Which characteristic of fiber-optic cables makes them preferable over copper cables?

Fiber-optic cables are preferred over copper cables primarily due to their greater immunity to electromagnetic interference. This characteristic is crucial in telecommunications and networking environments where electronic interference from nearby devices or external sources can disrupt signal quality. Unlike copper cables, which can absorb electromagnetic noise, fiber-optic cables transmit data as light signals through glass or plastic fibers. This method of data transmission is inherently resistant to electromagnetic interference, resulting in clearer and more reliable communication over longer distances without degradation of the signal.

In addition, the structure of fiber-optic cables also allows them to have higher bandwidth capabilities, enabling faster data transmission speeds compared to copper cables. These factors contribute significantly to the growing preference for fiber optics in modern telecommunication infrastructures.