DAR ES SALAAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATION

ENGINEERING

INDUSTRIAL PRACTICAL TRAINING REPORT

REPORT TITLE: INSTALLATION OF OPTICAL FIBER LINK AT TCPM-

KINONDONI DAR ES SALAAM

Student name: JOHNPRINCE A NTWARA

Registration number: 2106307226566

Course title: BACHELOR OF ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATION

Academic year: 2023/2024

Company/organization name: TANESCO UBUNGO

Training officer’s name: KENNEDY MREMA

Academic supervisor’s name: NIZETHA KIMARIO

ABSTRACT……………………………………………………….……………….....iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………………………iv

DECLARATION……………………………………………………………………...v

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS………………………………….…………………….vi

LIST OF FIGURES…………………………………………………………………vii

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE .........................................................................................................1

Organization Profile………………………………….……………………………….1

1.1 Introduction to the Organization .............................................................................1

1.2 The key functions of the Organization.....................................................................1

1.3 Organizational chart ................................................................................................2

1.4 Job description of skilled labor/foreman .................................................................2

1.5. Safety regulations and general welfare of workers.................................................3

1.6. Recruitment and training policies of the Organization…………….……………...3

CHAPTER TWO .........................................................................................................4

Installation of Optic fiber link at TCPM-Kinondoni Dar es Salaam………. ................4

2.1 History of fiber optic’s ............................................................................................4

2.2 Basics of optical fiber cable ....................................................................................5

2.3. Types of optical fiber cables ..................................................................................6

2.4. Optical fiber color coding........................................................................................7

2.5. Optical fiber networks…………………………………………………………….8

2.6 Optical fiber cable standards....................................................................................9

2.7. Optical power budget........................................................................................... 11

2.8. Laying of the Optic Fiber Cable………………………………………………....11

2.8.1. Procedures for laying Optic Fiber Cable…………………………………...….12

2.8.2. Tools used in laying Optic Fiber Cable………………………………….……12

2.9. Termination of OFC…………………………………………………….………13

2.9.1 Procedures for OFC splicing………………………………….……………….14

2.9.2. Tools used in OFC splicing………………………………...………………….14

2.10. Advantages and disadvantages of fiber optics ....................................................15

2.10.1 Advantages of optical fiber ..............................................................................15

2.10.2 Disadvantages of Optical

Fiber .........................................................................15 2.11. Challenges faced during

the training ...................................................................16

Conclusion ...................................................................................................................17

Recommendations……………………………………………………………………18

References....................................................................................................................19

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ABSTRACT

This report is detailed with my third year Practical Training attained from 5 th August to
4th October at Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO). Tanzania Electric
Supply Company is one of the major power supply company in Tanzania,

This report consists of two chapters, chapter one involves the organization profile that
includes the historical background, organizational chart, job description of workers,
safety regulation and general welfare of workers and recruitment and training policies
of the company.

The second chapter involves installation of Optic Fiber Cable (OFC) that includes the
history of fiber, basics of OFC, types of OFC, optic fiber standards, color coding,
optical fiber networks, tools used in installation process, procedure of installation,
advantages and disadvantages of OFC.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly, special thanks are to the Almighty God for the better health and good
understanding throughout my practical training. I would also like to thank TANESCO
members and staff at large for their welcoming environment.

Special thanks also should go to the Light House engineers and supervisors, Mr.
Ngumuo, Mr. Mrisho, Eng. Mary, and Eng. Kennedy.

Moreover. I thank the practical training coordinator for approving my PT request

since he served a gateway for the expansion of my greater understanding in
Telecommunication field.

Lastly, I thank my family for their support during my practical training.

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 DECLARATION

I Johnprince A Ntwara, a student with registration 2106307226566, hereby declaring

that this report is of my own work and findings with accordance to the regulations of
Dar es Salaam institute of Technology. Moreover, it has never been presented by any
scholar or to any other university.

Training Officer: ............................ Trainee’s

Name: ............................ Signature: ................................

