Which of the following is a valid criterion used to help select a network medium?

• A. The distance the selected medium can successfully carry a signal
• B. The types of data that need to be prioritized
• C. The cost of the end devices utilized in the network
• D. The number of intermediate devices installed in the network

Answer: (A)

Choosing a network medium is driven by how far the signal must travel and how well the medium preserves it over that distance. This distance capability determines which medium fits a given network: copper works well for short, local runs; fiber handles long distances with minimal attenuation; wireless can cover large areas but depends on environment and frequency. For example, copper Ethernet is typically limited to around 100 meters, fiber can span kilometers with low loss, and wireless range varies with conditions. After ensuring distance requirements are met, other factors like bandwidth needs and installation practicality come into play. The other options relate more to quality of service, overall cost, or topology, rather than the medium’s basic propagation characteristics.