Which type of fiber optic cable is faster: Singlemode or Multimode?Updated 9 months ago

Singlemode fiber optic cable offers significantly higher speeds over long distances compared to multimode fiber optic cable. This is because singlemode transmits light through a single, precisely defined path, minimizing signal scattering and distortion. Multimode, on the other hand, allows light to travel through multiple paths within a larger core, leading to modal dispersion and reduced bandwidth potential over longer distances. For example, at 10GbE speeds, singlemode can reach distances of up to 6.2 miles, while multimode is limited to around 1,800 feet.

Learn more about the differences between singlemode and multimode fiber optics cables in our Cable Academy blog Single mode vs Multimode Fiber Optic Cable.