What does attenuation in optical fibers refer to?

Attenuation in optical fibers refers specifically to the decrease in signal strength as the light signal travels through the optical medium. This phenomenon occurs due to various factors, such as scattering, absorption, and defects within the fiber itself. As light travels longer distances within the fiber, these factors can cause a loss of intensity and quality of the signal being transmitted.

Understanding attenuation is crucial for the design and operation of optical communication systems, as it affects the maximum distance over which data can be effectively transmitted without the need for signal amplification or regeneration. By minimizing attenuation, one can enhance the overall performance and reliability of the optical fiber communication network.

The other choices do not accurately describe attenuation. The increase of signal after transmission describes amplification, which is contrary to the concept of attenuation. Frequency modulation relates to how the signal is encoded but does not pertain to the strength of the signal. Maintenance of signal quality encompasses various practices and conditions but does not specifically define the reduction of signal strength which is the essence of attenuation.