Final answer:
Internet messages are mainly transmitted using packet switching, facilitated by fiber optic cables which provide high bandwidth and low loss transmission. The transmission relies on refraction to conduct light within the cables.
Step-by-step explanation:
Messages are typically transmitted over the internet through a process known as packet switching. In this process, data is broken into smaller packets that are sent independently over various routes and then reassembled at the destination. While technologies like circuit switching, satellite transmission, and fiber optic cables are involved in communication systems, packet switching is the specific method that underpins most internet traffic today.
Fiber optic cables, which use laser signals to carry data, are a significant medium for these messages because of their high bandwidth and low loss properties. Due to their ability to allow light to travel long distances without significant signal degradation, fiber optic cables complement the packet-switching method by providing a reliable and high-capacity infrastructure. Additionally, the principle of refraction is key in fiber optic technology, guiding light through cables with total internal reflection to ensure signals are transmitted effectively.