Shielded cables protect signals from interference by:

Shielded cables protect signals from interference by:

• A. Increasing data rate regardless of interference
• B. Blocking external electromagnetic fields
• C. Reducing cable weight
• D. Providing mechanical support

Answer: (B)

Shielded cables protect signals by blocking external electromagnetic fields from coupling into the conductors. The conductive shield surrounding the inner wires, when grounded, provides a low-impedance path for interference to be diverted away, acting like a Faraday cage. This reduces noise pickup and also helps contain radiation from the cable, improving signal integrity. The other points—like increasing data rate, reducing weight, or providing mechanical support—do not describe the shielding’s primary role.

Shielded cables protect signals by blocking external electromagnetic fields from coupling into the conductors. The conductive shield surrounding the inner wires, when grounded, provides a low-impedance path for interference to be diverted away, acting like a Faraday cage. This reduces noise pickup and also helps contain radiation from the cable, improving signal integrity. The other points—like increasing data rate, reducing weight, or providing mechanical support—do not describe the shielding’s primary role.