February 1, 2008 -- BICSI has increased its educational offerings with a new course in its Telecommunications Distribution Design and Fiber Optic areas.
The course, entitled "Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual Update Review" (DD300), offers a fresh look into the latest applicable standards, methodologies, and design and installation best practices for all technical personnel involved in the design, specification, installation, inspection or maintenance of ITS projects.
The new course is centered on information introduced in the newly revised chapters of the Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), 11th edition, such as the new data center, Electronic Safety and Security (ESS), and vital information related to wireless and data network design.
"New technologies are rapidly changing the environments in which ITS professionals work," comments Betty Bezos, RCDD/NTS/OSP/WD Specialist and BICSI Master Instructor. "This course was developed to act in the same manner in that it too will constantly evolve and address the latest developments to ensure every student is better prepared on the job."
Reflecting the current needs of the industry, the TDMM, 11th edition, is a resource in telecommunications distribution design that is researched and written by ITS experts, and provides vendor-neutral, internationally accepted industry guidelines and global best practices.
Highlights of the updated materials, according to BICSI, include:
--Recent changes to TIA/EIA 568-B standard
--Design parameters for 10-Gbit and 40-Gbit Ethernet Networks
-- Review of recent changes in the National Electrical Code (NEC)
-- How Cat 6 and Cat 6A cables affect the design of telecommunications pathways
-- How VoIP has impacted the design of telecommunications spaces
-- Advancements in Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology and the ZigBee specification for wireless personal area networks (WPANs)
"This is a pertinent course for anyone who may currently be pursuing the Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) credential," says Richard Dunfee, RCDD/OSP Specialist, BICSI Director of Professional Development. "The course will teach ITS professionals the latest knowledge to enable them to immediately return to the office and apply the information in a practical and direct manner."
Current RCDDs, BICSI Installers, BICSI Technicians and anyone who has basic knowledge of the ITS industry and familiarity with previous versions of the TDMM also will find value in taking the course, maintains BICSI. The inaugural class was held in mid-December at BICSI World Headquarters in Tampa, Florida; subsequent classes are scheduled throughout the United States.