Taking the transmission principle and transmission characteristics of communication optical fibers as the starting point, this paper systematically sorts out the common fault types in optical cable operation and maintenance (O&M), including fiber breakage, bending losses, environmental erosion, human-induced damage, and information security risks. Based on this foundation, the paper introduces both traditional and emerging technologies employed in optical cable O&M, such as optical cable survey instruments, optical time-domain reflectometers (OTDR), and distributed optical fiber sensing (DOFS), and discusses the applicability of these technologies in different O&M scenarios. Focusing on three typical application environments of buried cables, overhead cables, and submarine cables,the study further analyzes their O&M requirements under multiple stress factors such as natural environmental conditions, electrochemical corrosion, lightning strikes, anchor damage, and biological disturbances. Through a comparative analysis of various monitoring technologies used to ensure the secure operation of optical cable networks, the paper identifies a trend toward intelligent, distributed, and integrated development in O&M technologies. In terms of data analysis, the adoption of deep learning and other artificial intelligence techniques is shifting the O&M paradigm from passive repair to proactive defense and predictive maintenance. On the hardware side, the integration of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) -based inspections with DOFS is promoting autonomous maintenance operations. From the software perspective, technologies such as the internet of things and digital twins are enabling multi-source data fusion and the construction of digitalized O&M platforms. Looking ahead, optical cable O&M is expected to advance in accuracy, real-time responsiveness, and automation, leading to smarter and more efficient maintenance practices.