Which of the following is a genuine advantage of using fiber-optic data transmission compared with metallic media?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction:
Fiber-optic cables guide light rather than electrical signals. This physical difference confers multiple benefits over copper for many networking scenarios, especially backbone and high-speed links.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Comparison targets typical twisted pair or coaxial copper vs optical fiber.
  • We consider practical deployments with standard transceivers.
  • Security references passive pickup difficulty, not absolute immunity.


Concept / Approach:
Optical transmission avoids electromagnetic radiation that copper conductors emit and receive. Fiber’s bandwidth-distance product is far superior; it supports high rates with low attenuation and immunity to EMI/RFI.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Assess security: fiber does not radiate EM fields like copper; passive tapping is harder and usually requires physical intrusion.2) Assess speed/distance: single-mode and advanced WDM systems achieve extremely high aggregate rates across long spans.3) Assess noise/errors: optical links are immune to electromagnetic interference, reducing noise and typical error mechanisms.


Verification / Alternative check:
Industry adoption of fiber in data centers, metro, and long-haul backbones confirms these advantages, complemented by error performance statistics.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Each individual advantage is valid; therefore, selecting only one understates fiber’s benefits.
  • None of the above is false, since all are genuine advantages.


Common Pitfalls:
Believing fiber is impossible to tap (it is simply more difficult); overlooking cost/handling factors when comparing media.


Final Answer:
All of the above.

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