Signature: ……………………….

Date: …………………… Date: …………………………….

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 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AON- Active Optical Network. dB-Decibel.

DIT-Dar es salaam institute of Technology.

CWDM- Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexed.

DWDM- Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing.

EIA/TIA- Electronics Industries Alliance/ Telecommunication Industries Association.

FTTZ- Fiber to The Zone.

ITU- International Telecommunication Union.

MMF- Multi Mode Fiber.

ODF- Optical Distribution Frame.

OFC- Optical Fiber Cable.

OTDR- Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer.

PON- Passive Optical Network.

SMF- Single Mode Fiber.

TANESCO-Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited.

WDM- Wavelength Division Multiplexing.

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 TANESCO Organizational chart….…………………………………………2

Figure 2 Basic structure of OFC………………………………………………………5

Figure 3 Total internal reflection………………………………………………………

6

Figure 4 Single-mode
fiber…………………………………………………………….7

Figure 5 Multimode fiber…………………...…………………………………………7

Figure 6: Patch cord color codes for SMF and

MMF………………………………….8 Figure 7: Color coding standard in fiber

optic……………….……………….………8

Figure 8: Passive Optical Network Architecture………………………………......….9

Figure 9: OFC installation on mounted pole…………………………………………

13

Figure 10: Some equipment used in OFC aerial installation……………………….14

Figure 11: OFC fusion in the splicing machine……………………………. ….

…….15

Figure 12: Some equipment’s used during OFC

splicing…………………………….16

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 CHAPTER ONE

ORGANIZATION PROFILE

1.1. INTRODUCTION TO THE ORGANIZATION

Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) is a parastatal organization
established by Memorandum and Articles of Association incorporated on 26 th
November 1931 which established Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (the
then Tanganyika Electric Supply Company Limited- TANESCO). The company
generates, purchases, transmits, distributes and sells electricity to Tanzania mainland
and sells bulk power to the Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO), which in turns
sells it to the public in islands Unguja and Pemba.
Historically the German colonialists established the first public electricity supply in
Tanzania, the then called Tanganyika in 1908 at Dar es Salaam. In 1920, under Britain
territory a government electricity department was formed to take over and operate the
public supplies. In 1931, the government handed over the undertaking at Dar es
Salaam and those elsewhere up country to private enterprises one of them being
TANESCO.

1.2. THE KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE ORGANIZATION

a. Generation:

To undertake power generation activities through plants owned by TANESCO, both

national grids connected and off-grid stations. Other sources of generation are from
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) which feed the national Grid and isolated areas
as well as Small Power Producers (SPPs).

b. Transmission:
To control power transmission activities including operations and maintenance of the
power grid system. TANESCO owns interconnected power grid systems transmitting
electricity in the whole of Tanzania.

c. Distribution:
This area covers power distribution activities and general customer services issues

1.3 TANESCO ORGANIZATION CHART

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 Figure 1: TANESCO organizational chart

1.4 Job description of skilled labor/foreman

Experience, knowledge and skills attained either from technical schools or university
are required. Experience mostly depends to the needs of the organization. To the
matter of skills, the person should have good communication skills, integrity, self-
driven, capable of working under any conditions. Also having excellent university or
technical results is very important

1.5. Safety regulations and general welfare of workers

Safety regulations:

• All workers must sign in and out to the attendance book.

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 • Non-workers at the institution must also sign in and out to the visitor’s book.
• Neither smoking nor drinking is allowed in the institution.
• Whenever there is an emergency, any person can dial the emergency call.
• Engineers must wear full-leathered shoes, helmets.

General welfare of workers:

• TANESCO provides medical care to any workers and their families.

• Any worker at the company should be paid enough to satisfy the basic needs at the
standard approved by the government
• A worker responsibility to inform controlling officer when he/she or family member
falls sick. TANESCO provides quality insurance for all family members too.
• The company provides social transport and counselling to workers and their families.
• Treatment outside the country will be authorized by the organization after being
approved by medical board for funding the patient.
• TANESCO encourages sports and physical exercises for its workers to promote
physical fitness.

