Certified Fiber Optics Practice Exam

Which type of cables have multiple individual tight buffered fibers within an outer jacket?

1. Simplex cables

2. Distribution cables

3. Breakout cables

4. Fan-out cables

The correct answer is: Distribution cables

Distribution cables are designed to contain multiple individual tight buffered fibers bundled together within an outer protective jacket. This construction allows for easy access and organization of fibers, making distribution cables particularly useful in network environments where multiple connections or drop points are needed. The tight buffering offers protection to each fiber while allowing flexibility and ease of handling, which is crucial during installation and maintenance processes. The outer jacket serves to shield the fibers from environmental factors and physical damage, enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the cable in various application scenarios. This cable type is commonly utilized in structured cabling systems, facilitating a more organized and efficient way of managing fiber connections. Other types, such as simplex cables, typically involve a single fiber, while breakout cables incorporate several fibers but are designed for individual termination points. Fan-out cables, on the other hand, separate individual fibers from a larger bundle specifically for termination into connectors. Each of these has distinct characteristics and uses that differ from the multifunctional capacity of distribution cables.