What is the result of high attenuation in a fiber optic cable?

High attenuation in a fiber optic cable results in decreased signal strength and quality. Attenuation refers to the loss of signal power as it travels through the fiber, which can occur due to scattering, absorption, and other factors. When attenuation is high, it means that the optical signal is diminished significantly by the time it reaches its destination. This reduction in signal power can lead to issues such as increased bit error rates and overall poor performance in data transmission.

As a consequence, the ability to maintain a strong, clear signal over longer distances is compromised, leading to potential disruptions in communication. Ensuring low attenuation is crucial for effective fiber optic systems, as it ensures that the transmitted signals remain strong enough to be accurately received and interpreted at the other end.