Fix Backhoe Fade
Every day some fiber optic network goes down. Sometimes it’s equipment failure and sometimes it’s construction damage, which we call “backhoe fade.” How well do you know how to find and fix network outages?
1. The most important thing to facilitate quick restoration of a fiber optic network outage is ______.
Correct Answer: Network documentation
2. If a network outage occurs, the first thing to check is ______.
Correct Answer: System power at all locations
3. The next thing to check is whether anyone is currently doing work on or around your network.
Correct Answer: True
4. The quickest way to get a network with a cable plant problem back online is ______.
Correct Answer: Switch to a backup link or cable
5. To help prevent cable dig-ups, underground cable plants should be buried ______ if the conditions at the location do not prevent it.
Correct Answer: 1 m or 3.3 feet deep
6. Buried fiber optic cables should ______ to make cable location easier and more obvious to anyone digging nearby.
Correct Answer: All of the above
7. Leftover components after a cable plant install should be saved in a kit for restoration.
Correct Answer: True
8. Microtrenching cables is convenient but may leave cables more vulnerable since these cables are usually installed only ______ below the surface.
Correct Answer: 200–300 mm or 8–12 inches
9. If a cable plant is the source of the problem, the fiber optic instrument that can help locate the problem is the ______.
Correct Answer: Optical time-domain reflectometer
10. If it is not possible to pull excess cable to a repair location, e.g., from local service loops in manholes, you may have to ______.
Correct Answer: Splice in a new section of cable using two splice locations
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