Which of the following cable types can transmit data farthest?

Fiber optic cables are capable of transmitting data over much greater distances than the other cable types listed due to their unique construction and use of light for data transmission. Unlike copper cables, which can suffer from signal degradation over longer distances due to resistance and electromagnetic interference, fiber optic cables transmit data using light pulses through glass or plastic fibers. This allows them to maintain strong signal integrity over many kilometers without the need for repeaters.

In practical terms, fiber optic cables can reach distances of over 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) for single-mode fibers without significant loss of signal, while multimode fibers can typically transmit data effectively over distances up to 2 kilometers (about 1.2 miles). This extensive reach makes fiber optics the preferred choice for long-haul telecommunications and high-speed data connections, ensuring that high-quality, high-bandwidth signals can be delivered without degradation over long distances.

In contrast, twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and even Category 5e cables are limited in their effective transmission distances. Twisted pair cables are mainly used in local area networks and can transmit data effectively only up to about 100 meters (328 feet). Coaxial cables can transmit data over greater distances than twisted pairs, but still limited compared to fiber