What is the unique feature of fiber-optic cable?

Fiber-optic cable is distinguished by its ability to transmit data at close to the speed of light. This unique feature stems from the use of light signals, which travel through the fiber strands made of glass or plastic. Since light travels significantly faster than electrical signals in metal conductors, fiber optics can facilitate much higher bandwidths and speeds over longer distances without degrading the signal quality. This characteristic makes fiber-optic cables an excellent choice for high-speed internet connections and telecommunications, as they can carry large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

This speed advantage is not shared by cables that use metal conductors, which rely on electrical signals that travel much slower, typically around the speed of sound in a conductor. Additionally, while fiber optics can sometimes be more cost-effective over long distances than other wiring options, they are not necessarily the cheapest form of wiring in all scenarios.