Progression: Maintenance Tech I - II Conventional Exam
2023 Answered
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.
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.
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).
How can a less-experienced technician identify what non-standard symbols 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.
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.
How can a distribution amplifier be identified in the network or on a network
design map?
The distribution amplifier has multiple downstream outputs.
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.
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)
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.
What is required for checking the physical network integrity when maintaining the
coaxial cable network?
Being observant and performing some minor tasks while engaged in regularly
scheduled activities.
Which of the following problem(s) are caused by egress from a hybrid fiber/coax
(HFC) network?
Interference with aeronautical navigation and communication, amateur radio, public
service, and cellular communications.
What leakage level must be entered in the leakage log?
Leaks 20 microvolts per meter (μV/m) or higher measured 10 feet from the cable.
Which is a benefit of an aggressive signal leakage policy?
Decreased ingress-related service calls.
, What is done for leak measuring 1.25 microvolts per meter (μV/m) from about 160
feet away from the coaxial cable network?
The leak level is likely 20 μV/m or higher when measured 10 feet from the cable and
must be fixed and recorded in the leakage log.
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.
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.
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.
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.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) leakage
regulations, what distance must an antenna be from the network for leakage level
measurements?
The antenna must be 3 meters (10 feet) from the network elements and 3 meters (10
feet) above the ground.
When calculating the network cumulative leakage index (CLI), what is done with
leaks that are equal to or greater than 50 microvolts per meter (µVm) measured 10
feet from the network?
The leakage values are squared and then added together, then multiplied times a factor
based on how much of the network was tested in 90 days.
In modern sweep systems, what type of nonintrusive and noninterfering test
signal is inserted into the downstream?
Narrow-band continuous wave (CW) test carriers, called pulses, at frequencies between
channels.
Across 6 MHz, what is the maximum in-channel frequency response (ICFR)
defined in the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS)?
3.0 dB peak-to-valley (P/V).
When sweeping the upstream return path in a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network,
where are the upstream levels and sweep responses measured?
The headend.
Even though the downstream sweep test pulses are intended to fit in the narrow
frequency band between channels, what parameter can cause interference if set
too high?
Sweep test pulse amplitude.
What does a normalized reference trace from a fiber-node test point eliminate
from the sweep process?
2023 Answered
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.
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.
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).
How can a less-experienced technician identify what non-standard symbols 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.
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.
How can a distribution amplifier be identified in the network or on a network
design map?
The distribution amplifier has multiple downstream outputs.
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.
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)
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.
What is required for checking the physical network integrity when maintaining the
coaxial cable network?
Being observant and performing some minor tasks while engaged in regularly
scheduled activities.
Which of the following problem(s) are caused by egress from a hybrid fiber/coax
(HFC) network?
Interference with aeronautical navigation and communication, amateur radio, public
service, and cellular communications.
What leakage level must be entered in the leakage log?
Leaks 20 microvolts per meter (μV/m) or higher measured 10 feet from the cable.
Which is a benefit of an aggressive signal leakage policy?
Decreased ingress-related service calls.
, What is done for leak measuring 1.25 microvolts per meter (μV/m) from about 160
feet away from the coaxial cable network?
The leak level is likely 20 μV/m or higher when measured 10 feet from the cable and
must be fixed and recorded in the leakage log.
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.
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.
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.
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.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) leakage
regulations, what distance must an antenna be from the network for leakage level
measurements?
The antenna must be 3 meters (10 feet) from the network elements and 3 meters (10
feet) above the ground.
When calculating the network cumulative leakage index (CLI), what is done with
leaks that are equal to or greater than 50 microvolts per meter (µVm) measured 10
feet from the network?
The leakage values are squared and then added together, then multiplied times a factor
based on how much of the network was tested in 90 days.
In modern sweep systems, what type of nonintrusive and noninterfering test
signal is inserted into the downstream?
Narrow-band continuous wave (CW) test carriers, called pulses, at frequencies between
channels.
Across 6 MHz, what is the maximum in-channel frequency response (ICFR)
defined in the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS)?
3.0 dB peak-to-valley (P/V).
When sweeping the upstream return path in a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network,
where are the upstream levels and sweep responses measured?
The headend.
Even though the downstream sweep test pulses are intended to fit in the narrow
frequency band between channels, what parameter can cause interference if set
too high?
Sweep test pulse amplitude.
What does a normalized reference trace from a fiber-node test point eliminate
from the sweep process?
