Which type of cable usually allows for the highest data transmission rates?

Fiber optic cable is recognized for allowing the highest data transmission rates among the options provided. This is primarily due to its design, which utilizes light to transmit data rather than electrical signals. The light signals used in fiber optics can travel over long distances without significant loss of quality, enabling higher bandwidth capabilities and data transfer speeds compared to copper cables.

Fiber optic cables are able to achieve transmission speeds in the range of gigabits per second, with some advanced systems exceeding terabits per second. The technology behind fiber optics also enables higher capacities for data transmission, making it the preferred choice for high-speed internet, telecommunications, and data networks.

In contrast, twisted pair cable and coaxial cable have limitations related to their construction and the way they transmit data. While shielded cables provide additional protection against electromagnetic interference, they still rely on copper conductors, which inherently limit data rates when compared to the capabilities of fiber optic technologies.