PROGRESSION: MAINTENANCE TECH I - II CONVENTIONAL
1. In the tree-and-branch architecture, how is the downstream signal from
the trunk fed to the distribution branches?: Within each trunk amplifier, a
portion of the downstream is fed to a bridger amplifier to boost the
signal before being split and routed to the distribution branches.
2. What is a common solution when congestion from modem activity and
traffic becomes unacceptable in a hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) network?: Node
splitting, the subdividing of serving areas into two or more smaller
serving areas.
3. What technologies are defined in DOCSIS 4.0 to help sustain the hybrid
fiber/coax (HFC) network infrastructure for several more years?: Full
Duplex DOCSIS (FDX) and Extended Spectrum DOCSIS (ESD).
4. How can a less-experienced technician identify what non-standard sym-
bols on the network design maps represent?: The legend at the bottom
of the network design map that defines the map symbols, cable types,
and amplifier data.
5. What is the RF distribution tap value indicated on the tap face plate by a
sticker or number stamped into the housing?: The signal loss between
the tap downstream input port and the tap ports.
6. How can a distribution amplifier be identified in the network or on a net-
work design map?: The distribution amplifier has multiple downstream
outputs.
7. What is spliced into the hardline coaxial cable to combine the AC power
,with the transported RF signal in a hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) network?: A
power inserter.
8. What test instrument sends out a test signal and displays any
reflections caused by impedance mismatches in the cable that are
characteristic of cable faults?: Time domain reflectometer (TDR)
9. What should you be looking for when analyzing the network design
maps to troubleshoot a problem?: The device common to those
customers affected before traveling to make signal status checks.
10.What is required for checking the physical network integrity when
main- taining the coaxial cable network?: Being observant and
performing some minor tasks while engaged in regularly scheduled
activities.
11.Which of the following problem(s) are caused by egress from a hybrid
fiber/coax (HFC) network?: Interference with aeronautical navigation
and com- munication, amateur radio, public service, and cellular
communications.
12.What leakage level must be entered in the leakage log?: Leaks 20
micro- volts per meter (¼V/m) or higher measured 10 feet from the
cable.
, 13.Which is a benefit of an aggressive signal leakage policy?:
Decreased ingress-related service calls.
14.What is done for leak measuring 1.25 microvolts per meter (V¼/m)
from about 160 feet away from the coaxial cable network?: The leak level
is likely 20 ¼V/m or higher when measured 10 feet from the cable
and must be fixed and recorded in the leakage log.
15.If the leakage detector indicates there is a leak and displays a reading
of 14 microvolts per meter (uV/m) measured at 80 feet from a possible leak
source, what is the approximate calculated level of the leak from 10 feet?:
112 uV/m.
16.When using the triangulation technique to find the source of a leak,
why is a dipole antenna used?: The dipole antenna is directional and
picks up the strongest signal that is at a right angle, or perpendicular
to the antenna elements.
17.When trying to find the source of a very strong leakage signal, what
should be done?: Reduce the sensitivity of the leakage detector or
even remove the antenna and allow the connector alone to pick up the
leakage signal.
18.When troubleshooting signal leakage in the drop system, what
does it mean if all signs of signal leakage disappear when the ground
block is disconnected and terminated on the side connected to the
customer premises?: Something in the customer premises is the
leakage source.
19.According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) leakage
1. In the tree-and-branch architecture, how is the downstream signal from
the trunk fed to the distribution branches?: Within each trunk amplifier, a
portion of the downstream is fed to a bridger amplifier to boost the
signal before being split and routed to the distribution branches.
2. What is a common solution when congestion from modem activity and
traffic becomes unacceptable in a hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) network?: Node
splitting, the subdividing of serving areas into two or more smaller
serving areas.
3. What technologies are defined in DOCSIS 4.0 to help sustain the hybrid
fiber/coax (HFC) network infrastructure for several more years?: Full
Duplex DOCSIS (FDX) and Extended Spectrum DOCSIS (ESD).
4. How can a less-experienced technician identify what non-standard sym-
bols on the network design maps represent?: The legend at the bottom
of the network design map that defines the map symbols, cable types,
and amplifier data.
5. What is the RF distribution tap value indicated on the tap face plate by a
sticker or number stamped into the housing?: The signal loss between
the tap downstream input port and the tap ports.
6. How can a distribution amplifier be identified in the network or on a net-
work design map?: The distribution amplifier has multiple downstream
outputs.
7. What is spliced into the hardline coaxial cable to combine the AC power
,with the transported RF signal in a hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) network?: A
power inserter.
8. What test instrument sends out a test signal and displays any
reflections caused by impedance mismatches in the cable that are
characteristic of cable faults?: Time domain reflectometer (TDR)
9. What should you be looking for when analyzing the network design
maps to troubleshoot a problem?: The device common to those
customers affected before traveling to make signal status checks.
10.What is required for checking the physical network integrity when
main- taining the coaxial cable network?: Being observant and
performing some minor tasks while engaged in regularly scheduled
activities.
11.Which of the following problem(s) are caused by egress from a hybrid
fiber/coax (HFC) network?: Interference with aeronautical navigation
and com- munication, amateur radio, public service, and cellular
communications.
12.What leakage level must be entered in the leakage log?: Leaks 20
micro- volts per meter (¼V/m) or higher measured 10 feet from the
cable.
, 13.Which is a benefit of an aggressive signal leakage policy?:
Decreased ingress-related service calls.
14.What is done for leak measuring 1.25 microvolts per meter (V¼/m)
from about 160 feet away from the coaxial cable network?: The leak level
is likely 20 ¼V/m or higher when measured 10 feet from the cable
and must be fixed and recorded in the leakage log.
15.If the leakage detector indicates there is a leak and displays a reading
of 14 microvolts per meter (uV/m) measured at 80 feet from a possible leak
source, what is the approximate calculated level of the leak from 10 feet?:
112 uV/m.
16.When using the triangulation technique to find the source of a leak,
why is a dipole antenna used?: The dipole antenna is directional and
picks up the strongest signal that is at a right angle, or perpendicular
to the antenna elements.
17.When trying to find the source of a very strong leakage signal, what
should be done?: Reduce the sensitivity of the leakage detector or
even remove the antenna and allow the connector alone to pick up the
leakage signal.
18.When troubleshooting signal leakage in the drop system, what
does it mean if all signs of signal leakage disappear when the ground
block is disconnected and terminated on the side connected to the
customer premises?: Something in the customer premises is the
leakage source.
19.According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) leakage
