What is a primary feature of fiber optic cables?

Fiber optic cables are primarily recognized for their ability to transmit data using light signals. This technology takes advantage of the principle of total internal reflection, where light signals travel through the glass or plastic fibers, allowing for high-speed data transmission over long distances. This method of data transmission is fundamentally different from traditional copper cables, which use electrical signals.

The use of light provides several advantages, including higher bandwidth and greater data transmission capacity, which makes fiber optic cables ideal for internet and telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, the use of light signals enables fiber optics to achieve faster speeds compared to their copper counterparts, enhancing their utility in modern networking environments.

While the other options mention aspects like cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and resistance to interference, they do not encapsulate the defining characteristic of fiber optics, which is the use of light for data transmission. Thus, the focus on light signals is what sets fiber optic technology apart in communication systems.