State two merits of using optic fibre cable for data transmission.(6 marks)June/July 2020

Optical fiber cables are thin strands of glass or plastic that are used to transmit data using light. There are several advantages to using optical fiber cables for data transmission:

1. High bandwidth: Optical fiber cables have a very high bandwidth, which means that they can transmit a large amount of data over long distances. This makes them ideal for high-speed data transmission, such as in broadband internet and video transmission applications.
2. Low loss: Optical fiber cables have a very low loss, which means that they can transmit data over long distances with minimal signal degradation. This makes them ideal for applications where the signal needs to be transmitted over a long distance, such as in telecommunications and cable TV systems.
3. Immunity to interference: Optical fiber cables are immune to electromagnetic interference, which means that they are not affected by electrical noise or interference. This makes them ideal for use in environments where there may be a lot of electrical interference, such as near power lines or electrical equipment.
4. Safety: Optical fiber cables do not conduct electricity, which makes them safer to use in environments where there may be a risk of electrical shock or fire.
5. Durability: Optical fiber cables are very durable and are resistant to physical damage, such as bending, crushing, and twisting. They can also withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environmental conditions, which makes them ideal for use in outdoor applications.
6. Security: Optical fiber cables are difficult to tap or intercept, which makes them ideal for use in secure communication applications, such as in military and government systems.