What is the main reason fiber optic cables are preferred over copper cables in networking?

Fiber optic cables are preferred over copper cables primarily because they offer higher bandwidth. This means that fiber optics can transmit more data at faster speeds over greater distances compared to copper cables.

The technology behind fiber optics utilizes light to transmit information, allowing for significantly higher data rates than what copper can provide. This capability is crucial in modern networking environments, where the demand for data transmission continues to grow. Higher bandwidth connections enable support for more devices and services, making fiber optics the ideal choice for environments requiring high-performance networks.

In comparison to other factors, while fiber optics are indeed lighter and can provide advantages in handling, these characteristics do not directly contribute to their primary function of data transmission. Additionally, the initial installation costs of fiber optics can sometimes be higher than copper due to the specialized equipment and training required. Therefore, the clear advantage of higher bandwidth is the primary reason that shapes the preference for fiber optic cables in networking applications.