How is 'attenuation' defined in relation to signal strength?

Attenuation is defined as the reduction in signal strength as it travels through a medium. This phenomenon occurs due to various factors, such as the absorption of the signal by the medium, scattering, and other impedance mismatches. As a signal propagates through cables, water, air, or any other transmission medium, it loses energy, and this energy loss results in a weaker signal at the receiving end.

Understanding attenuation is crucial for maintaining optimal signal quality in communication systems, as higher levels of attenuation can lead to significant degradation in performance and usability. In designing and troubleshooting networks, field technicians must consider attenuation to ensure that signal strength remains within acceptable limits for effective communication.