Certified Fiber Optics Practice Exam

Why is fiber optics considered a very secure transmission medium?

1. It radiates energy.

2. It's easy to tap into.

3. It does not radiate energy.

4. It uses coaxial cables.

The correct answer is: It does not radiate energy.

Fiber optics is considered a very secure transmission medium primarily because it does not radiate energy. This characteristic is significant because, unlike electrical transmission methods, which can emit signals detectable by outside devices, fiber optic cables transmit data through light within the fiber. As a result, any attempt to tap into the cable—such as by intercepting the light signal—requires physical access to the fiber itself, making unauthorized interception much more challenging. The fact that fiber does not emit signals also means that it is less susceptible to eavesdropping or signal interference from external sources. This inherent characteristic enhances the confidentiality and integrity of the data being transmitted, which is particularly important for sensitive information or secure communications. The other options highlight misconceptions about fiber optics. For example, mentioning that it radiates energy contradicts why it is secure, while the suggestion that it's easy to tap into neglects the physical security measures required to access the fiber itself. Lastly, coaxial cables, which are commonly used for different types of data transmission, do not provide the same level of security as fiber optics due to their physical properties.