Why is optical fiber preferred over copper wire in communications?

Optical fiber is preferred over copper wire in communications primarily due to its ability to provide increased speed and reduced signal loss over long distances. This characteristic is crucial for modern communication systems, especially those requiring high bandwidth, such as internet services, video streaming, and data transmission for cloud computing.

Optical fibers transmit data as light pulses, which can travel much faster than electrical signals conveyed through copper wire. This results in higher data transfer rates and enables the handling of larger quantities of information simultaneously. Furthermore, light travels through fiber optics with significantly less attenuation compared to electrical signals through copper. Copper wiring can suffer from signal degradation over long distances due to electrical resistance and interference from external electromagnetic sources, whereas optical fibers maintain signal integrity over much longer lengths without the need for frequent signal boosters.

These advantages make optical fiber the preferred medium for long-distance and high-speed communication, emphasizing the importance of speed and signal quality in modern telecommunications infrastructure.