What is the role of fiber-optic cable in data transmission?

In data transmission, fiber-optic cable plays a crucial role as it serves as a carrier using light rays. This technology takes advantage of the principles of total internal reflection to transmit data. The core of a fiber-optic cable is made of glass or plastic and is designed to allow light to travel through it while minimizing loss. As data is encoded into light pulses, it can be transmitted over long distances with very little attenuation and interference, providing bandwidth far superior to traditional copper cables.

While fiber-optic connections do not provide a wireless network, they are essential for high-speed data transmission networks and are widely used in telecommunications, internet infrastructure, and cable television. Additionally, although fiber-optic systems can contribute to energy efficiency due to the reduced need for signal boosters over long distances, their primary function is the transmission of data via light, which is fundamentally different from the capabilities of copper wiring or wireless technologies.