The existence of inter-and intragrain weak links strongly influences the microwave properties of high-temperature superconductors. Considering the properties of a network of resistively shunted, symmetric double contacts, we obtain a consistent description of the high-frequency dissipation in ceramics and single crystals in low magnetic fields. In this model, the temperature dependence of the high-frequency dissipation is determined by the critical current of the weak links and by the penetration depth. The high-frequency absorption line-width decreases when the penetration depth increases with temperature. The results of the measurements of magnetically modulated microwave absorption in single crystals and ceramics are interpreted in terms of the model presented.