https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
33403 Broadband Systems – Original Questions with
Answers and Rationales
1. Which broadband technology uses existing telephone lines
and provides always-on Internet access without interfering
with voice calls?
A. Cable modem
B. DSL
C. Fiber to the home
D. Satellite
Answer: B
Rationale: DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) uses the existing
twisted-pair telephone lines but operates at higher
frequencies, allowing simultaneous voice and data. Cable
uses coaxial, fiber uses light, satellite uses radio signals.
2. The main advantage of fiber optic broadband over DSL and
cable is:
A. Lower cost
B. Higher bandwidth and lower latency
C. Easier installation
D. No need for a modem
Answer: B
Rationale: Fiber offers much higher bandwidth and lower
signal attenuation, resulting in faster symmetrical speeds
,https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
and lower latency compared to copper-based DSL or
cable.
3. Which device modulates and demodulates signals between
a home network and the ISP on a cable broadband
connection?
A. Router
B. Cable modem
C. Switch
D. Access point
Answer: B
Rationale: The cable modem converts the coaxial cable
signal from the ISP into Ethernet for the local network,
and vice versa. A router may be separate or built-in.
4. DOCSIS is a standard used in which broadband technology?
A. DSL
B. Fiber optic
C. Cable modem
D. Satellite
Answer: C
Rationale: DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface
Specification) defines how data is transmitted over cable
TV systems. Current versions like DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0
support gigabit speeds.
, https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
5. A customer reports slow Internet during evening hours on
a cable broadband connection. What is the most likely
cause?
A. Faulty modem
B. Network congestion in the shared cable segment
C. Wrong DNS server
D. Low Wi-Fi signal
Answer: B
Rationale: Cable broadband uses a shared medium; in
peak hours, many users on the same node cause
congestion, reducing throughput. Other options may
cause consistent slow speeds or only affect one device.
6. Which of the following is a correct statement about
symmetrical bandwidth?
A. Download speed is higher than upload speed
B. Upload and download speeds are equal
C. Only download speed matters
D. Upload speed is always higher
Answer: B
Rationale: Symmetrical bandwidth means upload and
download speeds are the same. Fiber often provides
symmetrical service, while DSL and cable are typically
asymmetrical (faster download).
33403 Broadband Systems – Original Questions with
Answers and Rationales
1. Which broadband technology uses existing telephone lines
and provides always-on Internet access without interfering
with voice calls?
A. Cable modem
B. DSL
C. Fiber to the home
D. Satellite
Answer: B
Rationale: DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) uses the existing
twisted-pair telephone lines but operates at higher
frequencies, allowing simultaneous voice and data. Cable
uses coaxial, fiber uses light, satellite uses radio signals.
2. The main advantage of fiber optic broadband over DSL and
cable is:
A. Lower cost
B. Higher bandwidth and lower latency
C. Easier installation
D. No need for a modem
Answer: B
Rationale: Fiber offers much higher bandwidth and lower
signal attenuation, resulting in faster symmetrical speeds
,https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
and lower latency compared to copper-based DSL or
cable.
3. Which device modulates and demodulates signals between
a home network and the ISP on a cable broadband
connection?
A. Router
B. Cable modem
C. Switch
D. Access point
Answer: B
Rationale: The cable modem converts the coaxial cable
signal from the ISP into Ethernet for the local network,
and vice versa. A router may be separate or built-in.
4. DOCSIS is a standard used in which broadband technology?
A. DSL
B. Fiber optic
C. Cable modem
D. Satellite
Answer: C
Rationale: DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface
Specification) defines how data is transmitted over cable
TV systems. Current versions like DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0
support gigabit speeds.
, https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
5. A customer reports slow Internet during evening hours on
a cable broadband connection. What is the most likely
cause?
A. Faulty modem
B. Network congestion in the shared cable segment
C. Wrong DNS server
D. Low Wi-Fi signal
Answer: B
Rationale: Cable broadband uses a shared medium; in
peak hours, many users on the same node cause
congestion, reducing throughput. Other options may
cause consistent slow speeds or only affect one device.
6. Which of the following is a correct statement about
symmetrical bandwidth?
A. Download speed is higher than upload speed
B. Upload and download speeds are equal
C. Only download speed matters
D. Upload speed is always higher
Answer: B
Rationale: Symmetrical bandwidth means upload and
download speeds are the same. Fiber often provides
symmetrical service, while DSL and cable are typically
asymmetrical (faster download).
