Which component is always included in the loss budget of a fiber optic system?

In a fiber optic system, the loss budget is a critical calculation that accounts for all potential losses that can occur from the source to the receiver. This includes various factors such as cable length, splicing loss, and the inherent losses associated with connectors.

The inclusion of connector losses in the loss budget is essential because each connector presents a specific amount of signal loss, typically measured in decibels (dB). Connectors are located at both ends of the fiber cable plant, hence their losses must be accounted for to ensure that the system meets performance specifications. Ignoring these losses could lead to insufficient signal strength at the receiving end, resulting in network issues.

In contrast, while the core, cladding, and primary buffer coating are crucial aspects of fiber optic cables, they do not directly contribute to the loss budget in the same way connector losses do. The core and cladding are structural components that define the optical properties but are not considered individual loss factors in the overall transmission path. The primary buffer coating protects the fiber but does not influence the signal attenuation directly like connectors do.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights the necessity of considering connector losses as part of the loss budget in order to accurately assess and manage the performance of the fiber optic system.