What is a potential impact of improper bend limits on fiber optic cables?

Improper bend limits on fiber optic cables can lead to increased attenuation and potential signal loss. Fiber optic cables are designed to maintain signal strength through careful control of bends and twists. When these bend limits are exceeded, the light signals traveling through the fiber can become distorted or lost. This distortion occurs because the light may escape from the core of the fiber, leading to a reduction in signal quality and increased attenuation, which is the gradual loss of light intensity over a distance.

In contrast, the other choices reflect outcomes that are not accurate in the context of exceeding bend limits. Increased performance and stronger signals, improvement in signal integrity, or no effect on performance do not occur when the physical integrity of the fiber is compromised through improper handling. Instead, ensuring that cables are installed and maintained within their specified bend radius is critical for optimal performance.