What can lead to increased attenuation in fiber optic cables?

Increased attenuation in fiber optic cables is primarily caused by over-bending the cable. When fiber optic cables are bent beyond their specified limits, it can cause a significant loss of signal strength. This occurs because the optical fibers within the cable can experience micro-bending or macro-bending, which disrupts the light transmission. The light may escape from the core of the fiber, leading to increased attenuation.

Proper installation, the use of high-quality connectors, and good environmental conditions typically promote optimal performance of fiber optic cables and help reduce attenuation. However, when the cable is over-bent, it compromises the integrity of the light transmission and results in higher signal loss. Understanding the physical limits of the fiber cables is crucial for maintaining signal integrity and performance in any fiber optic installation.