Define 'attenuation' in the context of cabling.

In the context of cabling, attenuation refers to the reduction in strength of a signal as it travels through the medium over a certain distance. This phenomenon occurs due to various factors, such as absorption, scattering, and dispersion, which can diminish the signal quality and intensity. As signals traverse a cable, they lose energy, which can lead to a decrease in the performance of the network if not properly managed. Understanding attenuation is critical for network design and installation, as it impacts the maximum distance that signals can travel before becoming unusable, essentially guiding professionals in proper cable selection and installation practices to ensure reliable communication.