Fiber optic cables transmit data as pulses of light through thin strands of glass or plastic. The mode of light propagation determines the classification:
| Feature | Single-Mode Fiber | Multimode Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Core Diameter | 8–10 µm | 50–62.5 µm |
| Light Modes | Single | Multiple |
| Transmission Distance | Long (up to 100 km or more) | Short (up to 400 m) |
| Bandwidth | Very high | High, but limited by modal dispersion |
| Typical Use | Telecom, long-haul, carrier-grade networks | Data centers, LANs, short-reach high-speed links |
| Cost | Higher (cables and transceivers) | Lower, more cost-effective for short distances |
On the other hand, multiple light rays propagate through the waveguide at the same time in multimode optical fiber.
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