What type of cable transmits data at close to the speed of light?

Fiber-optic cables transmit data at close to the speed of light due to their unique construction and the principles of light transmission. These cables use glass or plastic fibers to carry data signals in the form of light pulses. As light travels through these fibers, it can reach speeds that are approximately 70% to 99% of the speed of light in a vacuum, depending on the medium and conditions.

This remarkable speed makes fiber-optic cables highly efficient for high-bandwidth communication over long distances without significant loss of signal quality or speed. The design of fiber-optic cables allows them to offer greater bandwidth compared to other cable types, making them ideal for applications that require the transmission of large amounts of data rapidly, such as internet and telecommunications.

In contrast, coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, and Ethernet cables have limitations in terms of speed and distance due to their inherent physical properties and the electrical signals they use to transmit data. These cable types generally operate at lower speeds and are more susceptible to interference and signal degradation over long distances.