In telecommunications, how is cable loss typically expressed?

Cable loss in telecommunications is typically expressed in decibels (dB). This is because decibels provide a logarithmic scale that allows for easier comparison of power levels or signal strength. By using decibels, technicians can effectively convey the relative strength of a signal before and after it passes through a cable, making it much simpler to understand how much signal is lost due to the characteristics of the cable itself. This measurement is vital for ensuring that signals remain strong enough for reliable data transmission, as excessive loss can lead to degraded performance or complete signal failure.

In this context, using ohms, volts, or milliamps would not accurately represent cable loss. Ohms measure resistance in a circuit, volts measure electrical potential, and milliamps measure current. None of these units convey the concept of loss in terms of signal strength or power, which is why decibels are the industry standard for expressing cable loss.