Writing a book is a team effort that takes a dedicated group of professionals. I am very fortunate to have been able to work with this team of talented and dedicated individuals.

First, I would like to thank Sybex for giving me the opportunity to write this book. Special thanks to Acquisitions Editor Mariann Barsolo, Production Editor Dassi Zeidel, Developmental Editor Kelly Talbot, Editorial Manager Pete Gaughan, and editorial staff Connor O'Brien, Rebekah Worthman, Rayna Erlick, and Jenni Housh for the outstanding job you did guiding me through this project from start to finish.

Thanks to Chuck Schue and Randy Hall at UrsaNav, Inc., for all your support with this project.

Thanks, Charlie Husson, for the outstanding job with the technical edits. You are an exceptional engineer, great mentor, and friend. I have learned so much from you over the years and look forward to working with you on future projects.

Many companies also provided technical information, equipment, and photographs. Special thanks to Donald Stone from KITCO Fiber Optics, Jay S. Tourigny from MicroCare, Mark Messer from Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, Dede Starnes and Ryan Spillane from Corning Cable Systems, Bob Scharf from Moog Protokraft, Bill Reid from Amphenol Fiber Systems International, Earle Olson from TE Connectivity, Peter Koudelka from PROMET International Inc., Chuck Casbeer from Infotec IT and Leadership Training, Bruno Huttner from Luciol Instruments, Laurence N. Wesson from Aurora Optics Inc., Art Schweiss from Electronic Manufacturers' Agents Inc., Kevin Lefebvre from EigenLight Corporation, Matt Krutsch from COTSWORKS, Ed Forrest from ITW Chemtronics, Mike Gleason from Panduit, Scott Kale from Norfolk Wire, Christine Pons from OptiConcepts, and Dave Edwards from W.R. Systems.

Dick Glass has been a friend, mentor, and co-worker for many years; he has spent many hours guiding me through various writing projects. I feel very blessed to have met Dick and greatly appreciate his guidance over the years and his assistance with this project.

Thanks to the host of people behind the scenes who I did not mention for all your efforts to make this book the best that it can be.

Last but not least, thank you to my family—to the love of my life, my beautiful wife Susan, for making this possible; to my children, Mike, Brandon, Eric, Nathan, and Kathryn; and to my grandchildren for your patience, inspiration, encouragement, and prayers. I am the luckiest man alive to have all of you in my life.