instructor to customize their training program, allow for unlimited review and provide refreshers on specific topics.

In addition, The Light Brigade offers educational development services in which courses can be customized to a desired skill level, to focus on specific subject matter, or to take place at a special location. Since its inception, the company has produce thousands of customized courses, DVDs, videos, and other training materials.

In cooperation with the Optical Society of America (OSA), The Light Brigade has been archiving the history of fiber optics in preparation for OSA's upcoming centennial in 2016. Through interviews with the luminaries who led the optical revolution with their actions and discoveries, The Light Brigade hopes to chart the development of fiber optics and to preserve its rich history for future generations.

As the fiber-optic industry rebounds, the need for training will grow. The Light Brigade is positioned to be a catalyst in this rapidly evolving field, and the company will continue to help the communications industry advance… at the speed of light!