What is the primary limitation of copper cables in telecommunications compared to fiber-optic cables?

The primary limitation of copper cables in telecommunications, compared to fiber-optic cables, is indeed shorter transmission distances. Copper cables, such as twisted pair and coaxial cables, are susceptible to signal degradation over distance, which means that the further the signal travels, the weaker it becomes. This attenuation limits the effective range of copper for high-speed data transmission, typically necessitating the use of repeaters or amplifiers to maintain signal quality over longer distances.

On the other hand, fiber-optic cables use light to transmit data, which can travel much further without significant loss of signal strength. Fiber can maintain high transmission speeds and quality over several kilometers, making it ideal for long-distance telecommunications infrastructure.

Other considerations like greater bandwidth, lower cost, and higher durability are aspects where fiber-optic cables generally outperform copper. Fiber-optic cables can accommodate higher data rates (greater bandwidth), are often considered more cost-effective for large-scale deployments despite higher initial installation costs, and have greater durability since they are immune to electromagnetic interference and less affected by environmental factors.