Home Technology Integrator Residential


1. A client thinks she has a fault on one of the telecom connections traversing her house. What device should you use to find this possible break so that you can repair it?

A. Spectrum Analyzer.
B. Ping
C. Time Domain Reflectometer.
D. IPCONFIG

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Answer: C

A Spectrum Analzer is a tool that you can use to troubleshoot Wireless issues, as well as to perform Site Surveys on location. Thus, it is not related to finding the location of a cable break.

Using the Ping command line tool will help you to see that there is a break, but won't help you accurately locate it on the actual cable.

A Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) is a tester that you can use so that you can pinpoint the location of a break in a cable.

IPCONFIG is a software command line tool displays a client's logical IP address. It thus will not help you accurately locate a cable break.


2. Which type of cable will never be suitable for supplying 110 VAC?

A. RG
B. NM
C. AC
D. MC

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Answer: A

The RG (Radio Grade) series is coaxial cable intended only to transmit signals utilizing low voltage, not house current.

NM cable (non-metallic sheathed) is often suitable for supplying high-voltage power.

Armored Cable and Metal-Clad cable is often suitable for supplying high-voltage power.


3. You are an HTI+ technician assigned to work on a lighting issue in a client's home. Specifically, you need to replace a few recepticals and rewire AC power to a new light switch. Which of the following is the only correct connection?

A. The green wire (ground) is always connected to the green screw terminal.
B. The black (or red) wire is always connected to the silver terminal.
C. The white wire is always connected to the brass terminal.
D. The green wire (ground) is always connected to the brass terminal.

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Answer: A

You must connect home AC wiring correclty, or it may not work, may be faulty or cause you problems. The standards are that the hot, neutral and ground wires be connected to a recepticle properly. The proper order is that the black (or red) connect up to a brass based terminal. The white should connect up to a silver terminal. The green wire should connect up to a green screw slot.

The black (or red) wire connects to the brass terminal.

The white wire should connect to the silver terminal.

The green wire should connect to the green screw terminal.


4. As an HTI+ technician, you need to order the correct light switch to be installed in a client's home. The client needs a light switch that operates based on the 'amount' of light that is already present in the room. What type of switch is the client requesting?

A. Clock.
B. Three-way.
C. Regular.
D. Photoelectric.

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Answer: D

A three way switch is used when you need to control the light from two different locations, such as where you have a light switch at the base of a set of stairs, and at the top of the stairs.

A regular switch simply turns the lights on and off.

A clock switch operates by means of a timer on a 24 hour cycle.

A photoelectric switch operates based on the level of light present.


5. As an HTI+ technician assigned to a home to install a lighting system, you are asked what the total load (power) is on the home. How do you figure out the true load?

A. You need to figure out the watts/hour of every lighting and electrical device in the home.
B. You need to figure out the volts/hour of every lighting and electrical device in the home.
C. You need to figure out the amps/hour of every lighting and electrical device in the home.
D. You need to figure out the ohms/hour of every lighting and electrical device in the home.

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Answer: A

Your first step in calculating load requirements is figuring out the watts/hour of every lighting and electrical device in the home.

A Volt is a unit of electric potential and electromotive force, equal to the difference of electric potential between two points on a conducting wire carrying a constant current of one ampere when the power dissipated between the points is equal to a Watt. Volts/hour ratings won't help you.

An Amp (or ampere) is a unit of electric current and is the steady current that, when flowing in straight parallel wires of infinite length and negligible cross section and separated by a distance of one meter in free space, produces a force between the wires of 2 x 10-7 newtons per meter of length. Amps/hour ratings won't help you.

The Ohm is a unit of electrical resistance equal to that of a conductor in which a current of one ampere is produced by a potential of one volt across its terminals.


6. You are asked to design a way to eliminiate hot and cold spots while getting ready to deploy a new HVAC solution in a client's home. How can this be done?

A. Using Sectioning techniques.
B. Using Zoning.
C. By doing a Site Survey.
D. By doing a Spectrum Analysis test.

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Answer: B

While sectioning sounds like zoning, the proper term is zoning.

Zoning will indeed allow you to eliminiate hot and cold spots while deploying a new HVAC solution in the home.

