Final answer:
Broadband cable Internet and cable TV services use coaxial cable for local connections within homes, while fiber optic cables are favored for long-distance and large-scale telecommunications infrastructure due to their low loss and high bandwidth capabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Broadband cable Internet service and cable TV are most commonly delivered over long distances via coaxial cable and fiber optic cable. Coaxial cables are specifically designed to block electronic noise, making them ideal for cable TV and Internet connections within homes. They consist of an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating layer and a metallic shield. The resistance and low leakages characteristics allow for effective transmission of signals.
However, for wider telecommunication infrastructure and long-distance transmission, fiber optic cables are commonly used due to their ability to carry signals with much lower loss and higher bandwidth compared to coaxial cables. This technology utilizes the principle of total internal reflection to transmit light signals, which can be used for telephone, Internet, and cable TV services. Optical fibers can span across oceans and continents, underpinning the global telecommunications network.