In a contiguous properly environment (e. g., where campus backbone cables exist), which two of the following are CRITICAL factors to understand for maintenance and growth purposes? (Select two…

Question

Options

• AFill ratio
• BFamiliarity with the routes and spaces (proper record keeping)
• CCable composition
• DNot able to determine the working capacity versus spare cable capacity
• ECost analysis of the value of capex and capex models

• B
  82% (14)
• D
  12% (2)
• E
  6% (1)

Explanation

In a contiguous campus environment, knowing exactly where cables are routed and maintaining accurate records (B) is critical because you cannot maintain, repair, or expand an infrastructure you cannot locate or document. Cable composition (C) is equally critical because the physical makeup of installed cables - whether fiber, coax, twisted pair, and their specific grades - determines current capacity limits and what upgrades or additions are compatible for future growth.

Fill ratio (A) is a useful operational metric but is secondary to knowing the routes and cable types; it describes how full a conduit is, not the foundational knowledge needed for planning. Option D describes an inability to assess capacity, which is a symptom of poor record-keeping rather than a standalone critical factor - and it is framed as a deficiency, not something to "understand." Cost analysis (E) belongs in a planning or financial discussion, not in the technical assessment of physical infrastructure maintenance and growth requirements.

Memory tip: Anchor on the two things a technician physically needs to work with a cable plant - where the cables go (routes and records) and what the cables are (composition). Everything else is derived from those two facts.

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