TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

What is an essential feature of fiber optic cabling compared to copper cabling?

1. It is less expensive to install

2. It is immune to electromagnetic interference

3. It is compatible with older technologies

4. It has a higher failure rate

The correct answer is: It is immune to electromagnetic interference

Fiber optic cabling has a crucial advantage over copper cabling in that it is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI). This characteristic arises from the way fiber optics transmit data; they use light instead of electrical signals. Since light signals are not affected by electromagnetic fields, fiber optic cables can operate in environments with significant electrical noise without experiencing data corruption or signal loss. This makes fiber optics particularly suitable for high-speed, high-bandwidth applications in areas such as telecommunications and data centers, where interference could disrupt operations. In contrast, copper cabling transmits data through electrical signals, which can be disrupted by surrounding magnetic fields, power lines, and other sources of EMI. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a cabling solution for environments that may have high levels of electrical noise, as fiber optics can provide a more reliable and stable connection.