Fiber-Optic Network Design Textbook Also Covers Project Management

The Fiber Optic Association (FOA) recently published a new edition of its textbook on fiber-optic network design. This expanded version includes new material covering project management.

“Fiber-optic network design and network management are closely related topics, both highly important in the success of a fiber project,” the association said when announcing the availability of its new book FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optic Network Design And Project Management.

“The previous edition was created a decade ago as a reference book for fiber-optic network designers and a textbook for FOA CFOS/D [Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Design] certification courses training fiber-optic techs to design fiber-optic networks. The topics are linked to material also available in the FOA Guide.”

The textbook has always covered some aspects of project management, the FOA explained. The information in the newest edition on project planning and management “adds more information about the beginning of a project, from concept through planning and including things a manager needs to know to get a project off the ground,” the association said. “It also expands on the project manager role in planning and overseeing the installation of the cable plant.”

It added that the CFOS/D certification curriculum will be updated to include project management. “That will involve an update of the CFOS/D curriculum used by our schools, and the certification exam,” the FOA said. “We will also update the Fiber U Design self-study program. This should all be updated for 2026.”