A Site Survey is used to help buld wireless networks, not an HVAC solution.

A Spectrum Analysis test is used to help buld wireless networks, not an HVAC solution.


7. A client requests that you install a new Thermostat in his home. You find a legacy device on site, and need to remove it. It uses a bimetallic strip. What does this bimetallic switch do?

A. Through the use of two different metals that react differently to each other under heat, the strip will bend until it interupts the connection and power cannot flow.
B. Through the use of two different metals that react differently to each other under cold, the strip will bend until it interupts the connection and power cannot flow.
C. Through the use of three different metals that react differently to each other under heat, the strip will bend until it interupts the connection and power cannot flow.
D. Through the use of two different metals that react differently to each other under water pressure, the strip will bend until it interupts the connection and power cannot flow.

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Answer: A

An HTI+ technician, you must understand how thermostats with bimetallic strips work. Since these are the most commonly seen type of sensor and are seen in legacy thermostats, it is important you know about them. The key point is that there are two different metals whose shape change with heat.

Cold does not affect the change in the metals, only heat, so cold has no affect.

Pressure (especially water pressure) has no affect on a bimetallic strip.

Three different metals defies the common attributes of a Bimetallic strip which only functions with the use of two (bi) different metals.


8. You are the technician assigned to install a Wireless network in a cleint's home. There is a need for only one access point, and three devices need to connect to each other to share resources. What standard of Wireless do you install if the need is to operate at a maximum of 11 Mbps?

A. 802.11a
B. 802.11b
C. 802.11g
D. 802.3ae

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Answer: B

802.11b operates at 11 Mbps.

802.11a is also a wireless standard, but it operates at 54 Mbps.

802.11g is also a wireless standard, but it operates at 54 Mbps.

802.3ae is a 802 commitee standard, but does not define wireless technologies. It is a standard for 10 Gigabit Ethernet and therefore obviously not a wireless technology.


9. As an HTI+ Technician, you are asked to deploy a wireless solution in a customer's home. The only items the customer wants to use via Wireless is a mouse, a keyboard and a few other peripherals. What technology fits this need from the solutions listed?

A. Home RF
B. 802.11a
C. 802.11b
D. Bluetooth

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Answer: D

802.11a is not an appropriate solution, since it is overkill for the requirements and will cost more than Bluetooth to implement.

802.11b is not an appropriate solution, since it is overkill for the requirements and will cost more than Bluetooth to implement.

Home RF is also 'similar' to 802.11b, but is not used much anymore.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that fits the need of the customer. Bluetooth will wirelessly connect computer peripherals, such as printers, PDAs, cameras up to 2.4GHz and over distances up to 33 feet (10 meters). It is the most apporpriate solution.


10. You need to deploy a home network solution in a client's home. The cleint is asking for a solution that better fits what is needed in the home, specifically a type of cable that is not sucseptible to Elecromagnetic Interferece (EMI) from a generator the client is running in the home. From the list of answers, which choice is the best cable type to reduce EMI?

A. STP
B. UTP
C. Romex
D. Fiber

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Answer: A

STP, or Shielded Twisted Pair cabling, will fulfill the requirements and at a reasonable cost.

UTP, or Unshielded Twisted Pair cabling, is unshield so that means that you should not use it if you wanted to counteract the effects of EMI.

Romex is used for home electircal wiring, not for network cabling.

Fiber optic cable remains the media that is least affected by EMI, but should not be used over STP in this scenario, as STP is cheaper and easier to install and maintain than fiber optics.


11. As an HTI+ technician assigned to a client's home, you are asked to set up a home network that allows the home users to access the internet. From the list below, select the protocol you will need to allow internet based web browser traffic both in and out of the home network?

A. FTP
B. SMTP
C. HTTP
D. POP3

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Answer: C

FTP (port 20) is used specifically for file transfers.

SMTP (port 25) is used to deliver email.

HTTP, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is the protocol that will allow for the transfer of files on the World Wide Web (WWW), including text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files. You also should know about the other protocols mentioned although they are not correct.

POP3 (port 110) is used for the retrieval of email.