1.6. RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING POLICIES OF THE ORGANIZATION

• Be a Tanzanian citizen
• Certified by government medical personnel to be physically and mentally suitable for
appointment in services
• Must be of good character
• He/she must be a person of integrity, excellent interpersonal skills
• Competent and organized
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team-modulated and
collaborative environment

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 CHAPTER TWO

INSTALLATION OF OPTIC FIBER CABLE AT TCPM-KINONDONI

DAR ES SALLAM

2.1 HISTORY OF FIBER OPTIC’S

An optical fiber is a thin, flexible, transparent fiber that acts as a waveguide, or “light
pipe”, to transmit light between the two ends of the fiber. Optic fibers are widely used
in fiber optic communications, which permits transmission over longer distances and
at a higher bandwidth (data rates) than other forms of communication.

The history of optical fiber can be traced back in the late 19 th and early 20th centuries.
Optical fiber was successfully developed in 1970 by Corning Glass Works, with
attenuation low enough for communication purposes (about 20 dB/km) and GaAs
semiconductor lasers were developed that were compact and therefore suitable for
transmitting light through fiber optic cables for long distances.

The evolution of fiber optics is in five generations:

• First Generation

The first generation of light wave systems uses GaAs semiconductor laser and
operating region was near 0.8micro mete. Other specifications of this generation are as
under a bit rate of 45Mb/s and repeater spacing of 10km.

• Second Generation

Bit rate is 100Mb/s to 1.7Gb/s. Repeater spacing is 50km. Operating wavelength is

1.3micro meter. The semiconductor used is in GaAsP.

• Third Generation

Bit rate is 10Gb/s. Repeater spacing is 100km. Operating wavelength is 1.55micro meter.

• Fourth Generation
This generation uses WDM technique. The bit rate is 10Tb/s. Repeater spacing is 10,000km.

Operating wavelength is 1.45 to 1.62 micro meter.

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• Fifth Generation

This generation uses Roman amplification technique and optical solitiors. The bit rate is
40-160Gb/s

Repeater spacing is 24,000km- 35,000km. Operating wavelength is 1.53 to 1.57micro meter

2.2 BASIC OF OPTICAL FIBER CABLE

The structure of optical fiber cable consists of various sections as indicated in (Figure 2):

Figure 2: Basic structure of OFC

• Core: This is the central section, made of silica or doped silica, is the light
transmitting region of the fiber.
• Coating: Is the first non-optical layer around the cladding. The coating typically
consists of one or more layers of polymer that protects the silica structure against
physical or environmental damage. The coating is stripped off when the fiber is
connectorized or fusion spliced.
• Cladding: This is the first layer around the core. It is also made of silica, but not the
same composition as the core. This creates an optical waveguide which confines the
light in the core by total internal reflection at the core-cladding interface
• Jacket: The jacket is an important feature of the fiber. It is 900 microns and helps
protect the fiber from breaking during installation and termination and is located
outside of the coating.

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 The light is guided down (figure 3) the core of the fiber by the optical cladding which
has a lower refractive index (the ratio of the velocity of light in vacuum to its velocity
in a specified medium) that traps light in the core through “total internal reflection”

Figure 3: Total internal reflection

2.3. TYPES OF OPTIC FIBER CABLE

• Single Mode Fiber (SMF): SMF has a much smaller core size of 9 microns and has a
single light path and can travel much longer distances up to 100km. These require
more expensive electronics which operate in the 1310 and 1510nm windows and are
typically used in longer distance LANs, cable TV and telephony applications.

Figure 4: Single mode fiber

• Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF): Can carry multiple light rays(modes) at the same time
by having varying optical properties at the core, essentially light travelling at the
shortest path (down the middle) travels the slowest. Due to dispersion the range is
limited so it tends to be used as premises cabling when less than a kilometer. It
comes in two core sizes 62.5 and 50microns.

