In cabling installations, what does signal integrity refer to?

Signal integrity refers to the ability of a signal to maintain its quality and clarity as it travels through a transmission medium, such as a cable. In cabling installations, this means that the data being transmitted should retain its original form without distortion or degradation, ensuring that the receiving end interprets the information correctly. Factors that impact signal integrity include cable quality, electromagnetic interference, and attenuation. Therefore, the retention of data without distortion is a critical aspect of ensuring effective communication within any cabling system.

The other options relate to different aspects of cable installations. The physical condition of cables may impact performance, but it does not directly define signal integrity. The use of higher transmission power can enhance the range but does not guarantee that the signal will remain free from distortion. The length of the cable used affects the signal's strength and attenuation, but again, it does not inherently define whether the signal is maintaining its integrity during transmission.