What is a design option for a broadband cable network to maximize the use of its optical fiber resources?

Leasing spare fibers is a strategic design option for maximizing the use of optical fiber resources in a broadband cable network. By leasing these fibers from other carriers or service providers, a network can expand its capacity to handle data traffic without the need for significant new infrastructure investment. This approach allows for a more efficient allocation of existing resources, enabling the network to meet increasing demands for bandwidth without incurring the substantial costs and time associated with laying down new fiber.

This option also promotes shared resource usage, meaning that instead of each company investing in their own separate infrastructure, they can collaborate and utilize available fibers, thereby optimizing the overall network efficiency. In a competitive market, being able to enhance capacity flexibly through leasing can be a significant advantage, enabling faster service enhancements and potentially lower costs for consumers.

Other choices, while they may appear relevant, would not effectively maximize existing optical fiber resources. Reducing network nodes might streamline operations, but it does not inherently improve the efficiency or capacity of fiber usage. Minimizing fiber usage runs counter to the goal of maximizing resources, and utilizing more coaxial cables would not leverage the superior transmission capabilities of optical fibers, ultimately limiting the network's data handling potential.