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Figure 5: Multi-mode fiber
Uses aqua colored cables rather than the traditional orange. MMF is further subdivided
into Step-Index Multimode Fiber whose core is completely made of one type of
material and Graded-Index Multimode Fiber that has variations in the composition of
the glass in the core to compensate for the different path lengths of the modes.

2.4. OPTICAL FIBER COLOR CODING

Most of fieldworks highly depend on color codes for accuracy in establishing link.
OFC jacket colors can make it fast and simple to recognize exactly which type of cable
you are dealing with. For example, the color yellow clearly identifies a single mode
cable, while orange indicates multimode.

Figure 6: Patch cord color codes for SMF and MMF

Furthermore, EIA/TIA is the standard fiber color code used in the United States, and
the most recognized system worldwide. The method uses a combination of two
different color to identify each fiber.

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 Figure 7: Color coding standard in fiber optic

2.5 OPTICAL FIBER NETWORKS

Optical fiber networks have been used for decades to transmit large volumes of traffic
across the country. Optical fiber networks consist of mainly two categories which are
Passive Optical Network (PON) and Active Optical Network (AON).

• PON is a telecommunication technology designed to allow a single fiber from a service

provider the ability to maintain an efficient broadband connection for multiple end
users. These end users are typically individual clients using PONs in commercial
environment.

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 Figure 8: Passive Optical Network architecture

A PON consists of an optical line terminal (OLT) at the service provider's central office
and a number of optical network units (ONUs) or Optical Network Terminals (ONTs),
near end users. A passive optical network is a form of fiber optic access network. PON
can be divided into the following types FTTH, FTTB, FTTC, and FTTDp.

• AON is a technology which mainly adopts point-to-point network architecture. Each

user can have a special optical fiber line. AON means that in the process of signal
transmission, switching aggregators, active optical devices are deployed from the
office equipment to the user distribution unit. These switching devices are driven by
electric power to manage the signal distribution and direction signals of specific
customers. AON devices include light source (laser), optical receiver, optical
transceiver module, optical amplifier.

2.6. OPTICAL FIBER CABLE STANDARDS

ITU-T standards describe the geometrical properties and transmission properties of

multimode and single-mode fiber optic cables. There are seven common ITU-T
standards (recommendations) currently in effect at the date of its publication: ITU-T
G.651.1, ITU-T G.652, ITU-T G.653, ITU-T G.654, ITU-T G.655, ITU-T G.656, ITUT
G.657.

• ITU-T G.651.1

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 This was developed based on the ITU-T G.651 standard which was withdrawn in
2008. It defines the 50/125micro meter graded-index multimode fiber used the region
of 850nm band or 1300nm band. Recently this fiber is mainly applied for multi-tenant/
dwelling buildings in FTTH networks, as well as functions in enterprise networks,
such as fiber to the Zone (FTTZ) architecture.
• ITU-T G.652
It is the first single-mode fiber standard specified by the ITU-T. It includes four revisions
which are G.652.A, G.652.B, G.652.C, and G.652.D. Among them G.652.A and
G.652.B fibers are rarely used now due to inferior performance. While G.652.C and
G.652.D fibers feature a reduced water peak (Zero Water Peak) which allows them to
be used in the wavelength region between 1310nm and 1550nm supporting Coarse
Wavelength Division Multiplexed (CWDM) transmission. G.652.D fiber is the up-to
date technology today which provides not only the maximum return of your
investments but also affords the best protection.
• ITU-T G.653
Defines the dispersion-shifted single-mode fiber which exhibits a zero-dispersion
value around the 1550nm wavelength where the attenuation is minimum. There exist
two fiber categories for the recommendation G.653: G.653.A and G.653.B both
functioning in the wavelength 1550nm region and could also function around 1310nm
on condition that the attenuation coefficient performs below 0.55dB/km. The G.653 is
rarely deployed anymore and has been superseded by G.655 fiber.
• ITU-T G.654
This covers cut-off shifted single-mode optical fibers which are optimized for
operation in the 1500nm to 1600nm region. It includes five revisions which are
G.654.A, G.654.B, G.654.C, G.654.D, G.654.E, G.654.A, G.654.B, G.654.C and
G.654.D fibers are suitable for extended long haul undersea applications while
G.654.E is designed for high-speed long-haul terrestrial optical networks.
• ITU-T G.655
Defines the non-zero dispersion -shifted single-mode optical fiber with performance
specified at 1550nm and 1625nm. It covers five categories: G.655.A, G.655.B,
G.655.C, G.655.D and G.655.E. The G.655 fibers were popular due to their long-
distance cable runs suited for long -haul applications but it falls into disuse and is
replaced by G.652.D.
• ITU-T G.656

