Attenuation in Networking
Attenuation in networking is the loss of signal strength as the signal is transmitted from the sender to receiver. This happens in both wired and wireless communication. This impacts the quality, range and reliability of the data that is being transmitted.
Causes of Attenuation in Networking
- Distance – Distance between the sender and receiver contributes to attenuation. The more the distance the more interference and noise it will experience on its way from source to destination. An example of this can be the strength of mobile signal reduces as you move away from the cell tower.
- Frequency and Noise – Whenever a signal is transmitted it will encounter some noise and when noise is encountered it will affect the signal strength and thus attenuate the signal. This noise is generated from the electromagnetic field caused by cables, electronic devices that are near the signal. High frequency signals experiences more attenuation because they have shorter wavelength and thus will experience more absorption.
- Medium – The medium through which the signal travels also causes attenuation because of the characteristics of the medium. For example copper cables have more attenuation than optical fiber.
- Interferences – The interferences from external sources like buildings, glass panes and other obstacles can block, reflect or absorb the signal causing signal loss. Also electromagnetic interference is responsible for attenuation.
Measurement of Attenuation in Networking
Attenuation in networking is measured in decibels(dB) and we can calculate it using the formula:
Attenuation(in dB) = 10*log10(Ps/Pd)
Where,
- Ps is the signal power at source
- Pd is signal power at destination
Attenuation can also be expressed in terms of voltage
Voltage Attenuation(in dB) = 20log10(Vs/Vd)
Where,
- Vs is the voltage of signal at source
- Vd is the voltage of signal at destination
Attenuation
In this article, we will be discussing about attenuation. We will also discuss about attenuation in optical fiber and networking. We will look into the various factors that causes attenuation in optical fiber and networking. We will discuss about attenuation coefficient. We also will discuss how can we measure attenuation and the methods that are available to measure. In addition to this, we will discuss how can attenuation be prevented. We will also compare attenuation with amplification and see their differences. Later in this article, we will discuss about the various advantages, disadvantages and application of attenuation.
Table of Content
- What is Attenuation?
- Attenuation in Optical Fiber
- Methods
- How Attenuation can be Prevented?
- Attenuation Vs Amplification
- Advantages of Attenuation
- Disadvantages of Attenuation
- Applications of Attenuation
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