What is the primary function of a breakout cable in fiber optics?

The primary function of a breakout cable in fiber optics is to contain multiple pigtails within a sheath. This type of cable is designed specifically to facilitate the safe and organized transition of multiple fibers from a single, larger cable to individual fibers that can be easily managed. Each pigtail is typically terminated with a connector to allow for quick connections or disconnections, making it convenient for installations or to simplify network maintenance.

By having pigtails, breakout cables ensure that individual fibers can be accessed without the need to handle the entire bundle of fibers, which could lead to excessive handling and potential damage. This organization is particularly useful in data centers and telecommunications environments where managing multiple connections is crucial for efficiency and minimizing downtime.

In the context of the other answer choices, while options might describe functions related to fiber optics, they do not accurately reflect the primary role of breakout cables. For instance, splitting optical power pertains more to passive splitters, while terminating fibers does not capture the essence of the breakout's structure and utility in managing individual connections.