Attenuation in fiber optics is the gradual reduction of optical signal power as light travels through a fiber cable. Losses can be introduced by various means such as intrinsic material absorption, scattering, bending, connector loss and more. Understanding the sources of signal loss and the methods used to recover or. Optical Signal Attenuation is the single greatest factor limiting the distance and performance of your network. This guide will demystify signal loss, explore its causes, and show you how. Fiber optic cables have many advantages, but one of the downsides just like with copper cable, is that it can experience what is called attenuation.