Nortel Networks 10292FA - Manual (Page 55)

55
Installation and Networking Guidelines for Optical Routing
Glossary
attenuation
The decrease in signal strength in an optical fiber caused by absorption and
scattering. Attenuation can be calculated to express
• signal loss between two points
• total signal loss of a telecommunications system or segment
attenuator
A device inserted into the electrical or optical path to lessen or weaken the
signal.
bandwidth
The range of frequencies within which a fiber-optic medium or terminal
device can transmit data or information.
cable
One or more optical fibers enclosed within protective covering(s) and strength
members to provide mechanical and environmental protection for the optical
fibers.
cable assembly
An optical-fiber cable with connectors installed on one or both ends. The
general purpose of the cable assembly is to interconnect the cabling system
with opto-electronic equipment at either end of the system. Cable assemblies
with connectors on one end only are called pigtails. Assemblies with
connectors on both ends are typically called jumpers or patch cords.
cable plant
The cable plant consists of all the optical elements such as fiber connectors
and splices between a transmitter and a receiver.