Which statement describes a difference between fiber and copper cabling?

Question

Options

• ACopper is generally less expensive than fiber for long runs
• BCopper is generally less expensive than fiber for short runs
• CSignals can be transmitted longer distances over copper than multi-mode fiber
• DSignals can be transmitted longer distances over copper than single-mode fiber.

• A
  5% (1)
• B
  74% (14)
• C
  16% (3)
• D
  5% (1)

Explanation

Copper cabling is less expensive than fiber for short runs because the materials, connectors, and termination tools for copper (such as Cat6 patch cables) cost significantly less than fiber optic components and the specialized equipment needed to splice or terminate them. Option A is wrong because the cost advantage reverses over long distances - copper requires signal repeaters to compensate for attenuation, which adds expense, whereas fiber can carry signals far without them. Option C is wrong because multi-mode fiber still outperforms copper in range; standard copper Ethernet tops out at roughly 100 meters, while multi-mode fiber can reach 550 meters to 2 kilometers depending on the standard. Option D is wrong because single-mode fiber has an even greater distance advantage, transmitting signals tens of kilometers without amplification, making it far superior to copper in range.

Memory tip: Think of copper as the "short-distance budget cable." The moment distance becomes the priority, fiber wins every time - and the longer the run, the bigger fiber's advantage.

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