Programming Documents for Pre-K for SA - The City of San Antonio

Attenuation Coefficient
The optical loss of fiber per unit length, expressed in db/km.
Backscattering
The scattering of light in a fiber back toward the source, used to make OTDR (Optical Time Domain
Reflectometer) measurements.
Bandwidth
The range of signal frequencies or bit rates within which a fiber optic component, link, or network will
operate.
Bending or Microbending Loss
Loss in fiber caused by stress on the fiber bent around a restrictive radius. Most fiber optic cables are
specified for a radius of 10 times the cable diameter unloaded or 20 times the cable diameter under
pulling tension.
Buffer
A protective plastic coating applied directly to the optical fiber. Also called primary coating.
Cable
One or more fibers enclosed in protective coverings and strength members.
Cable Plant
The combination of fiber optic cable sections, connectors and splices forming the optical path between
two terminal devices.
Cladding
The lower refractive index optical cladding over the core of the fiber that “traps” light back into the
core.
Composite Cable
A cable containing both optical fibers and electrical conductors.
Connector
A device that provides a demountable connection between two fibers or a fiber and an active device.
Continuity Tester
A visible light source used to confirm continuity and trace fibers.
Core
The center of the optical fiber through which light is transmitted.
Decibel (dB)
A unit of measurement of optical power that indicates relative power on a logarithmic scale. dB=10 log
(power ration).
Dispersion
The spreading of a pulse in an optical wave-guide that affects bandwidth. May be caused by modal or
chromatic effects.
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