12. Upon troubleshooting a problem at a home network, you find that none of the client PC's can connect to the Internet. The problem is with the system that allocates IP addresses to the internal PC's so they can connect to the Internet. What is the protocol used to allocate an IP address to a client PC dynamically?

A. DHCP
B. DRP
C. DNS
D. ARP

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Answer: A

The basic purpose of DHCP is to allocate IP addresses from a pool of addresses. On large networks, this task is usually allocated to a dedicated DHCP server. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a communications protocol that lets network administrators manage centrally, and automate the assignment of, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses on a network. Otherwise, you would have to statically assign each address.

DRP stands for Disaster Recovery Planning and is not a protocol.

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It job is to resolve IP addresses to simple to remember names.

ARP stands for Address Resolution Protocol and resolves MAC addresses to IP address.


13. An access point is used to do which of the following?

A. Act as a hub for wireless devices and provides connectivity to a wired LAN.
B. Plug a printer into a PC.
C. House circuit breakers and distribute AC power through a building.
D. Supply an IP address and network information to devices on the network.

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Answer: A

AnNn access point receives and transmits R/F signals between nodes in a network as well as provides a connection to a wired LAN.

Printers are usually connected directly to a PC with a parallel port.

The device that houses circuit breakers and distributes AC power through a buildingdoes this is called a breaker box or supply panel.

Supplying an IP address and network information to devices on the networkThis is the function of a DHCP server.


14. HTTP is absolutely essential for the operation of which of the following?

A. The WWW
B. The Internet
C. Email
D. Servers that translate IP addresses into "friendly" names.

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Answer: A

The information distribution system known as the World Wide Web was enabled by the introduction of the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) in 1990.

There are, and have been, several other protocols in use on the Internet that predate HTTP by several yearsdecades.

Email primarily uses POP (POP2 or POP3), IMAP, and SMTP among others.

DNS was functioning long before the introduction of HTTP.


15. A technology that enables the transmission of well over 1 million bits per second over existing copper telephone cables is ...

A. ISDN
B. Digital Subscriber Line
C. Fiber
D. TCP/IP

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Answer: B

ISDN uses the existing telco system, but cannot approach anywhere near that bit rate of DSL.

DSL uses high-frequency channels over existing telephone cables, including 4-wire house cables, to achieve data transmission speeds well in excess of the original design.

Fiber uses cables with a glass core to transmit light impulses, not existing copper lines.

The TCP/IPis protocol is used in fiber optic cables and wireless transmission as well as copper, and has nothing to do with enabling any particular rate of data transfer, only the fact of its delivery.


16. The IEEE specification 802.11 refers to which standard?

A. Wireless networking
B. Ethernet
C. Token Ring
D. LAN Security
E. Broadband

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Answer: A

802.11 refers to wireless networking and may be further broken into 802.11a through 802.11f.

Ethernet is covered under 802.3.

Token Ring is covered under 802.5.

LAN Security is covered under 802.10.

Broadband is covered under 802.7.


17. Network Addressing Translation may be defined as?

A. The process of converting a private IP address to a public IP address.
B. The process of interpreting IP addresses into host names and back.
C. The process of interpreting IP addresses into NetBIOS names and back.
D. The process of assigning network addresses automatically.
E. The process of assigning a host's default gateway automatically.
F. The process of assigning a host's subnet mask automatically.

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Answer: A

NAT allows many hosts behind the NAT device (a proxy server and/or firewall) to use one public IP address for Internet access, while hampering intrusion into private networks. It also hinders an internal host from acting as a server, which has good points and bad.

The process of interpreting IP addresses into host names and back is DNS, or Domain Name Service (also known as Domain Name System).

The process of interpreting IP addresses into NetBIOS names and back is WINS, or Windows Internet Naming Service.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) handles the process of assigning network addresses automatically.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) handles the process of assigning a host's default gateway automatically.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) handles the process of assigning a host's subnet mask automatically.


18. In order to configure an email client, several pieces of information are needed. Which is the least likely to be one of them?

A. The name of the RAS server.
B. The name of the SMTP server.
C. The name of the POP3 server.
D. The name of the IMAP4 server.

