The definition of a bridged tap itself can often times
cause confusion. Some people refer to a bridged tap as
a lateral which extends off of a main cable. However,
the true definition of a bridged tap is the point on the
cable where a lateral connects to the main cable. A
bridged tap is not a section of cable.
Therefore, we will refer to the
point of connection
of
the lateral to the main cable as the
bridged tap
. The
cable extending from the bridged tap to the subscriber
will be referred to as the
lateral
.
Figure 1 is a common waveform which results from
testing a section of cable containing a bridged tap from
which a lateral extends to the subscriber.
Referring to Figure 1, you
might
assume the following.
Point A: the TDR’s point of connection to the cable
Point B: (downward reflection) the point of a bridged
tap on the main cable
Point C: the end of the lateral
Point D: the end of the main cable circuit
A
B
C
D
Figure 1
The waveform shown in Figure 1 and the conclusions
were correct. However, Figure 1 could also be the result
of a somewhat different cable layout as explained be-
low.