Multimode fiber optic cable is the most commonly used type for short-distance networking applications.

Overview of Fiber Optic Cable Types

Fiber optic cables are primarily categorized into single-mode (SMF) and multimode (MMF) fibers. Single-mode fibers have a small core (around 8–10 microns) and support a single light path, making them ideal for long-distance, high-bandwidth applications such as metro networks, backbone connections, and telecommunications systems . OS1 and OS2 are the main single-mode types, with OS2 optimized for outdoor and long-distance use . Multimode fibers, on the other hand, have a larger core (50–62.5 microns) that allows multiple light paths, which makes them suitable for short-distance communication within buildings, campuses, and data centers . Multimode fibers are less expensive to produce and install compared to single-mode fibers, which contributes to their widespread use in local area networks (LANs) and enterprise environments .

Why Multimode Fiber is Most Common

• Cost-effective: Multimode fiber is cheaper than single-mode fiber and uses less expensive light sources like LEDs or VCSELs .
• Short-distance suitability: Ideal for distances up to 550 meters for high-speed applications (e.g., OM4) and up to 2 km for older OM1 fibers .
• Ease of installation: Larger core size simplifies alignment and splicing, making it practical for office and campus networks .
• High bandwidth for LANs: Modern multimode fibers (OM3, OM4, OM5) support 10 Gbps to 400 Gbps speeds over short distances, meeting most enterprise needs .

Summary

While single-mode fiber dominates in long-haul, high-capacity networks, multimode fiber is the most common type overall due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and suitability for short-distance applications like LANs, data centers, and campus networks .