What distinguishes fiber-optic cables from copper cables in terms of signal transmission?

Fiber-optic cables are distinguished from copper cables by their method of signal transmission, which relies on light rather than electricity. In fiber-optic technology, data is transmitted as pulses of light through thin strands of glass or plastic fibers. This light transmission allows for higher bandwidth and faster data rates, as well as improved performance over longer distances compared to copper cables that transmit data using electrical signals.

The use of light in fiber-optic cables also makes them less susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which can disrupt electrical signals in copper cables. This characteristic enhances the reliability and quality of the data transmission. Additionally, fiber optics can support more users and devices simultaneously, making them a superior choice for modern telecommunication networks and high-speed internet connections.