Service Technician Revised Questions
and Answers / Sure A +
1. What are the two predominant types of network architectures? - ✔✔coaxial cable tree-and-
branch and hybrid fiber/coax (HFC).
How does the passband signal differ between the two network architectures in the downstream
path? - ✔✔supplies a downstream passband signal of up to 50-550 MHz. then the feeder in an HFC
network typically transmits the downstream signal in a 50-750 MHz, 50-860 MHz, or even 50-1,000
MHz (1 GHz) passband
What is the reason for the difference in the passband signal between the two network architectures?
- ✔✔Fiber can carry a much greater bandwidth over light frequencies before signals degrade beyond
tolerable limits than can coax over radio frequencies.
What does the downstream cable signal enter after leaving the Bridger amplifier in a tree-and-
branch design? - ✔✔1. In a tree-and-branch design, the cable signal in the downstream path leaves
the trunk at the Bridger amplifier. There, it makes a transition to the feeder's domain. The signal is
split and routed to as many as four output ports connected to separate (coax) feeder cables.
Through what devices does the downstream signal pass in the feeder? - ✔✔1. The signal passes
through the feeder network until ending at a distribution tap. The signal can enter a tap either
directly at the bridger amplifier or after passing through feeder cable, splitters, directional couplers,
line extender amplifiers, and other distribution taps.
Where does the feeder begin and end in a fiber-to-the-feeder architecture? - ✔✔1. In the fiber-to-
the-feeder (FTTF) architecture, the feeder begins at the RF amplifier inside an optical node. Just as in
a tree-and-branch design, the feeder ends at the drop port of a distribution tap.
What is an express feeder? - ✔✔1. Some FTTF designs use an express feeder cable, often the size of
a trunk coaxial cable, as the signal path from the optical node's RF amplifier.
What is the idea behind the express cable approach? - ✔✔1. The idea behind the express cable
approach is to extend the reach of a particular optical node farther into the feeder system.
