What is the main advantage of fiber-optic cables over copper cables?

The main advantage of fiber-optic cables over copper cables lies in their higher bandwidth and superior capacity for faster data transmission, especially over long distances. Fiber-optic technology utilizes light to transmit data, which allows it to carry much more information at significantly higher speeds compared to the electrical signals used in copper cables. This characteristic is essential for meeting the increasing demands for high-speed internet, video streaming, and large data transfers, especially in a world where connectivity is crucial.

Additionally, as fiber-optic transmission is not subject to the same limitations as copper cables, such as resistance and signal degradation over distance, they can maintain high data integrity across longer runs without the need for as many repeaters or signal boosters. This is particularly important for telecommunications and internet service providers as they expand their networks to support more users and higher data rates.

While other factors such as cost, installation ease, susceptibility to interference, and durability may also play important roles in the choice between fiber and copper, it is the combination of higher bandwidth and faster, more reliable data transmission over long distances that makes fiber-optic cables stand out in modern communications infrastructure.