What measurement is typically used when evaluating fiber optic performance?

When evaluating fiber optic performance, bandwidth is the key measurement. Bandwidth in the context of fiber optics refers to the data transmission capacity of the fiber, which determines how much information can be sent over it within a given time frame. It is usually measured in bits per second (bps) and is a critical factor in assessing the overall performance of a fiber optic communication system.

This performance measurement is essential for understanding the potential data rates that can be achieved, which have a significant impact on network design and application capabilities. In fiber optics, factors such as modal bandwidth, frequency response, and the characteristics of the light source (like wavelength) all affect the effective bandwidth. Thus, assessing bandwidth allows technicians to determine whether a specific fiber optic installation meets the requirements for the intended applications, such as high-speed internet, video transmission, or real-time data processing.

In contrast, voltage, current, and resistance are electrical characteristics that apply more to traditional copper wiring and do not accurately represent the performance of fiber optic systems, which rely on light rather than electrical signals for data transmission. Therefore, bandwidth stands out as the relevant metric for evaluating fiber optic performance.