Extrinsic loss is a term used to describe losses that occur during the splicing process of cables. Splicing is a method of joining two or more cables together to form a single, continuous cable. In the splicing process, the cables are cut and then their ends are joined together, typically using a mechanical connector.
The term extrinsic loss is used to describe the loss of signal strength that occurs due to the cables being cut and the mechanical connector being inserted. The signal loss is caused by various factors, including the connector’s resistance to the signal, the physical size of the connector, the contact area between the cables, and any imperfections in the connector itself.
The amount of signal loss will vary depending on the type of cable being spliced and the type of connector being used. Extrinsic loss can be minimized by using higher-quality connectors and ensuring that the contact areas between the cables are as tight and secure as possible. Additionally, using a connector with a larger contact area can reduce extrinsic loss as well.
Extrinsic loss is an important consideration when splicing cables, as it can lead to degraded performance and reliability of the connected systems. It is therefore important to select the correct type of connector and ensure that it is installed properly to minimize the amount of extrinsic loss. Additionally, it is important to test the cables after the splicing process to ensure that the signal strength is not compromised.
