Choosing cabling resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI): You must implement a network medium that is essentially immune to EMI and radio-frequency interference. Which cabling type should you use?

Introduction / Context:
Electromagnetic interference can corrupt signals carried over copper media. In environments with heavy machinery, medical equipment, or high EMI/RFI, choosing the right medium is critical for reliable networking.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• High-EMI environment or need for maximum immunity to interference.
• Options include copper and optical media.
• Goal is to avoid susceptibility to external electromagnetic fields.

Concept / Approach:

Fiber-optic cables transmit light, not electrical signals. They are immune to EMI/RFI, offer excellent security against tapping, and support long distances and high bandwidth. Copper (UTP/coax) conducts electricity and can both emit and receive interference unless heavily shielded; even then, immunity is not comparable to fiber.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Vendor datasheets and standards note fiber’s inherent EMI immunity and typical distances (hundreds of meters to kilometers depending on type), versus copper's shorter reach and susceptibility.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Thicknet/Thinnet coax (A/B) and Cat5 UTP (C) are copper media and can pick up noise; shielding can help but not eliminate susceptibility.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming shielded twisted pair (STP) equals immunity; overlooking grounding issues that can introduce noise on copper runs.

Final Answer:

Fiber-optic cable