BDS Fiber Optic Systems in HFC

Question 1

What does HFC stand for in cable network architecture?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial

Answer

High Frequency Coaxial

Answer

Headend Fiber Connection

Answer

High-capacity Fiber Cable

Question 2

What is the function of an optical node in an HFC network?

Accepted Answer

It converts optical signals to RF signals (and vice versa) for distribution over coax

Answer

It amplifies optical signals along the fiber span

Answer

It encrypts video content before transmission

Answer

It routes IP packets between fiber segments

Question 3

What type of laser is most commonly used in HFC headends for downstream optical transmission?

Accepted Answer

DFB (Distributed Feedback) laser

Answer

Ruby laser

Answer

Gas laser

Answer

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

Question 4

What is optical clipping distortion in an HFC transmitter?

Accepted Answer

Distortion caused when the optical modulation drives the laser below its lasing threshold, clipping the signal waveform

Answer

Physical damage to fiber from excessive bend radius

Answer

Loss of signal at optical splitter ports

Answer

Reflections from fiber connector end-faces

Question 5

What is the purpose of an optical attenuator in an HFC fiber link?

Accepted Answer

To reduce optical power to an acceptable receive level and prevent photodetector saturation

Answer

To amplify weak optical signals

Answer

To split optical signals among multiple nodes

Answer

To convert optical wavelengths

Question 6

What is a fiber optical loss budget?

Accepted Answer

The maximum allowable total optical loss between a transmitter and receiver for the link to function correctly

Answer

The cost estimate for fiber installation

Answer

The number of fiber strands allocated per node

Answer

The power output specification of a headend laser