Testing and Certification Flashcards
7 cards from real DCI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Testing and Certification flashcards as text
Which fiber optic test method uses a light source and power meter to measure end-to-end insertion loss?
Answer: Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS) method
The Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS) method, also called the light source and power meter (LSPM) method, is the standard bidirectional method for certifying fiber insertion loss.
What TIA standard defines the required test methods and pass/fail criteria for copper cabling certification?
Answer: TIA-568-C.2
TIA-568-C.2 (Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunication Cabling and Components Standard) specifies transmission performance and field test requirements for copper cabling.
A cable technician measures propagation delay and delay skew. What is delay skew?
Answer: The difference in propagation delay between the fastest and slowest pair in a cable
Delay skew is the difference in signal travel time between the fastest and slowest pairs in a cable, which must be within limits to ensure proper signal reconstruction.
When certifying a fiber link per TIA-526-14, the bidirectional average insertion loss is required. Why are measurements taken in both directions?
Answer: Connector and splice losses can vary depending on the direction light travels
Connector losses are directional because the physical alignment of fiber cores at a mated pair can differ depending on which way light travels through the connection.
What is the significance of the 'headroom' value reported by a cable certification tester?
Answer: The margin between the measured result and the pass/fail limit
Headroom indicates how far the measured performance is above or below the specification limit, with positive values indicating a margin of safety above the minimum requirement.
Which connector type is standardized for 10-Gigabit Ethernet over Category 6A cabling in commercial buildings?
Answer: RJ-45 (8P8C)
The RJ-45 (8-position 8-contact) connector is the standardized interface for 10GBASE-T and all other structured cabling copper applications per TIA-568.
An OTDR test shows a 'non-reflective event' with a loss spike but no reflection peak. What does this typically indicate?
Answer: A mechanical or fusion splice
Non-reflective events such as fusion splices cause signal loss without significant back-reflection, unlike connectors or breaks which produce Fresnel reflections.