What is the primary advantage of using fiber-optic cable over UTP cabling?

The primary advantage of using fiber-optic cable over UTP cabling is its resistance to electromagnetic interference. Fiber-optic cables transmit data as light signals through glass or plastic fibers, making them inherently resistant to electromagnetic noise and interference that can affect traditional copper cables like UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair). This resilience allows fiber-optic networks to maintain signal integrity and performance over longer distances and in environments with high electromagnetic interference, such as industrial settings or urban areas with dense electrical noise.

While increased bandwidth capacity is also a significant advantage of fiber-optic cables, it is the resistance to interference that directly contributes to their reliability and effectiveness in maintaining high-quality data transmission. In contrast, UTP cabling can suffer degradation in performance due to electromagnetic interference, limiting its use in certain applications.