What is a common measure used to indicate bandwidth capability in fiber optics?

The common measure used to indicate bandwidth capability in fiber optics is expressed as MHz-km. This unit combines megahertz (MHz), which denotes the frequency of the signal, with kilometers (km), which indicates the distance over which the bandwidth is applicable. In fiber optics, bandwidth is crucial because it determines the amount of data that can be transmitted over the fiber at a certain distance.

The MHz-km measurement provides a standardized way to express the bandwidth performance of a fiber optic cable. For instance, a cable rated at 1000 MHz-km means that it can support a bandwidth of 1000 megahertz over a distance of one kilometer. This makes it easier to compare different types of fiber optic cables regarding their performance capabilities.

Other units listed in the options serve different functions in the context of telecommunications and fiber optics. Decibels measure signal loss rather than bandwidth, Hertz is a unit of frequency but does not provide the distance aspect that is crucial in fiber optics, and Ohms measure electrical resistance, which is not applicable to the primary performance metric of fiber cables.