What does "fiber count" refer to?

"Fiber count" refers to the number of fibers within a single fiber optic cable. This term is essential in fiber optic installations, as it indicates how many individual optical fibers are enclosed within the cable sheath. A higher fiber count allows for greater data transmission capacity, enabling the cable to support more simultaneous signals or channels.

For example, a cable with multiple fibers can be used to connect multiple devices or networks without requiring additional cables, thus simplifying installation and increasing efficiency in data transmission. Understanding fiber count is crucial for network design and implementation, as it helps determine the appropriate cable for specific applications and future scalability. The other options, while related to fiber optics, do not accurately define "fiber count."