Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of fiber optic communication?

Fiber optic communication is known for several key characteristics that set it apart from traditional copper-based systems. Immunity to electromagnetic interference is a major advantage, as fiber optics transmit data as light signals, which are not affected by electrical noise or interference. This makes fiber optics particularly suitable for environments with significant electromagnetic activity.

Another characteristic is long distance capabilities. Fiber optic cables can transmit signals over much greater distances without the need for signal repeaters compared to copper cables, which suffer from attenuation. This ability makes fiber optics ideal for telecommunications and data networks that span large geographic areas.

Higher data transfer rates are also a hallmark of fiber optics, as they can handle significantly higher bandwidth capacities than copper cables. This allows for faster data transmission and supports the growing demands of modern applications, such as streaming and large data transfers.

The statement regarding high susceptibility to weather conditions stands out as the correct answer to the question, as it is not a characteristic of fiber optic communication. In fact, fiber optics can be quite resilient to various environmental factors. While extreme temperatures or physical damage might impact installation and performance, fiber optic cables are generally designed to withstand outdoor conditions better than many other types of cables, particularly when they are properly rated for such environments.