What is a common method to minimize thermal noise added to a network?

Ensuring the RF input is at or above the specified minimum level is a common method to minimize thermal noise added to a network because thermal noise, or Johnson-Nyquist noise, is proportional to the temperature and the resistance of the components in the network. When the RF input level is maintained at or above the minimum specified level, it ensures that the signal-to-noise ratio is improved. A stronger input signal can better overcome thermal noise, allowing for cleaner and clearer signals to be processed and transmitted effectively.

In contrast, reducing the number of amplifiers might also help to reduce noise, but it's not a direct method of minimizing thermal noise itself, as the quality and configuration of remaining components play a significant role in overall network performance. Isolating cables from external sources could reduce interference but does not directly reduce thermal noise from the internal components of the system. Installing additional cooling systems may help manage temperature and, in theory, could reduce thermal noise, but it’s not a standard practice to mitigate thermal noise in the same straightforward way that maintaining RF input levels does.