What does the term "signal attenuation" mean in regard to wireless coverage?

Signal attenuation refers to the reduction in strength of a wireless signal as it travels over a distance or passes through obstacles, such as walls, buildings, or trees. This decrease in signal strength can significantly impact the performance and reliability of wireless communication systems. In practical terms, as the wireless signal moves further away from its source, or when it encounters different materials that absorb or reflect the signal, its intensity diminishes. This phenomenon is crucial for network planning and design because understanding attenuation helps in determining optimal placements for access points and the necessary power levels to ensure sufficient coverage in a given area.

The other options represent concepts that do not accurately describe signal attenuation. For instance, an increase in strength of a wireless signal contradicts what attenuation entails. Similarly, stabilization of signal strength outdoors or the ability to amplify signals over large distances does not pertain to the inherent nature of signal attenuation, which is fundamentally about loss rather than gain. Understanding this concept is essential for maintaining effective wireless networks and ensuring robust coverage.