About us

Mission Statement

Our mission is to play a pivotal role in advancing and sustaining the dynamic landscape of communication networks. Through our dedicated consulting services and comprehensive optical network training programs, we aim to empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of evolving optical network technologies. Through our strategic collaboration with Optical Technology Training (OTT), we position ourselves to stay at the forefront of the optical network training arena. Our commitment is unwavering as we consistently stay informed and updated on the ever-changing landscape of technologies. This partnership ensures that we not only remain relevant but also proactively adapt to the dynamic advancements in the optical network training space, guaranteeing our stakeholders access to the latest industry insights and cutting-edge knowledge.

Our story

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Northern Virginia, in close proximity to Washington DC, FiberGuide is dedicated to advancing the rapid development of communication networks through training and consulting. Volunteering with development organizations such as NEPAD Council, Dr. Jabulani Dhliwayo, our principal, recognized the critical shortage of skills as an impediment to the deployment of optical networks. In emerging markets, for example, many network providers heavily relied on their vendors for all aspects of network planning, design, deployment, and operation due to lack of skills.

In response to this challenge, FiberGuide was established to bridge the skills gap through comprehensive training and consulting services. Initially focusing on emerging markets, particularly Africa, our commitment to addressing skill shortages has led us to expand our services to meet the growing demand in North America.

At FiberGuide, we strive to empower network providers by equipping them with the necessary expertise to independently navigate the complexities of network development. Our journey began with a focus on emerging markets and has evolved to encompass the dynamic landscape of North America, where the demand for our specialized services continues to thrive.

Our principal – Dr. Jabulani Dhliwayo

Jabulani Dhliwayo, the Founder and Technical Director of FiberGuide, is a seasoned ICT (Information and Communications Technology) expert, consultant, and technical trainer with over two decades of experience in the fiber optic industry. His diverse background includes roles such as Senior Research Scientist in fiber optics and photonics, Market Development Manager, Product Manager, and Technical Director.

During his tenure as a Research Scientist, Jabulani specialized in developing characterization techniques for optical fiber and photonic devices in product development. His contributions encompassed the creation of products like stimulated Brillouin scattering insensitive fiber, photonic bandgap fiber, Bragg gratings, and liquid crystal cross connects. He skillfully addressed impairments such as chromatic dispersion, polarization mode dispersion, and polarization-dependent loss.

Transitioning into the role of Product Manager, Jabulani took charge of a bend-insensitive optical fiber designed for FTTX networks. He assumed responsibility for all aspects of marketing’s 4Ps for the product. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in coordinating a corporate group supporting the efforts of the IEEE 802.3 HSSG group, contributing to the development of high-speed recommendations.

Before entering the private sector, Jabulani shared his expertise as a Physics lecturer at the Harare Polytechnic in Zimbabwe. His academic achievements include a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Kent, UK, focusing on distributed fiber optic sensors utilizing stimulated Brillouin scattering. 

You can also visit Jabulani’s Linkedin page.

Meet us at key  industry events

Make sure to connect with us at prominent industry gatherings, where we actively participate and showcase our expertise. One notable event to catch us at is the Optical Fiber Communication (OFC) conference, a premier platform for professionals in the field. In 2024, FiberGuide, along with other OTT training partners, will have a dedicated presence at booth #5244. This presents a valuable opportunity for you to engage with our team, and representatives of other OTT (Optical Technology Training) partners explore our latest programs.

We look forward to meeting you at booth #5244 and sharing our commitment to advancing the industry through our collective knowledge and experience.