Which of the following best explains cable loss?

Cable loss refers to the phenomenon where the power of a signal diminishes as it travels through a cable. This decrease in signal power can be attributed to various factors, including resistance, attenuation due to the material the cable is made from, and environmental influences. As the signal travels longer distances, it encounters resistance which leads to a reduction in its strength, resulting in what is termed "cable loss."

Understanding cable loss is crucial for installers, as it affects the quality of the service provided to customers. Mitigating this loss through proper cable selection, installation practices, and the use of amplifiers when necessary ensures that the end user receives the best possible signal quality. This directly impacts the effectiveness of broadband services being delivered.

The other options do not accurately describe cable loss. An increase in signal strength would suggest amplification rather than loss, a constant signal output contradicts the nature of signal degradation over distance, and a temporary disruption would refer to interruption rather than a gradual loss of signal power.