What is the most common type of fiber optic cable used for data transmission?

The most common type of fiber optic cable used for data transmission, particularly in local area networks (LANs) and data centers, is multimode fiber. This type of fiber optic cable is designed to carry multiple light modes or rays simultaneously, which allows it to support large volumes of data over relatively short distances. Its core is larger in diameter compared to single-mode fiber, enabling it to accommodate multiple light paths.

In many practical applications, multimode fiber is preferred due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. It is typically used for short-distance communication, such as within a single building or campus, because it can achieve high data transmission rates over these shorter distances. It is ideal for applications such as video, voice, and data transmission within data centers.

While single-mode fiber can transmit data over much longer distances and is often used in telecommunications and long-haul data transmission, it is not as commonly deployed in local networking environments due to its higher cost and more stringent installation requirements. Coaxial cables and twisted pair cables are primarily used for RF signals and electrical communications rather than fiber optic data transmission, making them less relevant for this specific question.