Certified Fiber Optics Practice Exam

What type of cables do breakout cables typically contain?

1. Simplex cables

2. Distribution cables

3. Loose tube cables

4. Fan out cables

The correct answer is: Simplex cables

Breakout cables are typically designed to facilitate the distribution of fiber optic connections from a larger, more complex cable structure into individual fibers for termination or interconnection. These cables commonly contain simplex cables, which consist of a single fiber optic strand. Each simplex fiber within a breakout cable can be easily accessed and individually terminated, making it highly suitable for applications where direct connections to devices such as patch panels or other components are required. This design supports greater flexibility and ease of installation in various networking setups. In contrast, distribution cables encompass several fibers bundled together, making them more suited for environments that require a single cable run to connect multiple points without the need for individual access to each fiber. Loose tube cables, meanwhile, often contain multiple fibers within protective tubes but are structured for outdoor use or longer-distance runs where added protection against environmental factors is needed. Fanout cables generally refer to the assembly that splits multiple fibers into individual connectors, but this is a specific usage rather than the primary function of breakout cables. Overall, breakout cables play a crucial role in network distribution, and their containment of simplex cables allows for straightforward management of fiber connections.