NCTI FTTx Basics Conventional Exam Review
What is the purpose of a fiber demarcation box?
It provides a safe place to splice, split, distribute, store, and cross-connect fiber optics.
What is the main benefit of deploying WDM technology?
It will increase the capacity of the existing fiber networks tenfold without adding any more fiber.
Which PON element uses a Bragg grating filter?
OLT.
What are the three categories of the fiber-optic cable used to identify the location of the fiber in the network?
Trunk, branch, and drop.
The NESC requires drop cables to be placed at what minimum depth?
18 inches.
When a pre-connectorized fiber is not attached to equipment, what should be attached to help keep it clean?
A dust cap.
What should be used to cut the drop cable's buffer tube?
A tube cutter.
What are the main recommended safety precautions when working with fiber?
Always wear safety glasses and special protective gloves and dispose of cut fiber shards in a designated container.
What is the difference between the FTTN and FTTC topologies?
An FTTC is allowed a smaller number of RF amplifiers between the optical fiber and the customer premises.
What is the proper way to handle fiber once it is spliced?
At the heat-shrink protective sleeve that has a steel bar inside it.
In a PON FTTx network, which OSP device contains fiber test points that will minimize service disruption to customers?
FDH.
What parameter is critical in an OTDR when testing a PON with significant splitters losses?
High dynamic range.
Which type of fiber topology used in a PON places the PON splitters at the headend while providing one designated fiber for every customer premise?
Home-run.
What are the attributes of a simplex WDM fiber mux?
It enables up to 18 channels for transmitting and receiving 18 kinds of signals, with wavelengths from 1270 nm to 1610 nm.
What is an ONU/ONT?
It is a device that converts light from fiber to RF for coaxial distribution into the home.
What is true about using a premade fiber-optic pigtail for splicing to patch panels or terminal equipment?
It is faster and more reliable than installing connectors in the field.
What are the advantages of loose buffer tube fiber?
It offers the best protection for the fibers under high pulling tension and moisture with its fiber-coated gel.
What is the purpose of the SDU?
It provides surge protection, a test jack, circuit protection, wiring management, and fiber termination.
What are the benefits of using a fiber splicing tray?
It stores slack and spliced fiber and prevents fiber cables from being misplaced or damaged.
Which PON element uses patch panels?
ODN.
Which components are used in a PON?
Optical splitters.
Where is a wavelength-isolating optical power meter most commonly used?
P2MP FTTx installations.
Why did broadband cable operators envision using RFoG to make a seamless transition from the legacy HFC architecture over to a gigabit-capable passive optical network (GPON) or Ethernet passive optical network (EPON)?
RFoG can operate in parallel with GPON or EPON, which eliminates the need for any downtime during the transition.
What is the best approach to repairing an aerial fiber-optic drop cable for FTTx applications?
Replace the entire section of fiber drop cable.
Which of the following is true for a FAT compared to an FDH?
The FAT is typically easier to install and has lower fiber counts than the FDH.
What is the one main function of the FDH?
The FDH provides effective fiber management by grouping splitters into local serving areas.
What is the purpose of the ground block?
To protect fragile electronics like TVs and STBs from damaging lightning strikes and power surges.
What is unique about WDM-PON?
WDM-PON deployed in a greenfield system allows each subscriber to get their own designated wavelength.
What is the purpose of the MST?
It provides access to connect fiber-optic cable drops from the customer premises to the network.
What are the characteristics of ITU-TG.657 BIF?
Offers flexible characteristics for easier deployment in streets, buildings and homes.