What is a primary advantage of using fiber-optic systems over traditional copper cables?

The primary advantage of using fiber-optic systems over traditional copper cables is their higher bandwidth and faster data transmission capabilities. Fiber optics use light to transmit data, allowing for much larger amounts of information to be carried over longer distances without experiencing the degradation that typically affects electrical signals in copper cables. This is particularly important in applications requiring high-speed internet and large data transfers, as fiber-optic systems can support advanced technologies and services like 4K video streaming, high-resolution teleconferencing, and large-scale data centers.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the main advantages of fiber optics. Lower installation costs are less relevant since fiber-optic installation can often be more expensive upfront, although it may provide long-term savings due to reduced maintenance. Compatibility with older technologies is generally more applicable to copper systems, as many existing infrastructures utilize copper wiring. Finally, increased physical size is not a characteristic of fiber optics; in fact, fiber-optic cables are typically thinner and lighter than copper cables, contributing to their ease of installation in various environments.