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 These optical cables have been dedicated for use in broadband systems using both
DWDM and CWDM, intended to operate in 1460nm to 1625 wavelength windows.
The attenuation of G.655 fiber is low at 1460nm-1625nm, but when the wavelength is
less than 1530nm, the dispersion is too low for the WDM systems.
• ITU-T G.657
This is the latest edition of a single-mode optical fiber standard and specifies the
characteristics of bend-sensitive single-mode optical fibers. They are mainly applied
for broadband optical access networks in telecom offices and customer premises.

2.7. OPTICAL POWER BUDGET

Is the amount of light required to transmit signals successfully over a distance through
a fiber-optic connection. The amount of light energy available within the setup will
dictate how long organizations can extend fiber-optic cable links between media
converters within the network.
When calculating optical power budget, organizations are dependent on two statistics from
manufacturers: minimum transmit power and minimum receive sensitivity.

In optical power budget we consider cable loss, connector loss, splice loss and
cumulative loss. Optical power budget is measured by dB, which can be calculated by
subtracting the minimum receiver sensitivity from the minimum transmit power.

2.8 LAYING OF THE OFC

TANESCO standards for laying the OFC link is based on AERIAL OFC
INSTALLATION, this is a type of fiber optic cables that is usually used for outside
installation on poles. Due to its installation environment, the design of aerial fiber
optic cable must consider to protect it from the destruction of the nature and man-made
damage or theft. OFC cables were laid from TCPM to Manyanya (due to the presence
of nearest closure). The cable used ADSS cable.

2.8.1 PROCEDURES FOR LAYING THE OFC

I. Carry out a full route survey and make sure that representative of each organization
potentially affected by installation process are present.
II. Ensure that the right-of-way is free of obstacles, like guy wires and trees.

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III. By using stationary reel placing methods, a series of temporary cable supports are installed at
each pole along the route.
IV. A pull is threaded through the cable supports and attached to the outside of the cable using a
breakaway swivel and a cable pulling away grip.
V. The pull line is then used to pull the cable through the cable blocks into position.
VI. After pulling the cable has been pulled into its final position, the cable should be tensioned
until the correct sag level is reached.
VII. It should be then terminated at each dead-end pole along the route.

Figure 9: OFC installation on mounted pole

2.8.2. TOOLS USED IN LAYING OFC

a) Cable drum
Are used for carrying different types of electrical wires including OFC.
b) Fiber clamp
Secures both ends of the fiber optic cable inside your splice trailer
c) Rollers
Used by a fiber placement machine to apply tows to a surface.

d) Strap
Used to support cables from the strand.

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e) Strap buckle
Used in conjunction with cut lengths of ab straps for supporting cables to strand f)
Radio call
Used for communication purposes in the field

Figure 10: Some equipment used in OFC aerial installation

2.9. TERMINATION OF OFC

There are two methods for terminating the fiber: first is through splicing which
involves actually connecting two bare fiber ends directly and the other is through the
use of connectors that form a temporary joint. Splicing is the common method of
termination and is of two types: by fusion and mechanical.

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 2.9.1. PROCEDURES FOR OFC SPLICING
The splicing method used is FUSION SPLICING. This method provides the lowest
loss and least reflectance, as well as providing the strongest and most reliable joint
between fibers.

