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Free BDS Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free BDS practice test to study every exam domain.

Question 1

In cable television systems, a signal level of 0 dBmV is defined as:

  1. 1 milliwatt of power referenced to a 50-ohm impedance
  2. 1 millivolt RMS across a 75-ohm impedance
  3. 1 microvolt per meter measured at 3 meters
  4. 1 volt peak-to-peak across a 300-ohm impedance
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - 1 millivolt RMS across a 75-ohm impedance

Question 2

A technician states that the level at a modem input "increased by 2 dBmV, from +3 dBmV to +5 dBmV." Why is this statement technically incorrect?

  1. Modem inputs are referenced to 1 microvolt, so the levels should have been written in dBµV
  2. The two levels are correct, but the change between them should have been labeled as +2 dBmV
  3. A change in signal level must be expressed in dB; dBmV states an absolute level, not a change
  4. Signal levels below +6 dBmV cannot be stated in decibels and must be given in millivolts only
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - A change in signal level must be expressed in dB; dBmV states an absolute level, not a change

Question 3

An amplifier has 24 dB of gain and an input level of +10 dBmV. The coaxial span feeding the next amplifier has 22 dB of loss. What signal level reaches the input of the next amplifier?

  1. +12 dBmV
  2. +34 dBmV
  3. +2 dBmV
  4. -12 dBmV
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - +12 dBmV

Question 4

As tap values decrease along a feeder line (for example, from a 23 dB tap to an 11 dB tap), what happens to the insertion (through) loss of those taps?

  1. The insertion loss stays the same, because tap value and insertion loss are unrelated
  2. The insertion loss decreases, because less signal is coupled to the drop ports
  3. The insertion loss increases, because more signal is coupled off to the drop ports
  4. The insertion loss is always equal to the tap value at every location
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - The insertion loss increases, because more signal is coupled off to the drop ports

Question 5

Subscribers report a faint image of one channel slowly drifting through the picture of another channel, producing a "windshield wiper" effect on analog video. This is the classic symptom of which impairment?

  1. Composite second order (CSO) distortion
  2. Cross-modulation (XMOD)
  3. Thermal noise raising the noise floor
  4. Hum modulation from a failing power supply
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Cross-modulation (XMOD)

Question 6

Under FCC rules (47 CFR 76.611), when a cable operator performs the annual cumulative leakage index (CLI) calculation, which leaks are recorded for inclusion in that calculation, and what is the maximum allowable index?

  1. All leaks of 20 µV/m or greater are recorded, and the cumulative index must not exceed 50
  2. All leaks of 10 µV/m or greater are recorded, and the cumulative index must not exceed 20
  3. All leaks of 100 µV/m or greater are recorded, and the cumulative index must not exceed 100
  4. All leaks of 50 µV/m or greater are recorded, and the index (10 log I) must not exceed 64
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - All leaks of 50 µV/m or greater are recorded, and the index (10 log I) must not exceed 64

Question 7

A cable system is configured so that the upstream (return) path occupies roughly 5-85 MHz. Which frequency split does this describe?

  1. Sub-split
  2. High-split
  3. Mid-split
  4. Full-duplex split
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Mid-split

Question 8

What is the fundamental purpose of designing an amplifier cascade for "unity gain"?

  1. So the gain of every amplifier is set to exactly 1 dB to minimize power consumption
  2. So each amplifier's gain offsets the loss of the span feeding the next amplifier
  3. So the output level rises steadily at each amplifier to overcome accumulated noise
  4. So all passive devices such as taps and splitters can be removed from the plant
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - So each amplifier's gain offsets the loss of the span feeding the next amplifier

Question 9

During a drop installation, what is the key distinction between "bonding" and "grounding" as required by the National Electrical Code?

  1. Bonding joins metallic parts to a common potential; grounding ties them to the earth electrode
  2. Bonding connects the system to earth through a rod, while grounding joins two adjacent cables to each other
  3. Bonding is required only on aerial plant, whereas grounding is required only on buried underground plant
  4. Bonding and grounding are interchangeable terms for the same connection and may be used without distinction
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Bonding joins metallic parts to a common potential; grounding ties them to the earth electrode

Question 10

A technician arrives at a wood utility pole and prepares to climb it using gaffs. Before placing any weight on the pole, the technician should FIRST:

  1. Begin climbing right away, since the bucket truck cannot safely reach the strand at this location
  2. Attach the safety strap and start the climb, completing the pole inspection on the way up the pole
  3. Spray the base of the pole with insect repellent and proceed up once the treated area has dried
  4. Inspect and test the pole for soundness - checking for rot, cracks, and stray voltage
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - Inspect and test the pole for soundness - checking for rot, cracks, and stray voltage

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