What does the term "insertion loss" refer to?

Insertion loss refers to the reduction in signal strength that occurs as light or data signals pass through a connection point in a fiber optic system. This can happen at various junctions, including splices, connectors, or any point where the fiber's continuity is interrupted.

When light travels within a fiber optic cable, it can experience attenuation—this is a normal phenomenon due to the material properties of the fiber. However, when any additional connection points are introduced, these can cause further losses due to alignment issues, connector imperfections, or even contaminants on the optical surfaces. In essence, insertion loss quantifies how much of the signal is lost as it passes through these connections, and is usually measured in decibels (dB).

Understanding insertion loss is crucial for maintaining the performance and efficiency of a fiber optic network, as it helps engineers design systems that minimize loss and ensure that the signals remain strong enough for reliable communication.