BDS Signal Distribution and Amplification 3

Question 1

What does the term 'cascade' refer to in a cable coaxial distribution system?

Accepted Answer

The series of amplifiers connected end-to-end between the headend and the subscriber

Answer

Cascade refers to the chain of amplifiers connected in series between the headend (or node) and the last tap in the distribution plant, and deeper cascades increase noise accumulation.

Question 2

Which passive device is used to connect a subscriber's drop cable to the distribution feeder cable?

Accepted Answer

Tap

Answer

A tap (also called a multitap) couples a portion of the feeder signal to subscriber drop ports while allowing the remaining signal to continue along the feeder cable.

Question 3

What is the typical frequency range allocated for the upstream return path in a DOCSIS 3.0 cable plant?

Accepted Answer

5–42 MHz

Answer

In DOCSIS 3.0, the upstream return path occupies the 5–42 MHz sub-split frequency range, allowing modems to send data upstream to the CMTS.

Question 4

What is cross-modulation distortion in a cable amplifier?

Accepted Answer

Distortion where modulation from one carrier is transferred to another carrier

Answer

Cross-modulation (XMOD) is a form of nonlinear distortion where the modulation envelope of one channel is impressed onto another channel's carrier.

Question 5

A technician finds that signal levels drop significantly on hot summer days. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Thermal expansion of coaxial cable increasing attenuation

Answer

Coaxial cable attenuation increases with temperature; on hot days, higher cable temperatures cause greater signal loss, reducing received levels throughout the plant.

BDS - Broadband Distribution Specialist Practice Test

BDS - Broadband Distribution Specialist Practice Test

BDS Signal Distribution and Amplification 3