CPCT CPCT Fiber Optic Cabling & Termination 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which fiber optic connector type uses a push-pull latching mechanism and is commonly used in high-density patch panels?
- LC connector (Correct answer)
- SC connector
- ST connector
- FC connector
Correct answer: LC connector
The LC (Lucent Connector) uses a push-pull latch and its small form factor makes it ideal for high-density applications.
Question 2: What is the primary difference between single-mode and multimode fiber optic cable?
- Single-mode has a smaller core diameter and carries one light path, while multimode has a larger core carrying multiple light paths (Correct answer)
- Single-mode uses plastic fiber while multimode uses glass fiber
- Single-mode supports shorter distances than multimode
- Single-mode is always orange and multimode is always yellow
Correct answer: Single-mode has a smaller core diameter and carries one light path, while multimode has a larger core carrying multiple light paths
Single-mode fiber has a ~9µm core allowing one light mode, enabling long distances, while multimode has a 50 or 62.5µm core supporting multiple modes over shorter runs.
Question 3: What does OTDR stand for in fiber optic testing?
- Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (Correct answer)
- Optical Transfer Data Relay
- Output Test Display Reader
- Optical Total Distance Recorder
Correct answer: Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
An OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) sends pulses of light into fiber and measures backscatter and reflections to locate faults and measure loss.
Question 4: What is the maximum bend radius typically recommended for fiber optic cable during installation?
- 10 times the cable diameter
- 20 times the cable diameter (Correct answer)
- 5 times the cable diameter
- 50 times the cable diameter
Correct answer: 20 times the cable diameter
During installation, fiber optic cable should not be bent to a radius less than 20 times the cable diameter to prevent microbending losses and physical damage.
Question 5: Which fiber optic polishing style produces the lowest back reflection and is preferred for high-speed digital links?
- APC (Angled Physical Contact) (Correct answer)
- UPC (Ultra Physical Contact)
- PC (Physical Contact)
- Flat polished
Correct answer: APC (Angled Physical Contact)
APC connectors are polished at an 8-degree angle, directing reflected light away from the fiber core, achieving back reflection of -65 dB or better.
Question 6: What color jacket is standardized for OS2 single-mode fiber optic cable per TIA-598?
- Yellow (Correct answer)
- Orange
- Aqua
- Blue
Correct answer: Yellow
TIA-598 specifies yellow jacket color for OS2 single-mode fiber optic cable to visually distinguish it from multimode fiber types.
CPCT CPCT Fiber Optic Cabling & Termination 1
Which fiber optic connector type uses a push-pull latching mechanism and is commonly used in high-density patch panels?