For what purpose is a fiber optic cable tester used?

A fiber optic cable tester is utilized primarily to check cable integrity and signal quality. This tool is essential in ensuring that the fiber optic cables are performing optimally and that signals are transmitted without significant loss or interference. By measuring parameters such as optical power, loss, and reflection, the tester can identify issues like breaks, bends, or improper terminations that could affect light transmission. This helps technicians confirm that the network will function properly once deployed, making it a crucial step in installation and maintenance.

In contrast, cutting cables to the desired length is a physical task performed with a different tool rather than a tester designed for evaluating performance. While determining maximum bandwidth is an important aspect of network capability, it typically requires additional equipment and methodology beyond simple cable testing. Measuring the weight of the cable is also unrelated to the functionality provided by fiber optic testers, as it does not contribute to determining the operational status or efficiency of a fiber optic link.