Which configuration allows for the most efficient use of bandwidth in a fiber-optic communication system?

Point-to-multipoint (P2MP) configurations are designed to efficiently distribute data from a single source to multiple endpoints. This setup is highly effective for bandwidth utilization because it allows a single optical signal to reach many users simultaneously, sharing the available bandwidth among several recipients.

In a P2MP configuration, data is transmitted from a central node, such as an optical line terminal (OLT), to multiple endpoints. This reduces the need for separate fibers for each connection, thereby maximizing the amount of data that can be transmitted over the same physical medium without the additional costs and complexity associated with maintaining multiple individual connections.

Unlike point-to-point configurations, where each link requires a dedicated connection, P2MP allows sharing of bandwidth, making it ideal for scenarios like connecting homes in a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) implementation. Similarly, star and mesh configurations do not optimize bandwidth as effectively for multiple endpoints, as they often involve more complex routing or dedicated connections that can lead to underutilized resources and increased costs.

The P2MP configuration thus stands out in its ability to provide efficient bandwidth allocation while serving multiple users, making it the best option among the presented choices.