CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What can occur if fiber is bent too lightly?

1. Increased durability of the connection

2. Enhancement of signal strength

3. Fiber breaks or sustains damage

4. No impact on fiber performance

The correct answer is: Fiber breaks or sustains damage

When fiber optic cables are bent too lightly, it can lead to excessive stress on the fibers within the cable. This stress can cause a phenomenon known as micro-bending or macro-bending. Micro-bending occurs when there are tiny bends along the fiber that disrupt the light signal traveling through it, while macro-bending involves larger curves that can cause significant loss of signal strength. If the bending exceeds the fiber's limits, it may create cracks or even sever the fiber altogether, resulting in a complete loss of connectivity or severely degraded performance. Thus, the proper handling and installation of fiber optic cables are crucial to maintaining optimal performance and preventing damage. The correct understanding of this concept is essential for anyone involved in networking and fiber optic installations.