Which fiber optic cable type is optimized for long-distance communication due to a single light path?

Which fiber optic cable type is optimized for long-distance communication due to a single light path?

• A. Multi-mode Fiber
• B. Coaxial
• C. Single-mode Fiber
• D. Twisted Pair

Answer: (C)

Single-mode fiber is designed so that only one light path propagates through the core. This eliminates modal dispersion, where multiple paths cause pulses to spread out over distance, allowing the signal to travel much farther with less distortion. That makes it ideal for long-distance communication. Multi-mode fiber, with a larger core, supports many paths and experiences greater dispersion, limiting distance. Coaxial and twisted pair are copper-based media, not optical fibers, so they carry electrical signals rather than light. So the option that best supports long-haul, single-light-path transmission is single-mode fiber.

Single-mode fiber is designed so that only one light path propagates through the core. This eliminates modal dispersion, where multiple paths cause pulses to spread out over distance, allowing the signal to travel much farther with less distortion. That makes it ideal for long-distance communication. Multi-mode fiber, with a larger core, supports many paths and experiences greater dispersion, limiting distance. Coaxial and twisted pair are copper-based media, not optical fibers, so they carry electrical signals rather than light. So the option that best supports long-haul, single-light-path transmission is single-mode fiber.