During routine maintenance, a network technician uses an OTDR and notices an abrupt increase in signal strength at a certain point along the fiber optic cable, followed by a gradual decline. What is the MOST likely cause of this pattern on the OTDR trace?
The fiber optic cable has a complete cut or break at the location of the abrupt signal increase.
The fiber optic cable is experiencing a microbend or macrobend at the point of the signal increase.
A fusion splice has been poorly executed, resulting in a reflection and spike in signal strength.
A connector or mechanical splice is reflecting light, causing the spike in signal strength.