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Answer: A

It is highly unlikely that the name of a RAS server will ever be needed to set up email.

The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) server name will be essential for sending messages.

The Post Office Protocol (POP3) is the most common method of receiving email, and the name of the server to handle it is highly likely to be required when setting up a client.

Some method of retrieving email messages will have to be configured, and the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP4) is the second most likely method after POP3.


19. Which type of printer uses toner?

A. Laser
B. Inkjet
C. Impact
D. Scanner

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Answer: A

A laser printer uses differing electrical charges selectively to attract and repel a loose powder, called toner, onto a roller and apply it to paper, instead of using ink.

An inkjet printer uses liquid ink.

An impact printer works much as does a typewriter and does not use toner.

A scanner converts a physical image into a digital file and is thus the exact reverse of a printer.


20. An IP address consists of ...

A. Four sets of numbers separated by three dots; 192.168.5.11
B. Six pairs of numbers and/or letters separated by dashes; 0C-67-DB-A6-2C-42
C. Several words separated by dots and usually ending in; .com, .net, or .org--www.bunchofstuff.com
D. A hexadecimal number of between 1 and 8 characters; 1C54A9B
E. Two sets of characters, four and eight respectively, separated by a colon; 0028:c008ad6a

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Answer: A

Four sets of numbers separated by three dots is known as dotted-decimal notation, and is the format used by IPv4, the common addressing scheme used by TCP/IP on the Internet.

Six pairs of numbers and/or letters separated by dashes is a MAC address, or hardware address.

Several words separated by dots is a domain name that would convert to an IP address through DNS.

A hexadecimal number of between 1 and 8 characters is probably an IPX internal network number, and is usually associated with a Novell NetWare environment.

If you see two sets of characters, four and eight respectively, separated by a colon, your screen is likely also a nice shade of blue, but this is not an IP address.


21. What will a proxy server NOT do?

A. Act as a firewall to fend off outside intruders.
B. Examine the headers of packets outbound to the Internet.
C. Convert private IP addresses to a public IP address.
D. Filter packets passed between hosts on the internal network.

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Answer: D

A proxy server is only concerned with traffic between the internal network and an outside network, including the Internet. Internal network packet transmissions are ignored.

A proxy server can often be configured as a firewall for security.

A proxy can examine the headers of packets outbound to the Internet, and can also be configured with rules to allow or deny transmission.

Converting private IP addresses to a public IP address is a NAT function that a proxy may perform.


22. Which of these statements is NOT true about Bluetooth?

A. Bluetooth can achieve data transfer rates of just over 1 Mbps.
B. Bluetooth hops frequencies at over 1000 times a second.
C. A Bluetooth Class 2 device has a maximum range of about 30 feet.
D. Bluetooth hardware can be quickly installed on a PC via a PCMCIA card.

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Answer: A

The nominal bitrate is about 1 Mbps, but the network overhead drives data transfer down to around 75% of that.

Bluetooth hops frequencies at over 1000 times a second. Actually, it's more like 1600 hops/sec, in theory.

A Bluetooth Class 2 device has a maximum range of about 30 feet, or about 10 meters, depending on where you're from.

PCMCIA cards and USB connectors can be used to install Bluetooth hardware.


23. A customer has a requirement to place a home theatre system in their home. You are the HTI+ technician assigned to create the design. You need to understand where you will be putting a subwoofer in the client's living room. From the answers below, what is the proper placement of this piece of equipment?

A. The subwoofer must be to the left of the center channel.
B. Place the subwoofer either to the left or right of the center channel.
C. Anywhere in the room.
D. The subwoofer must be placed directly behind the user to get the true effect of the bass.

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Answer: C

The subwoofer need not be to the left of the center channel.

The subwoofer need not be to the left or right of the center channel.

You can place the subwoofer anywhere in the room. Surround sound refers to the use of multiple audio tracks to envelop the movie watching or music listening audience, making the listeners feel like they're in the middle of the action or concert . You generally will have up to five specific channels for components (as well as a sixth low frequency effects (LFE) channel). The subwoofer (which delivers low end frequncy/bass) does not have a specific location in the room. This can be confusing because most of the other channels do have a specific location.

