At what core diameter do multimode fibers typically operate?

Multimode fibers are designed to operate with core diameters that allow multiple light modes to propagate simultaneously, which is essential for certain types of data transmission, especially in short-distance applications. The most common core diameters for multimode fibers are 50 microns and 62.5 microns.

The 62.5-micron core diameter is historically significant as it was widely used in legacy multimode fiber systems. It allows for effective light transmission while accommodating a larger number of modes than a single-mode fiber. This characteristic is beneficial for applications like local area networks (LANs) and enterprise networks, where high bandwidth and shorter transmission distances are needed.

While 50 microns is also a standard core diameter for multimode fibers and offers improved performance and capacity, the relevance of the 62.5-micron core size in historical and practical contexts makes it a valid answer. Understanding the typical sizes helps in recognizing their applications in networking and telecommunications. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the significant role of the 62.5-micron diameter in the multimode fiber industry and its historical context.