What is a key benefit of using an OTDR in fiber-optic troubleshooting?

The key benefit of using an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) in fiber-optic troubleshooting is that it visually represents fiber events over a distance. This capability allows technicians to pinpoint the exact location of faults, bends, splices, or connectors within the fiber optic cable. An OTDR sends a series of optical pulses into the fiber and measures the light that is reflected back. By analyzing the data, it generates a trace that displays the distance to any events happening along the fiber, such as breaks or losses. This visual representation is crucial for effectively diagnosing and repairing issues in the fiber network.

The other options, while they point to functionalities that might seem beneficial, do not capture the core strength of OTDRs in troubleshooting scenarios. For example, while OTDRs can support this process, they do not replace manual testing entirely or automatically adjust fiber types. They also do not provide signal amplification; signal amplification is typically performed by separate optical amplifiers rather than being a function of the OTDR itself.