The subwoofer need not reside behind the user.


24. After filling a request to install an amplifier in a client's home, you are asked how to increase the power of a standard amplifier. You tell the client you will use a specific amplifier to double the available power output. What type of amplifier should be installed?

A. Single-Ended amplifier.
B. A second amplifier to double the output.
C. Bridged amplifier.
D. You cannot double the output.

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Answer: C

A Single-Ended amplifier is a conventional amp that will produce standard output.

Two amplifiers are not needed to double the output.

The Bridged amplifier could be used to increase the power available to a single speaker because the output voltage is basically doubled. A Bridged (differential) amplifier is used for increasing the power delivery capacity to a speaker load from the available voltage supply. As effective as this technique is, care must be taken to understand proper usage of this type of amplifier output.

You can in fact double the output with a Bridged amplifier.


25. After designing and deploying a new home audio/video system for a client's home, you need to connect the DVD player. You are confused as to what connections to make to the back of the TV reciever. From the list below, how many connections are needed to simply get the DVD player to function with the TV reciever?

A. 1
B. 3
C. 4
D. 6

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Answer: B

One connection is short two connections.

When you connect a DVD player to your TV Reciever, you should use 3 connections. This is for Video input and output. You can also add more connections (such as analog stereo connections), but the core need is for 3 specific connections.

Four connections are one too many.

Six connections are three too many.


26. Which statement concerning video transmission formats is the most accurate?

A. S-video transmits luminance and chrominance on two separate channels.
B. Composite video is a higher quality system than component video.
C. Composite video splits the signal into 3 channels; R, G, and B.
D. S-video splits the signal into 2 channels, unlike the single combined channel used by component and composite.

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Answer: A

...is correct.

Component video is a higher quality system than composite video, not the other way around.

Component video, not composite video, splits the signal into 3 channels; R, G, and B.

Although it is true that S-video splits the signal into 2 channels, component splits the signal into 3 channels while composite operates on one channel only.


27. What is an audio signal modulated by means of fluctuations in voltage called?

A. Analog audio.
B. Digital audio.
C. Streaming audio.
D. Equalization.

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Answer: A

Sonic vibrations are translated into variations in voltage to make an analog audio signal.

In digital audio, sound waves are described by a string of binary digits, 1s and 0s.

Streaming audio technology allows for a sound file to be played as it is in the process of loading, before completion of loading the whole file.

Equalization refers to adjusting the volume of specified narrow ranges of the sound frequency.


28. As an HTI+ Technician assigned to install a home security system for a client, you are asked to install a specific type of motion detector. The client would like a detector that does not emit any energy and operates by reacting to rapid changes while at the same time being insensitive to stationary objects. What kind of motion detector should you install?

A. Passive infrared (PIR)
B. Ultrasonic
C. Video
D. Microwave

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Answer: A

A passive infrared detector will allow for the sensor in the security system to detect changes specifically in infrared energy. As well, these detectors do not emit energy.

Some older security systems use ultrasonic sound (high frequency sound) to detect motion.

Video motion detectors will sense the change in ambient light (i.e., the light normally present in a space). These systems require ambient light to function.

Microwave motion detectors use the Doppler effect to detect motion. Instead of emitting sound, they emit electromagnetic energy in the form of microwaves in order to detect breaks in security.


29. As an HTI+ technician, you have a client request to have the home alarm system automatically call a central monitoring system. What kind of jack must be installed on the alarm system?

A. RJ-31x
B. RJ-48
C. RJ-11
D. RJ-45

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Answer: A

All alarm systems that use a telephone line to dial a central monitoring station must use an RJ-31x jack.

An RJ-48 connection is for telecommunications.

An RJ-11 jack is used for telephone connections.

The RJ-45 jack is used with Local Area Network connections.


30. A customer with a 24 hour custom surviellence system in their home wishes for security yet the ability to allow the familiy to move freely without fear of being watched. What is a major rule when designing a surviellence system for this situation?

