The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a measure used to compare the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. A higher SNR indicates that the signal is clearer and more distinguishable from the noise, which can improve the quality of communication or data transmission. SNR is commonly expressed in decibels (dB) and is crucial in fields like telecommunications, audio engineering, and electronics. In practical terms, a good SNR means that the information being transmitted, such as a voice call or music, can be heard clearly without interference from unwanted sounds. Conversely, a low SNR can lead to distortion and make it difficult to understand the intended message. Understanding SNR helps in optimizing systems for better performance and clarity.