Insertion loss, or attenuation, is measured in which unit?

Insertion loss, also known as attenuation, refers to the reduction in signal power that occurs when a signal passes through a component or circuit, such as a connector or a length of cable. The measurement of insertion loss is expressed in decibels (dB), which is a logarithmic unit that quantifies the ratio of two values, often power levels. This unit is particularly useful in telecommunications and networking because it allows for the easy comparison of signal loss over various lengths and types of media.

Decibels are ideal for expressing attenuation because they simplify the representation of large ranges of power loss and facilitate the evaluation of how well a component is performing with respect to signal integrity. Other units such as watts, volts, and kelvin are not used in this context; watts measure power, volts indicate electrical potential, and kelvin relates to temperature, none of which directly convey the concept of signal loss in a transmission medium.