What component typically characterizes a fiber optic cable?

A fiber optic cable is characterized primarily by its glass core. This core is made from silica or glass, which allows it to transmit light signals over long distances with minimal signal loss. The principle behind fiber optics is the transmission of data as pulses of light, which can travel through the glass core by a process known as total internal reflection. This capability enables fiber optic cables to support high bandwidth and high-speed data transmission compared to traditional copper cables.

In contrast to fiber optic cables, metal wiring involves using conductive materials to transmit electrical signals, which is not applicable here. Plastic insulation serves to protect the wires in various types of cabling but is not a defining characteristic of fiber optics. Foil shielding is also a common feature in some types of cables to reduce electromagnetic interference, but it again does not define fiber optic cables specifically.