Why might a technician who is troubleshooting an outage in an optical network want to refer to the networks as-built documentation?

Referring to the network's as-built documentation is crucial for a technician troubleshooting an outage in an optical network, particularly because it helps determine specific cable lengths. This information is essential for a few reasons: first, knowing the exact lengths of cables enables the technician to ascertain potential points of failure or weaknesses in the network connection. In optical networks, even small discrepancies in cable lengths can lead to issues such as increased attenuation or signal loss.

Moreover, the as-built documentation also includes details about the installation paths and the types of cables used throughout the network. This allows the technician to locate and assess the physical infrastructure directly, thereby streamlining the troubleshooting process. Understanding these specifics can significantly reduce the time taken to resolve outages and can help in planning any necessary repairs or replacements more effectively.