Which of the following can lead to signal degradation?

Signal degradation occurs when there is a loss of signal quality as it travels through a transmission medium. Using too many splitters in the signal path is a well-known factor that can significantly contribute to this issue. Each splitter divides the signal among multiple outputs, which can lead to a reduction in the strength of the original signal. This weakening occurs because the power of the signal is distributed among the outputs, which can cause the signals that reach their destination to be too weak for proper operation, especially in applications where high signal integrity is crucial.

In contrast, high-quality cables are designed to minimize loss and interference, which helps maintain signal integrity. Short cable lengths can also help reduce signal degradation, as the signal has a shorter distance to travel, which typically results in less attenuation. Proper grounding is essential for minimizing electrical interference and maintaining signal clarity. Therefore, while various factors can either help in maintaining or degrade signal quality, the introduction of too many splitters is a direct cause of signal loss.