What does a "trunk cable" consist of in fiber optics?

A trunk cable in fiber optics is designed to facilitate large volumes of data transfer over longer distances, making it essential for networking and telecommunications. It consists of multiple fibers bundled together within a single cable sheath. This bundling allows for increased capacity and provides flexibility in terms of connectivity and network expansion. By having multiple fibers, trunk cables support various configurations and the potential for efficient management of multiple connections, thereby accommodating high-bandwidth applications effectively.

The other answer choices do not accurately define a trunk cable. A single fiber cable refers only to one fiber and lacks the multi-fiber capacity that trunk cables provide. A long fiber with connectors might imply extended reach but does not encompass the essential aspect of multiple fibers. A fiber cable with built-in attenuation is not a standard characteristic of trunk cables; attenuation refers to signal loss rather than the structural composition of the cable itself. Therefore, the definition identifying multiple fibers bundled together is the most accurate representation of what a trunk cable entails in fiber optics.