How does the bandwidth of optical fibers compare to copper wires?

Optical fibers exhibit a significantly higher bandwidth compared to copper wires, making them superior for data transmission. This is primarily due to the physical properties of light and the way information is carried in optical fibers. Optical fibers can transmit data at very high frequencies, which allows them to carry much more information simultaneously than copper wires.

The high bandwidth of optical fibers is attributed to their ability to utilize multiple wavelengths of light (known as wavelength division multiplexing), allowing many signals to be transmitted concurrently without interference. In contrast, copper wires are limited by electrical resistance, electromagnetic interference, and skin effect, which restrict their capacity to carry high-frequency signals effectively.

As a result, fiber optics are increasingly used in telecommunications and computer networks because they can handle large amounts of data over long distances with reduced signal loss and higher speeds. This advantage makes optical fiber a preferred medium in modern communications, emphasizing their higher bandwidth capability in contrast to copper wiring.