What are two primary types of fiber optic cables?

Fiber optic cables are primarily classified into two main types: single mode and multimode.

Single mode fiber optic cables have a small core diameter, typically around 8 to 10 micrometers, which allows only one mode of light to propagate through the fiber. This design enables the cable to transmit data over longer distances with minimal signal loss, making it ideal for telecommunications and large-scale data networks. Single mode fibers are well-suited for long-distance communication because they maintain the signal integrity over vast lengths, effectively minimizing modal dispersion.

On the other hand, multimode fiber optic cables have a larger core diameter, usually around 50 to 62.5 micrometers, allowing multiple modes of light to travel simultaneously. While this design permits higher bandwidth over shorter distances, it can lead to modal dispersion, which limits the transmission distance compared to single mode fibers. Multimode fibers are commonly used in local area networks (LANs) and data centers where the distances involved are shorter, typically within a few hundred meters.

Understanding these two primary types is crucial for determining the appropriate fiber optic solution based on specific networking needs and distance requirements.