When standing waves are present in the sweep response, what does the frequency separation indicate?

The frequency separation observed in the sweep response when standing waves are present is an indicator of the approximate distance to the fault. Standing waves occur due to the reflection of signals between the source and the fault, creating areas of constructive and destructive interference along the line. The frequency separation directly relates to the physical distance from the fault, as the wavelength of the signal is affected by the distance the signal travels before hitting the fault and reflecting back. By measuring this frequency separation, technicians can estimate how far the fault is located in the cable run. This is crucial in troubleshooting and diagnosing issues within the system effectively.