How does signal attenuation through coaxial cable compare at sub-band frequencies versus forward path frequencies?

Signal attenuation refers to the reduction in signal strength as it travels through a medium, in this case, coaxial cable. When comparing sub-band frequencies to forward path frequencies, it is indeed true that attenuation is significantly less in the sub-band. This is because lower frequencies generally experience less attenuation due to the physical properties of the coaxial cable and the interactions between the cable's materials and the signal.

Coaxial cables are designed to transmit signals over a wide range of frequencies, but the design characteristics, such as the dielectric material and the geometry of the cable, lead to varying levels of signal loss. At higher frequencies typically used in the forward path of cable systems, the energy can be absorbed or reflected more readily by the materials within the cable, leading to higher attenuation. Conversely, the sub-band frequencies, which are lower, have better propagation characteristics, resulting in lower attenuation across the same lengths of cable.

The notion that attenuation might be equal in both paths or that it varies based on distance does not accurately represent the well-established behavior of signals in coaxial cables as it relates to frequency. Signal loss indeed increases with frequency, making the provided answer correct.