What is the primary advantage of using optical fiber over copper wires?

The primary advantage of using optical fiber over copper wires lies in its ability to support higher bandwidth and transmit data over much longer distances without significant signal loss. Optical fiber transmits data using light, allowing for the transmission of vast amounts of information at very high speeds, which is crucial for modern applications that demand high data rates. This capability enables fiber-optic cables to serve as the backbone for data networks, supporting services such as high-definition video streaming, cloud computing, and extensive telecommunications infrastructure.

Additionally, when compared to copper, which can suffer from electromagnetic interference and signal degradation over long distances, optical fiber maintains its performance over greater lengths, making it ideal for long-range communications. This long-distance capability adds to its advantages in various settings, including data centers and telecommunications networks where maintaining signal integrity is paramount.

While lower installation costs, ease of splicing, and better insulation properties may be considerations in different contexts, the significant improvement in bandwidth and the extended transmission distance are what fundamentally distinguish optical fiber as a preferred choice in many networking scenarios.