Which type of cable typically handles higher data transmission speeds over longer distances?

Optical fiber cable is known for its capacity to transmit data at significantly higher speeds over longer distances compared to other types of cabling. This capability arises from the way optical fiber technology works; it uses light signals for data transmission instead of electrical signals. This method allows for minimal signal loss and interference, enabling data to travel more efficiently over vast distances without degrading the quality of the signal.

Moreover, the bandwidth capacity of optical fiber is substantially higher than that of copper or twisted-pair cables, making it the preferred choice for high-speed internet and telecommunication services, especially in applications requiring high data rates, such as video streaming and large data center networks.

In contrast, copper and twisted-pair cables, while useful for many applications, have limitations regarding speed and distance due to signal attenuation and electromagnetic interference. Coaxial cable, although better than copper for certain applications, does not come close to the performance standards of optical fiber in terms of both distance and speed. Consequently, optical fiber stands out as the optimal choice for scenarios demanding high throughput over long distances.