Field Maintenance Engineer

OSI & TCP/IP models

IPv4/IPv6 communication

Subnetting basics

Routing & switching fundamentals

VLANs, STP, trunking basics

Protocols: DHCP, DNS, NTP, SNMP

Devices: Routers, switches, firewalls, access points, ONT, OLT, splitters (FTTH), UPS, PDUs, surge protectors

Infrastructure: Fiber backbone architecture | Rack & cable management | Patch panels & structured cabling standards

PM checklists for routers/switches/APs

Optical fiber PM: cleaning, loss check, OTDR test

Copper network PM: tone test, continuity test

Temperature & humidity monitoring

Power system PM: UPS load, battery health

Data center PM routines

Documentation of PM reports

Fault isolation and root cause analysis (RCA)

Diagnosing physical layer faults- Fiber cut, Loose connectors, Patch cord failures

Repairing or replacing faulty devices

Escalation procedures to L2/L3 teams

Post-repair validation & customer handover

Fiber types & standards

Using OTDR for fault detection

Power meter/light source testing

Fiber cleaning methods

Handling and storing fiber cables safely

Fusion splicing for maintenance

GPON/FTTH maintenance and troubleshooting

RF basics for field maintenance

Access point monitoring

Wireless interference analysis

Signal strength mapping

Re-tuning channels & power levels

Wi-Fi controller-based maintenance

OTDR

VFL (Visual Fault Locator)

Fluke cable analyzer

Network analyzer (Wireshark basics)

Multimeter, Console access cables, Portable power testers

Techniques: Ping, traceroute, SNMP testing, Checking device logs, Packet loss and latency diagnosis , Loop detection, Port flapping analysis, Throughput tests (iPerf)

NMS basics

SNMP monitoring

Fault alerts and alarm handling

Reading logs from Syslog servers

Understanding KPI dashboards and Using systems like SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios (concepts)

Fiber safety

Electrical safety

Working at heights, Lock-out/tag-out

ESD protection, Earthing & grounding rules

Environmental & equipment room safety standards

PM/CM report preparation

Updating network diagrams

Maintaining device inventory

Ticketing tools (ServiceNow/Jira/Remedy)

RCA documentation format

Customer communication during downtime

Fiber cut restoration lab

Router/switch crash recovery

Port/VLAN troubleshooting

Wi-Fi signal drop troubleshooting

UPS/power failure simulation

Network outage drill

End-to-end RCA preparation

Communication with customers & NOC

Handling high-pressure outage situations

Time management in field operations

Work etiquette & escalation matrix understanding