Noun
Attenuation refers to the loss of transmission signal strength due to external or internal factors. It measures how much a signal weakens as it travels from one place to another, and as attenuation increases, the more distorted the transmission becomes.
In cell phone signal boosters, attenuation is measured in decibels (dB) and can be influenced by various factors, including:
- Noise: This includes electrical currents, radio frequencies, and wire leakages, which may interfere with a signal.
- Physical barriers: Factors such as temperature, walls, and improper cable installation can distort a signal or interfere with its transmission.
- Distance: The further a signal travels from its source, the more attenuation it experiences. For example, a Wi-Fi signal weakens progressively the further away you move from the router.
Different signal transmission media experience varying levels of attenuation. For instance, fiber cables outperform other alternatives by a wide margin. Less effective cables may struggle with attenuation and could require amplifiers or repeaters to boost signal strength, although this may result in slower signal speeds.
Cell phone signal boosters help amplify weakened signals, improving reception based on the level of attenuation experienced.
Example of Attenuation in a sentence:
"Incorrect installation or damage to a network cable can cause attenuation."
Synonyms: abrasion, debilitation
Related Terms for Attenuation: