CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What is fiber mismatching primarily associated with?

1. Compatibility issues between devices

2. Core and cladding sizes not matching

3. Inconsistent application of cable standards

4. Signal loss over long distances

The correct answer is: Core and cladding sizes not matching

Fiber mismatching is primarily associated with core and cladding sizes not matching. In optical fibers, the core is the central part of the fiber through which the light travels, while the cladding is the layer surrounding the core that reflects the light back into the core. When the core and cladding sizes are not properly matched or compatible, there can be issues with light transmission, leading to signal degradation and increased attenuation. This mismatch can impact the performance of the fiber optic system, causing problems such as increased losses or difficulty maintaining a consistent signal over the desired distances. While compatibility issues between devices can occur in networking contexts, they are not the primary concern tied directly to fiber mismatching. The same applies to cable standards and signal loss; although relevant to fiber optic communications, they do not directly define the issue of core and cladding size compatibility. The focus on core and cladding size helps pinpoint the specific technical concern that arises with fiber mismatching, making it the most relevant answer in this context.