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OPGW, ADSS, and Underground Fiber Use Comparison

This course compares OPGW, ADSS, and underground fiber deployment in utility communication networks. It explains where each fiber type is typically used, their advantages and limitations, deployment risks, and how to make situational decisions to design reliable and resilient fiber networks.
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  • Instructor
    Matt Schnell
  • Instructor
    Mike Unser
  • Level
    Beginner
  • Study time
    ~ 1.5 hours
  • Video time
    67 min
  • Lessons
    4

Certification included

Earn a certificate upon successful course completion to showcase your skills.

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About This Course

Target Audience

Prerequisites

Related Courses

About This Course
Utility communication networks rely on reliable fiber infrastructure to support grid operations, substation connectivity, and critical data transmission. Choosing the right fiber deployment method is essential for network performance, reliability, and long-term cost efficiency.

This course provides a practical comparison of the three main fiber deployment types used in utility environments: Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), All-Dielectric Self-Supporting fiber (ADSS), and underground fiber. Participants explore typical deployment scenarios, lifecycle trends, installation considerations, and common operational challenges associated with each technology.

The course also covers environmental risks, installation-related issues, maintenance considerations, and accident or damage scenarios that influence fiber performance over time. Based on real utility practices and industry observations, learners will understand how to evaluate situational factors such as location, risk exposure, cost, and network requirements when selecting a fiber solution.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to make informed decisions about fiber deployment strategies and understand how combining different fiber types can improve network resilience, reliability, and operational flexibility.
Target Audience
  • Utility engineers and network planners involved in communication infrastructure design
  • Telecommunications and fiber specialists working in power or utility environments
  • Project managers responsible for utility network deployment projects
  • Technical professionals supporting substation communications or grid connectivity
Prerequisites
  • Basic understanding of utility operations or communication networks is helpful
  • No prior fiber optics expertise required
Course Suggestions
This course is the first module in a growing series on Fiber. Stay tuned as we continue to expand the curriculum with hands-on, practical guidance tailored to utility professionals.

What you´ll learn

  • Understand the key characteristics and differences between OPGW, ADSS, and underground fiber.

  • Identify typical deployment scenarios in transmission and distribution environments.

  • Evaluate the advantages, limitations, and risks associated with each fiber type.

  • Recognize common environmental, installation, and operational issues affecting fiber systems.

  • Assess situational factors that influence fiber deployment decisions.

  • Apply strategies for combining fiber types to improve network reliability and resilience.

   Self-pace-learning

    Resume anytime

  Access on mobile

  Closed captions

Course Content

Your Instructors

Matt Schnell

Mike Unser

About the instructors

Maynard “Matt” Schnell, ITT Telecom Manager at Nebraska Public Power District. He has worked in the Telecom industry for 39 years in management, engineering, and field operations/maintenance. Matt is the past Chairman of UTC and was a chair of the UTC Technical Division and past chair of UTC Region 6. Matt is also past chair of the Nebraska School Board Association. He is married (wife Deb) and they have one daughter (Amanda). Matt also served in the U.S. Navy aboard nuclear submarines for 6 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in business and master’s degree in administration from Doane College. Matt received the Connie Durcsak Visionary Award and the Meehan Award from UTC in 2016.

Mr. Unser has a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology and a Masters of Business Administration Degree in Management. Mr. Unser has over 25 years’ experience in fiber optics including, engineering, permitting, construction, inspection, testing, acceptance and troubleshooting. Mr. Unser is responsible for the engineering and construction of fiber optic networks for SRP’s electrical and water networks as well as for SRP’s commercial fiber optic network.
In addition to working for SRP Mr. Unser has been involved with the UTC for over 10 years. Most recently as the Telecom Committee Chairman.
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Earn a career certificate and PDH hours

  • How does it work?

    UTC provides Certificates of Completion for Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for all education we provide. You must check the regulations in your state’s licensing agency to ensure you meet the requirements.

  • PDHs & Certificate - Just a Click Away

    After completing the course - and passing a short quiz, if required - participants will earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and receive a certificate of completion or a career certificate, which can be downloaded directly from the course player or shared on platforms like LinkedIn.

What Our Learners Say

Simple to understand!

This is for me a very valuable experience and I would recommend this training to other organizations.

Step up your game!

Your commitment, passion, and delivery were really amazing. We had a great start and the speed as well as intensity with which we rolled out globally over 3 years was unbelievable.

Concise and practical content

I learned a lot and now feel ready to implement these techniques into my organization. 

Very Professional!

It was an excellent training program, and I am very pleased. The instructors were very knowledgeable, and the content was relevant to our industry.

Simple to understand!

Armed with the knowledge and techniques obtained from your school, I feel more equipped to navigate the challenging social aspects of the real world and become a professional in my field of choice.

Excellent Training Program!

The presenters were amazing. They were engaging, timely, and knowledgeable

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