Certified Fiber Optics Practice Exam

What does the armor in an armored fiber optic cable protect the cable from?

1. Water damage

2. Rodents

3. Physical stress

4. Electromagnetic interference

The correct answer is: Rodents

The armor in an armored fiber optic cable is primarily designed to protect the cable from physical damage caused by external factors. This includes the risk posed by rodents, which may chew through cables in search of insulation or nesting material. The durable outer layer serves as a barrier, preventing these pests from accessing the more delicate components inside the cable that carry the optical signals. While armored cables do provide some level of protection against other threats, such as physical stress and, to an extent, moisture, their main purpose is to deter physical damage from aggressive environmental elements, including animals. Therefore, choosing rodent protection highlights the specific functionality of the armor to secure the integrity of the fiber optic components.