Insertion Loss (IL) Is the Loss of Power Due to Adding a Jumper

Published: November 7, 2018

, Last updated: September 17, 2025

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Fundamentally, Insertion Loss is the loss of power that results from inserting a cable into a network or transmission path. Keep in mind that, inevitably, some power is lost because every connection represents a break in the fiber optic system. That’s why your production process must minimize Insertion Loss.

You want to see low Insertion Loss measurements, which indicate that the path or system is performing with the least errors. If a cable connection has a high Insertion Loss, the power at the receiving end can start to increase the bit error rate.

READ THE BLOG: How to Accurately Measure IL/RL

Additional resources from the FOC team include:

Category Resource: FOC Test Page
View the Glossary, Acronyms, Military Specifications for Connectors
Q&A Resource: email technical questions to AskFOC@focenter.com

Have questions about this FOC Tip?

Contact FOC with questions at (800) 473-4237 / 508-992-6464 or email: FiberOpticCenter@focenter.com and we will respond ASAP.

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FOC Tips Fiber Optic Center has a team of technical experts and marketing strategists with decades of years in the field. This team contributes to the fiber, cable and specialty industries coverage through news, alerts, reports and general media information.

About Fiber Optic Center, Inc.

Fiber Optic Center, Inc., (FOC), is an international leader in distributing fiber optic components, equipment and supplies and has been helping customers make the best cable assemblies in the world for over two decades. Several areas of specialization and expertise, in which they are the industry leader, make them the preferred choice for many of the world’s fiber professionals. In these key technology areas, FOC is "at least as technical as the manufacturer" about the products they sell. Striving to "make the business part easy," they offer outstanding and personal customer service, low or no minimum purchase order values, and from-stock delivery on industry-leading products and technology. FOC is the industry connection to the most innovative optical products, technologies and technical experts who integrate their manufacturing knowledge and vast experience into customers' worldwide operations. @FiberOpticCntr

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