What term describes the loss of signal strength in networking cables or connections, typically measured in decibels (dB)?

The term that accurately describes the loss of signal strength in networking cables or connections is attenuation. Attenuation refers to the reduction in power of a signal as it travels through a medium, such as a networking cable. This phenomenon is typically quantified in decibels (dB), which provides a standardized way to express the decrease in signal strength.

Attenuation can occur due to various factors, including the length of the cable, the type of material used in the cable, and any external interference. Understanding attenuation is crucial for network design and troubleshooting, as excessive signal loss can lead to degraded performance or connectivity issues.

In contrast, interference refers to external signals that disrupt the communication between devices, distortion relates to the alteration of the original signal shape, and data loss pertains to the situation where data packets fail to reach their destination. While all these terms are relevant to networking, none specifically describe the gradual weakening of a signal like attenuation does. Hence, attenuation is the accurate and precise term for this concept.