When data is encoded as pulses of light, which media is being used to transmit the data?

When data is encoded as pulses of light, fiber optic cable is the medium used for transmission. This type of cable utilizes light to transmit data, which offers several advantages over other transmission media, particularly in terms of speed and bandwidth. Fiber optics can carry large amounts of data over long distances with minimal signal loss or degradation, making them ideal for high-speed internet and telecommunications.

Unlike copper or coaxial cables, which transmit data as electrical signals, fiber optic cables use strands of glass or plastic to transmit light signals. This allows for greater immunity to electromagnetic interference, which can be a significant drawback in environments with high electrical noise. The ability to maintain signal integrity over long distances without repeaters is a significant advantage in many networking applications.

In contrast, while copper, coaxial, and twisted pair cables rely on electrical signals for data transmission, they cannot achieve the same level of performance, particularly in bandwidth and distance, as fiber optic technology. Thus, the correct choice is fiber optic cable due to its unique ability to transmit data as pulses of light.