What type of test equipment is commonly used to troubleshoot cable signals?

Signal level meters and cable analyzers are specifically designed for troubleshooting cable signals, making them the ideal choice in this scenario. Signal level meters allow technicians to measure the strength of the signal at various points in the cable network, ensuring that the signal is within acceptable parameters for quality transmission. These devices can also help identify issues such as signal degradation over distance or interference that may affect performance.

Cable analyzers go a step further by testing and diagnosing the integrity of the cable itself. They can identify faults such as opens, shorts, and other issues that may not be visible through signal strength alone. This combination of functionality enables technicians to not only detect and assess the quality of signals but also to pinpoint specific problems within the cable infrastructure.

In contrast, tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes are generally used for a broader range of electrical measurements and signal analysis but are not specialized for cable signal diagnostics. Network switches and routers are components of networking infrastructure rather than tools for directly measuring or analyzing cable signals. Computers and printers, while essential in a technician's toolkit, do not serve the purpose of signal troubleshooting directly.