Which of the following is an advantage of using optical fibers over copper cables?

Optical fibers offer several advantages over copper cables, and one of the most significant is their immunity to electromagnetic interference. This characteristic stems from the way optical fibers transmit data. Instead of using electrical signals, optical fibers utilize light to convey information, which makes them inherently resistant to electromagnetic interference that can affect copper cables. This immunity means that optical fiber installations maintain higher signal integrity and quality over long distances and in environments with various electronic devices that may cause interference.

The benefits of using optical fibers in communication systems include their ability to transmit data over longer distances without loss of quality, which is not achievable with copper cables. Additionally, because optical fibers are not affected by electromagnetic fields, they can be installed in proximity to such sources without degrading the signal quality. This quality is particularly important in applications where reliable data transmission is critical, such as in telecommunications and data centers.

In contrast to the advantages of optical fibers, factors such as weight, energy consumption, and susceptibility to interference do not favor copper cables in similar applications.