Describe the characteristics which distinguish an optical fibre cable from a coaxial cable.

Optical Fibre Cable

- Fibre Core: Made of ultrapure glass or plastic.
- Cladding: Surrounds the core, reflecting light back into it.
- Buffer Tube: Protects the fibre from damage.
- Outer Jacket: Provides overall protection.
- Transmission Method: Light pulses transmitted through the glass or plastic core via total internal reflection.

Coaxial Cable

- Copper Conductor: A single copper wire at the centre of the cable.
- Dielectric Insulation: Surrounds the conductor, preventing leakage.
- Braided Shield: Consists of a thin metal braid that serves as a ground and protects from electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Outer Jacket: Protects the cable from environmental factors.
- Transmission Method: Electrical signals transmitted through the copper conductor.

Key Distinctive Characteristics:

| Characteristic | Optical Fibre Cable | Coaxial Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre Type: Glass or plastic | Copper |
| Transmission Medium: Light | Electricity |
| Bandwidth: Extremely high | Moderate to high |
| Signal Attenuation: Very low | Higher |
| EMI Immunity: Excellent | Good |
| Weight and Size: Lightweight and compact | Heavier and bulkier |
| Flexibility: Can be bent without significant signal loss | More rigid |
| Distance: Can transmit signals over long distances without repeaters | Requires repeaters for longer distances |
| Security: Difficult to tap | More susceptible to tapping |
| Cost: More expensive | Less expensive initially |
| Applications: Telecommunications, data centres, medical imaging | Broadcasting, cable TV |