5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common cable connectivity issues and select the appropriate tools Flashcards
An administrator measures the resistance between the two ends of a cable and verifies that the cable has a break. What tool allows the administrator to test the cable in this manner?
Multimeter
TAP (test access point)
Loopback adapter
Tone generator
The purpose of a multimeter is for testing electrical circuits, but it can test for the continuity of any copper wire by measuring the resistance across the cable.
A network tone generator and probe trace a cable from one end to the other by applying a signal on the cable tracing it to follow the cable over ceilings and through ducts.
A network loopback adapter (or loopback plug) is a specially wired RJ-45 plug with a 6” stub of cable that sends the packet back to itself to test for bad ports and network cards.
A test access point (TAP) reads the signals from the network stack and will either output two streams to monitor a full-duplex link or rebuild the streams into a single channel.
A cable installer uses snips to cut the cable and strip the insulation to install connectors. What single tool can the installer use to do this when working with multiple types of cable?
Cable stripper
Test access point (TAP)
Cable crimper
Fusion splicer
The installer can use a cable stripper when working with multiple cable types as cable strippers have replaceable blades for different data cable types.
A cable crimper creates a patch cord and fixes a plug to a cable. The tools are specific to the type of connector and cable.
A fusion splicer joins two fiber optic cables together by performing a precise alignment between the two strands and then permanently joining them using an arc weld.
A test access point (TAP) reads the signals from the network stack and will either output two streams to monitor a full-duplex link or rebuild the streams into a single channel.
An underground fiber optic cable is no longer transmitting data, and the administrator suspects there may be a break somewhere. What tool can the cable crew use to pinpoint the exact location of the break?
Optical time-domain reflectometer
Optical spectrum analyzer
Fiber light meter
Fusion splicer
An optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) locates breaks in fiber by sending light pulses down the cable and timing how long it takes for any reflections to bounce back from the break.
A fusion splicer joins two fiber optic cables together by performing a precise alignment between the two strands and then permanently joining them using an arc weld.
A fiber light meter tests attenuation in fiber that can be due to microscopic imperfections in the structure of the glass fiber and the smoothness of the edge of the core.
An administrator would use an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) with fiber optic cabling, usually with wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), to ensure that each channel has sufficient power.
