BDS Fiber Optic Systems and HFC Architecture

Question 1

What does HFC stand for in cable broadband architecture?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial

Answer

High-Frequency Coaxial

Answer

High-Frequency Cable

Answer

Hybrid Frequency Circuit

Question 2

What is the primary function of a fiber node in an HFC network?

Accepted Answer

To convert optical signals to RF signals for the coaxial distribution plant

Answer

To route IP packets between fiber segments

Answer

To amplify the optical signal before it reaches the headend

Answer

To encrypt subscriber data before transmission

Question 3

What is the typical wavelength used for downstream optical transmission in an HFC network?

Accepted Answer

1550 nm

Answer

850 nm

Answer

1310 nm

Answer

1625 nm

Question 4

Which fiber optic connector type is most commonly used in the cable broadband industry for node and headend connections?

Accepted Answer

SC/APC

Answer

FC/PC

Answer

ST

Answer

LC

Question 5

What is optical return loss (ORL) and why is it important in HFC systems?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of reflected optical power to incident power; excessive reflections degrade laser performance

Answer

The signal lost in fiber splices; it reduces signal strength

Answer

The attenuation per kilometer of fiber; it determines maximum span length

Answer

The difference in power between two wavelengths; it causes wavelength-dependent loss

Question 6

What is the typical downstream optical power budget for a single-fiber HFC node span?

Accepted Answer

5–10 dBm

Answer

1–3 dBm

Answer

15–20 dBm

Answer

−10 to −5 dBm