Which technology is crucial for long-distance communication on the Internet?

Optical fiber

Optical fiber, which transmits data as light signals through thin strands of glass or plastic, has revolutionized telecommunications, enabling very high-speed transmission over long distances without significant signal loss. This technology has been a key factor in the expansion of the Internet, providing much greater bandwidth capacity and better reliability compared to traditional copper cables. One of the first commercial uses of optical fiber was established in the 1970s, marking the beginning of a new era in global communication. Today, undersea optical fiber cables form the backbone of the global Internet, connecting continents and allowing almost instantaneous information exchange on a planetary scale.