What occurs during reflection in a cable system?

During reflection in a cable system, part of the radio frequency (RF) signal is reflected back due to impedance mismatches. This phenomenon occurs when there is a discrepancy between the transmission line's impedance and the impedance of the devices or terminations at either end of the line. When the impedance is not matched, some of the signal cannot be effectively transmitted and instead is sent back towards the source. This reflected signal can lead to signal degradation and interfere with the overall performance of the system, resulting in potential issues such as ghosting in video signals or reduced data rates in digital communications.

Understanding this concept is crucial for technicians as they troubleshoot and optimize cable systems to ensure minimal signal loss and maximum efficiency.