Construction Coordinator Practice Exam

What does the decibel return loss (dBRL) on a time domain reflectometer indicate?

1. The total length of the cable

2. The power loss during signal transmission

3. The relative severity of a cable fault

4. The impedance mismatch of the cable

The correct answer is: The relative severity of a cable fault

The decibel return loss (dBRL) on a time domain reflectometer indicates the relative severity of a cable fault. This measurement provides insight into how much of the signal is reflected back due to imperfections in the cable, such as discontinuities or faults. A higher dBRL value suggests that the cable has fewer issues that lead to signal reflection, indicating a lower severity fault or better cable quality. Conversely, a lower dBRL signifies greater signal reflection, which correlates with more significant cable problems. Understanding this relationship is crucial for assessing cable performance and troubleshooting signal issues effectively. It allows technicians to prioritize repairs based on the severity of the issues indicated by the dBRL values, ensuring that the most serious problems are addressed first for optimal network performance.