A. You need to maintain a reasonable expectation of privacy for the client.
B. You need to place sensors and cameras in all locations accessible by the family.
C. A 24 hour security system is flawed unless it is able to capture all locations.
D. Cameras can only be installed on the interior, not the exterior.

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Answer: A

Since you can't interrupt the lives of the client, ensuring a reasonable level of privacy must be a priority in the design and deployment of the system.

Placing sensors and cameras in all locations accessible by the family is not necessary in this situation.

The ability to capture all locations is not a necessity in this situation.

The location where cameras are installed is not the highest priority in the surveillance system design.


31. Which two technologies are commonly used in smoke detector devices? (Choose all that apply)

A. Photoelectric cell.
B. Ionization chamber.
C. Infrared beams.
D. Bimetal strips.
E. Fuses.

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Answer: A & B

Smoke particles entering a beam's path will deflect light onto a photoelectric detector and send a signal triggering an alarm.

A flow of ions between plates is induced; smoke particles entering the chamber will attach themselves to these ions and change the level of flow, triggering an alarm.

Infrared beams are used in motion detectors and for the transmission of data, but not in smoke detectors..

TheseBimetal strips are sensitive to heat, but not smoke, and are unreliable in detecting the presence of a fire.

Fuses are used to break an electric connection in the case of an amperage rating being exceeded. Standard fuses are not critical elements in smoke detectors.


32. Which device is NOT used in an intrusion detection system?

A. Ionization chamber.
B. Foil tape.
C. Infrared sensors.
D. Magnets.
E. Microphones.

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Answer: A

Ionization chamberTheses are used in smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are not meant to detect intruders..

Foil tape can beis run around the edge of a glass pane and energized. If the glass is broken, the circuit is broken, and this sends a signal to the control box.

Objects such as a human body will register a sharp increase in infrared radiation and thus can be detected.

A magnet can be placed next to a magnetic switch holding a circuit open. If the magnet is moved (by the door or window it is attached to being opened) the circuit will close and send a signal to the control device.

Microphones that detect the unique frequencies of glass breaking can cover all the windows over a fairly large area.


33. After finishing all the new telecommunications wiring in a home for a client, you have to finish the project by placing all the wiring into a connector in a centralized location. You decide to use a 110 Block. Which tool should you use to make such connections?

A. Impact Tool
B. TDR
C. Pliers
D. Spectrum Analyzer

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Answer: A

You should use an impact tool (also known as a punch down tool) to connect your telecommunication wiring to a 110 Block.

A TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) is used to detect and locate short and/or open-circuits on an Ethernet cable. TDRs can also measure how the characteristic impedance of a line varies along its length, which can be helpful to debug problems on a network.

You will have a hard time 'attempting' to make these connections with the wrong tool, such as pliers. Always use the recommended tool for a job.

A Spectrum Analzer is a tool that you can use to troubleshoot Wireless issues, as well as to perform Site Surveys on location. Thus, it is not related to creating a 110 punchdown connection.


34. After running telecommunications wiring in a client's home, you need to terminate the connections. You have the option of terminating the cable on a 66 Block. What type of cable generally connects to a 66 Block?

A. 25 pair cable.
B. 2 pair cable.
C. 4 pair cable.
D. 6 pair selector.

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Answer: A

As an HTI+ technician, you need to be familair with the types of cable available and to what entities you need to terminate them to. 25 pair cable terminates on a 66 Block.

2 pair cables are used for DSL and other telecom solutions.

4 pair cables are used for higher bandwidth connections on a home network.

Monster Cable Multi-Speaker 6 Pair Selector is not really a cable set.


35. A customer has a custom stereo that consistently shuts down all the time. You have narrowed down the problem to the amplifier, which is rated lower than the speakers. What could the problem be? Select the best answer.

A. The amplifier is shutting down because at high volume the amplifier clips the output audio signal.
B. The amplifier is overheating.
C. The amplifier is not yet warmed up.
D. The amplifier is too old.

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Answer: A

This problem can be fixed if you make sure that the amplifier and speakers have the same rating, and are not mismartched.

The symptom of shutting down at high volume is not a cause of overheating.

Whether or not the amplifier has been warmed up has no bearing in this situation.

The age of the amplifier should make no difference.