Technician: Cabling and Infrastructure Technician School

Knowledge of common tools and recommended safety practices is a foundational component of working on any jobsite. This module details the necessary tools technicians need to be familiar with while working on a jobsite, as well as the equipment and procedures that should be followed to ensure a safe working environment. The ability to identify which tool is appropriate for a specific job will ensure a new technician can efficiently perform their duties. Proper tool usage also decreases mistakes, limits unnecessary damage to the tools, and reduces the risk of injury on the job. Safety procedures, including the use of required personal protective equipment, are often strictly enforced and must be followed for successful project completion. 

You will learn to:

• Identify jobsite tools and understand their proper usage
• List the personal protective items to be used on a jobsite
• Explain ladder safety rules

Knowledge of the fundamental principles of electrical theory is a requirement for any technician working with audio, video, or communications signaling. This module provides an understanding of electricity vital to  success as a cabling and infrastructure technician. From a standard light switch to the complex world of system programming, electricity is a fundamental element of an integrated system. It is necessary for technicians to know the terms and equations introduced throughout this module as they are used in nearly every aspect of a technician's career.

You will learn to:

• Define the terms: Volt, Amp, Watt, and Ohm
• Solve for Volts, Amps, Watts, and Ohms
• Explain the differences between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC)

Performing basic mathematical calculations is a requirement on all jobsites. This module provides information regarding math concepts that technicians need to be proficient in. Common applications include calculating the square footage of a room, taking measurements, calculating load capacities, calculating or verifying display sizes, and verifying structure angles. Mastering these math concepts is a key part of becoming a successful technician.

You will learn to:

• Define basic math terms
• List and apply basic math formulas, rules, and theorems
• Calculate metric conversions
• Calculate screen dimensions

Technicians must have knowledge of the applicable codes, standards, and recommended practices related to construction projects. This module provides the information necessary to ensure proper adherence to building codes and industry standards when running infrastructure cabling in residential and commercial environments. Variations in building construction methods will also influence how cabling is installed, which tools should be used, and what timelines may be expected for project completion.

You will learn to:

• Identify important codes and standards related to construction
• Describe key differences between commercial and residential construction

Detailed planning is necessary for all retrofit projects. This module provides recommendations on how to plan and organize a retrofit project to support efficient installation practices and minimize impact to the environment.

You will learn to:

• Identify the necessary items and behaviors to ensure a positive client experience
• Describe considerations when retrofitting insfrastructure in various construction types
• List the steps to plan a retrofit project

Working on existing structures requires specialized tools and the knowledge of how and when to use them. Learn the common tools required to complete retrofit projects and information about signal transmission technologies that enable existing infrastructure to be used for new technology installation.

You will learn to:

• Identify common tools and their proper usage for pulling/installing infrastructure cable
• Identify common tools and their proper usage for making openings in various construction materials
• List common technologies that support new signal types over existing infrastructure

There is often more than one way to install a cable into an existing structure. This module offers recommendations on common wire and cable installation techniques and recommended practices for solving challenging situations, which will enable a skilled technician to complete their installation quickly and efficiently.

You will learn to:

• Describe common techniques when installing infrastructure into existing spaces
• List the steps to complete cable installation in common scenarios
• Identify alternative options to installing cabling into the structure

Electronic systems in the home depend upon a physical infrastructure made up of interconnects and radio frequencies that carry information and power to, from, and between system components. Use of the correct interconnects on a jobsite can be the difference between great system performance and complete system failure. Many systems used for networking, security, audio, video, and home automation rely on the types of cables and connectors discussed. Completion of this module will build a foundational knowledge of how infrastructure cabling is constructed and used to transport communications signals.

You will learn to:

• Identify the various elements of cables
• Recognize common conductors and their properties
• Recall details to explain how a cable will best perform in given circumstances

The purpose of a cable is to move information or data from one point to another without significant alteration. This module provides an overview of the two common groupings of cables used within the integration industry and their applications.

You will learn to:

• Explain the different characteristics of general purpose cables and communication cables
• Identify the appropriate circumstances of when to use a general purpose cable or a communication cable

An important part of executing an integration project is to ensure that all steps of the premises wiring installation are completed efficiently and accurately, as this is the last phase where all cabling will be visible. Completing the installation of the cabling infrastructure correctly will save time and money for the phases that follow. This module covers how using proper materials and procedures is a key to successfully executing this phase of the project.

You will learn to:

• Identify important codes and standards as related to construction methods and the cable plant
• Describe key differences between commercial and residential construction
• Explain the cable plant process from planning and pulling to securing the cable

New building construction projects include a trim-out (second-fix) phase, during which cables previously installed as part of the premises wiring are prepped, terminated, and connected to appropriate outlet hardware and equipment. This module provides instruction on the connectors and termination procedures typically used when working with general purpose cables. While cable termination and testing are skills a technician must master in a hands-on environment, knowledge of the tools and techniques necessary to successfully terminate cables promotes successful outcomes in the field.

