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What is a key measurement that an OTDR evaluates in fiber optics?

  1. Signal Integrity

  2. Connector Quality

  3. Loss per Unit Length

  4. All of the Above

The correct answer is: Loss per Unit Length

An OTDR, or Optical Time Domain Reflectometer, primarily measures the loss of signal over the length of a fiber optic cable. This loss per unit length is crucial because it directly affects the performance of the fiber network. By determining how much signal is lost as it travels through the fiber, technicians can assess the overall efficiency of the system and identify problematic areas that may require attention. While signal integrity and connector quality are important factors in a fiber optic system, the OTDR specifically focuses on monitoring and evaluating the attenuation characteristics along the fiber. This involves analyzing how much light is lost over distance, which informs decisions on maintenance, troubleshooting, and system design. Therefore, the emphasis on loss per unit length is what sets it apart as a key measurement made by an OTDR.