What does 'attenuation' refer to in telecommunications?

Attenuation in telecommunications specifically refers to the reduction in signal strength that occurs as the signal travels through a medium, such as cables or the atmosphere. This phenomenon is critical to understanding how signals degrade over distance. As a signal propagates, various factors, including resistance in the medium, absorption of energy, and scattering, contribute to the weakening of the signal.

This concept is essential for designing effective communication systems, as it informs decisions on signal boosting, repeaters, and overall system performance to ensure that data can be transmitted clearly and accurately over long distances. Understanding attenuation helps engineers and technicians address potential communication issues and maintain signal integrity.