Attenuation

Attenuation means interruption but attenuation in data communication refers to the loss of connection or the link between two sources. The reduction of signal strength and its effect on the data and communication is simplified with a single term attenuation. The causes, effects and solution to the attenuation is the topic of discussion here.

Attenuation in data communication

Attenuation in data communication can be stated as the decreasing strength of the signals with increasing restraints. Disruption in connection or loss of signal is included in the description of attenuation. Either in digital or in analogue signals the attenuation occurs. It is measured in either decibel (dB) or volt. The fluctuation in signal and losing connection are all parts of the attenuation in data communication. In wired or wireless modes of transmission attenuation can occur due to poor signals. However, changing the modes of transmission or modification of the communication system can reduce the attenuation still there are at least certain attenuation present in case of long-range transmission of information. 

Causes of Attenuation

There are certain basic reasons for attenuation but what is common for both wired and wireless connection is long-distance transmission. In the case of a wired connection, if the transmission takes more than 1000 ft, 1km or 1 mile, considerable attenuation can be seen. A common example that a data user occasionally faces is long-range connectivity issues. Either telephone or data transmission through the internet mainly wi-fi the communication gets stranded if there are no appropriate measures taken to reduce the attenuation. In the case of computers, the attenuation ranges from 5dB to 50dB. 

The less in the value of attenuation the better the connection becomes. The thickness of wires sometimes causes attenuation. The thinner wire increases the resistance therefore transmission gets interrupted. On the other hand, thicker wires transfer the signals more effectively. The material also becomes a crucial factor as changing the substance for building wires such as copper, silver, aluminium, iron all have different resistivity of which different attenuation standards. It is measured per unit length of the wire. The less the attenuation per unit length the better the signal becomes.

Effects of Attenuation

Attenuation causes a lot of trouble in the case of transmission data. Such as if a person is making conversation with another from one part of the world to the other part either by telephone or internet, it is required to set up proper machinery to make the conversation smoother. Sending an email gets interrupted due to connection loss or delay in transfer of data are certain examples of the effects of attenuation. Finding the reliant solution to the attenuation is necessary otherwise there will hardly be an option to make proper communication which is a very crucial factor in the case of business firms or for the emergency services. In fibre optics, the more the internal reflection the better becomes the signal standard and the signal gets less attenuated. Again, the wireless connection distance increases the attenuation. 

Solution of Attenuation

Attenuation varies depending upon the sources and their effectiveness can be classified as per the usage and modes of connection. A wired connection requires meeting certain factors. For long-distance transfer of data, the wired connections must be connected with the booster or amplifier. An amplifier’s basic function is to amplify the signals and transfer them to the target from the sources in an identical phase as created from the origin. Again, poor digital signals or their attenuation can be minimised with the quality enhancement of the data and communication standard using repeaters. The function of repeaters is simple. It repeats the signals received from the origin and allows them to progress further. Connecting one or two repeaters is effective in minimising the attenuation. 

There are certain consequences, to using the repeaters and amplifiers. Using them increases the capacity of the signal to progress further while the amplitude gets bigger the speed of the signals gets poorer. Therefore, using too many repeaters often gives no benefit because of the fluctuation and the slower signal strengths. It requires setting up relay stations and storing data from the origin and transferring them as new ones further to retain the quality of the signal and communicate effectively. 

Conclusion

The discussion has focused on the description of attenuation in data connectivity. Causes of attenuation have been discussed in this case which clears out certain conceptions. Attenuation can occur in both digital and analogue transfer of signals. Three types of career can be seen, wired and wireless while in both cases attenuation is a common part.

In wired communication, using good material, increasing the thickness of the wire can reduce the attenuation. On the other hand, in the case of wireless communication, increasing the source signal strength, using repeaters can reduce the value of attenuation. The lesser the value of attenuation better gets the connection.