CPCT Fiber Optic Cabling & Termination Flashcards

What is the acceptable insertion loss limit per mated fiber optic connector pair per TIA-568?

Answer: 0.75 dB

TIA-568 specifies a maximum insertion loss of 0.75 dB per mated connector pair for field-terminated fiber optic connectors.

Which type of fiber optic splice offers the lowest typical loss and the most permanent connection?

Answer: Fusion splice

Fusion splicing uses an electric arc to melt and join two fiber ends, producing losses typically below 0.1 dB and a permanent, low-reflection joint.

OM3 multimode fiber is characterized by which core diameter and minimum modal bandwidth?

Answer: 50µm core, 2000 MHz·km at 850nm

OM3 laser-optimized multimode fiber has a 50µm core and a minimum overfilled launch bandwidth of 2000 MHz·km at 850nm, supporting 10GbE up to 300m.

What is the purpose of an index-matching gel used during fiber optic mechanical splicing?

Answer: To fill the air gap between fiber ends and reduce back reflection and insertion loss

Index-matching gel has a refractive index close to the fiber core, filling microscopic gaps between fiber ends to minimize signal loss and reflection at the splice.

When installing fiber optic cable in a conduit shared with copper cabling, which standard practice must be followed?

Answer: Fiber and copper must be separated into different conduits because pulling tension and bend radius requirements differ

TIA-568 recommends separate conduits for fiber and copper because fiber's lower pull-tension limits and bend radius requirements can be violated when sharing conduit with stiffer copper cables.

What is the standard color code for OM4 multimode fiber optic cable jacket per TIA-598?

Answer: Erika violet (magenta)

TIA-598 designates erika violet (magenta/purple) as the jacket color for OM4 50µm laser-optimized multimode fiber to distinguish it from OM3 aqua fiber.