Final answer:
Optical fiber cables designed with a cladding material to ensure total internal reflection and minimize signal loss are capable of providing ultra-high density and lower-cost solutions for communications. The high bandwidth and reduced crosstalk properties further enhance their efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of fiber cable design that allows for large numbers of fibers with ultra-high density, small size (diameter) and lower cost is characterized by the use of optical fibers bundled together with each fiber being surrounded by cladding material. The cladding has a lower index of refraction compared to the core, which prevents light from being transmitted between fibers in the bundle. This allows for total internal reflection within the core, thus minimizing signal loss and ensuring high-quality transmission. Additionally, the high bandwidth and reduced crosstalk properties of optical fibers contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of these cables, making them superior to their copper-based counterparts for long-distance communications.