Which of the following is a basic building block of fiber-optic systems?

The basic building block of fiber-optic systems is point-to-point links. These links represent the fundamental structure through which communication occurs in fiber-optic networks, allowing users to send data from one location to another directly. This configuration forms the backbone of many fiber-optic installations, making it integral to the complete system.

While optical connectors, signal amplifiers, and fiber types play essential roles in ensuring the effectiveness, efficiency, and functionality of fiber-optic systems, they serve more as supporting components rather than the foundational structure. Optical connectors facilitate the joining of fiber ends, signal amplifiers boost the signal strength over long distances, and different fiber types (such as single-mode and multimode) cater to varying applications and performance needs. However, without the point-to-point links that connect two endpoints directly, the transmission of data in a coherent manner would not occur, thus underscoring the significance of this concept within the overall architecture of fiber-optic systems.