Multi-mode fiber is a type of fiber optic cable that transmits its signal over several light pulses at different angles. Because the signal dissipates over long distances, multi-mode fiber cables are used only in short-range applications.

When a longer fiber optic cabling is needed, single-mode fiber is used. However, at high transmission speeds, the cable and equipment used for single-mode fiber are more expensive compared to multi-mode fiber. Also, the cabling used for multi-mode fiber has a much larger core at 50-62.5 micrometers compared to the 9-micrometer cores in single-mode fiber.

Fiber, Network terms, Single-mode fiber

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