An optical cable is a type of cable that uses light to transmit data. It consists of a core made of glass or plastic fibers that carry light signals, surrounded by a cladding that reflects the light back into the core. This design allows for high-speed data transmission over long distances with minimal signal loss, making it ideal for internet and telecommunications. Optical cables are commonly used in various applications, including fiber-optic internet services, television broadcasting, and telephone networks. They are preferred over traditional copper cables because they can handle larger amounts of data and are less susceptible to interference.