All fiber optic cables utilize extremely thin strands of either glass or plastic fiber to transmit information. Light carrying the information is sent through the core of these strands at high speeds in order to move data from one place to another. However, there are two basic types of fiber optic cabling that can be used in a fiber optic network, and it’s important to understand how each of them operates before you settle on using one over the other.

Single-mode fiber optic cabling has a small core that is only designed to allow one mode of light to pass through it at any given time. As a result of this setup, single-mode fiber optic cabling reflects light less often, which lowers attenuation and allows signals to travel for much longer distances. Those setting up fiber optic networks that need a higher bandwidth will often turn to single-mode fiber optic cabling

Multi-mode fiber optic cabling, on the other hand, has a larger core that is designed to allow multiple modes of light to pass through it at any given time. This increases dispersion and attenuation and allows for more light reflections inside of the fiber optic cabling, which in turn allows for more data to pass through it. The quality of the signal that is sent through multi-mode fiber optic cabling will, unfortunately, be reduced over longer distances, so it’s not ideal for larger fiber optic networks. Anyone who needs to set up a fiber optic network within a single building or within a small community, however, should consider using multi-mode fiber optic cabling.

Connected Fiber has two decades worth of experience with fiber optic cabling and can help you with your single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cabling needs. To learn more about the basic differences between each type of fiber optic cabling, call 910-443-0532 today.