The following are the basic procedures for fusion splicing:

a) Strip back all the coatings down to the bare fibers.
b) Clean the stripped fibers using alcohol or ethanol.
c) Cleave the fibers using a precision cleaving tool.
d) Put the heat shrink tube on to one of the ends.
e) Fuse the fibers together in the fusion splicer.
f) Put the heat shrink protector on to the fiber joint.

Figure 11: OFC fusion in the splicing machine

2.9.2. TOOLS FOR OFC SPLICING

a) Stripper
Used for stripping coatings of fibers.
b) Alcohol/ethanol
Used for cleaning the stripped fibers.
c) Cleaver
Used for cutting precisely the stripped and cleaned fibers

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d) Splicing machine
Is a device used for permanently joining two fibers together.
e) Closure
Is a device used to provide space and protection for optical fiber cable spliced together.
Closures can be metallic or plastic.
f) Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)
This is an instrument used to create a virtual “picture” of a fiber optic cable route.
The OTDR is the most important investigation tool for optical fibers, which is
applicable for the measurement of fiber loss, connector loss and for the determination
of the exact place and the value of cable discontinuities.
Splicing machine Stripper

Cleaver Closure

Figure 12: Some equipment’s used during OFC splicing

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 2.10 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTEGES OF OPTICAL FIBER

2.10.1 Advantages of optical fiber

i. Greater bandwidth, Radar and other signals will not cause disruptions in the fiber. The
large amount of information can be transmitted per unit of optical fiber cable.
ii. Less signal attenuation, the loss of signal in optical fiber is less than that in copper
wire.
iii. Higher transmission capacity, A fiber optic cable is a low power loss medium,
meaning you can achieve higher bandwidths over greater transmission distances. Fiber
optic cables can reach 10’s of kilometers in distance compared to the maximum
100meter distance that is the limit of copper cables.
iv. Provides signal security, fiber optic cable keeps data secure. It does not radiate
signals and is very difficult to tap without your knowledge.
v. Unaffected with electromagnetic interference, effects of electromagnetism are
negligible to optic fibers.

2.10.2 Disadvantages of Optical Fiber

i. Fragility, optical fiber is rather fragile and more vulnerable to damage compared to copper
wires. You should not twist or bend fiber optic cables too tightly.

ii. Difficult to Install, it’s not easy to splice optic fiber cable, and if you bend them too
much, they will break.
iii. High operating cost, the components and test equipment required for fiber optic
installation are expensive compared to copper cable.

iv. Expensive equipment required, to ensure the quality of optic fiber cable transmission,
some special equipment’s are needed, such as fusion splicing machine, OTDR, power
meter and optical probes which are very expensive,

2.11 CHALLENGES FACED DURING THE TRAINING

I. Lack of training equipment such as helmets in the field work.

II. Lack of enough transportation facilities such as trucks and cars
III. Location of the working sites (such as near the road or across the road) hinders proper
installation of the link as you have to wait until the cars are not moving.

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 CONCLUSION

Throughout my practical training at TANESCO, I have gained more skills and knowledge to
my field of study of telecommunication.

The practical training was relevant to me since it has paved the way for me to engage
myself in matters of DC systems, networking. It has helped me to earn confidence in
working with other people, skills to endure long working hours. Moreover, it has
increased my understanding in what I have learnt theoretically.

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 RECOMMENDATIONS

As being one of the trainees who has noticed some setbacks, the organization should
ensure availability of protective gears to students during their field work. Also, the
government should aid the organization in matters of transport facilities mostly for the
benefit of students who do their practical training to the organization.

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 REFERENCES

H., R. (2020). Introduction to Fiber-Optic Communications.

Jim Hayes (Second Edition) “Fiber Optics Technician’s Manual “.

P. Polishuk, “Plastic Optical Fibers Branch Out”, IEEE Common.

TANESCO. Retrieved from www.tanesco.co.tz

UK Fiber Optic System Installation Manual.

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