What is the primary advantage of using fiber optic cables over copper cables?

The primary advantage of using fiber optic cables over copper cables is their higher data transmission speed and longer distance capabilities. Fiber optic cables use light to transmit data, which allows them to carry significantly more information at much higher speeds compared to copper cables that transmit electrical signals. Additionally, fiber optics can transmit data over much greater distances without the loss of quality. This makes them ideal for telecommunications and high-speed internet connections, where performance and distance are critical.

The benefits of fiber optics are evident in applications that require high bandwidth and low latency, attributes that are essential for modern data transmission needs. This is particularly important in environments like data centers, long-distance communication, and high-definition video streaming.

While other options suggest certain advantages, such as lower installation costs or ease of installation, they do not match the fundamental benefits of speed and distance that fiber optics provide. The heavyweight design also does not apply, as fiber optic cables are typically lighter than copper cables, allowing for easier handling and installation. Thus, the superior capability of fiber optics in terms of data speed and transmission distance clearly positions it as the preferred choice in many applications.