You will learn to:

• List trim-out installation preparation tasks
• Identify appropriate cable preparation tools
• Recognize connectors for general purpose cables
• Understand termination procedures for general purpose cables

Proper termination of communications cables is critical to the successful completion of a project. This module provides instruction on the connectors and termination procedures typically used when working with communications cables. The premises wiring will be the communication backbone of all electronic systems in a structure. Care must be taken to ensure all terminations support the highest possible performance for networking, audio, and video transmissions. Improper termination is the most common cause of system failures and malfunctions.

You will learn to:

• Identify communication cable connectors
• Recognize communication cable termination tools
• Discuss termination methods for communication cables

During the trim-out (second-fix) phase, built-in devices are installed, as well as supporting equipment such as keypads, controllers, sensors, thermostats, volume controls, antennas, and speakers. To complete the trim-out phase, all cables must be tested and verified for signal transmission and functionality. Executing additional testing to check performance is often recommended and sometimes required in the project specifications. This module provides information on recommended testing and verification procedures for infrastructure cabling.

You will learn to:

• Recognize hardware that will be installed
• Discuss the steps necessary to tone out cables behind drywall
• Identify the three basic categories of system testing
• Recall various testing equipment used for different cable types

Most integration projects include the design and installation of audio systems. This module provides information on the basic principles of sound which are required to develop a foundational knowledge of audio recording and reproduction systems. Learners will explore the processes involved with sound production, recording, and playback as well as review common audio equipment found in integrated system projects.

You will learn to:

• Identify key concepts and terminology related to sound and audio
• Examine the process of audio recording
• Describe the audio equipment, sources, and cables
• Explain concepts of surround sound and distributed audio

Knowledge of the types of signals and components found in audio systems is essential to proper system installation. This module provides details on the differences between analog and digital signals, and explains the basic functionality of amplifiers and loudspeakers. The learner will also become familiar with the various types of loudspeakers and their applications.

You will learn to:

• Explain the difference between analog and digital audio signals
• Describe the purpose and functions of an amplifier in an audio system
• Identify the different types of speakers found in a home cinema and their purposes and abilities

The correct use and connection of cables is necessary to ensure optimal signal transmission and achieve the highest level of performance. Awareness of the different types of cables and methods for transmitting audio signals helps to ensure that the installation of infrastructure to support an audio system is completed correctly. This module provides information on the various cables typically used to connect audio equipment.

You will learn to:

• List the types of cables used to carry audio signals
• Identify the differences between unbalanced and balanced audio cables
• Distinguish the characteristics of different audio sources

Knowledge of the human visual system as well as the fundamentals of producing video images is necessary to design and install a video system correctly. This module provides instruction on the science of sight: how we see motion, color, and resolution.

You will learn to:

• Explain how the human eye perceives motion
• Describe the way in which frame rates impact the motion perceived by the human eye
• Discuss the visible color spectrum and color temperature

Knowledge of video imaging processes and functionality is necessary to deliver the highest quality image for the viewer. This module provides a look at the different processes used to display video images. Key areas of video reproduction include scanning processes, video imaging, aspect ratios, and sources for video.

You will learn to:

• Define common words and phrases associated with video imaging
• Calculate aspect ratio of a video display
• Identify early and modern video sources

Consumers are presented with many terms, acronyms, and technologies such as OLED and Quantum Dot displays, HDMI, and DisplayPort cables: What are they and what do they do? This module provides information on the differences between common display technologies as well as the cabling infrastructure necessary to support signal transmission. Familiarity with other topics related to video connectivity, displays, and calibration will further enable technicians to successfully install video-related products and infrastructure.

You will learn to:

• Identify both analog and digital video cables
• Explain how different video displays function
• Perform basic elements of video calibration

The cabling and infrastructure technician is responsible for ensuring equipment installation is accurate, professional, attractive, and safe. This module provides instruction on the critical aspects and best practices of equipment installation in racks and cabinet systems.

You will learn to:

• Identify rack equipment mounting components and accessories
• Understand the differences between active and passive ventilation
• Describe cabling practices, such as cable labeling, cable routing, and cable dressing

This module details the steps necessary to safely and correctly install equipment such as displays and projectors to walls and ceilings in a variety of scenarios. This requires a working knowledge of task-specific hardware and a variety of fasteners.

You will learn to:

• Understand the necessary steps to install various mounts
• Identify the best screen viewing angle in a given room
• Explain how to properly position a projector

Installation of appropriate power protection and conditioning equipment not only reduces the chances of damage to a system, but also improves system performance. Quality electrical power is a common integration challenge. Learners will identify and mitigate the key areas of concern when working with electrical power systems.

You will learn to:

• Understand the importance of grounding
• Identify causes of electrical noise and harmonics
• Explain features of various surge protection solutions