What is an advantage of having slack fiber-optic cable?

Having slack fiber-optic cable offers the advantage of decreasing downtime and repair costs. When slack is present, it allows for easier access to the cable in the event that repairs are needed. Instead of having to replace an entire run of cable, technicians can utilize the extra length to make splices or reroute the cable with minimal disruption to service. This means that in case of a fault or need for maintenance, the repair can be performed quickly and efficiently, minimizing the impact on service and reducing costs associated with prolonged outages or extensive repair work.

Other considerations, like ease of splicing or improvement in signal strength, do not directly relate to the concept of slack in the cable itself. Additionally, special storage conditions are often required for sensitive equipment, but this pertains to preserving the physical integrity of the cables rather than their operational efficiency.