Which type of fiber optic cable is better for high-bandwidth applications?

Single-mode fiber is the better choice for high-bandwidth applications due to its design and characteristics. This type of fiber has a smaller core diameter (typically around 8 to 10 microns) that allows only one mode of light to propagate through the fiber. As a result, single-mode fiber minimizes signal attenuation and dispersion, enabling it to support greater distances and higher bandwidths compared to multi-mode fiber. This makes single-mode fiber particularly advantageous for long-haul telecommunications and data center interconnections where high data rates and long transmission distances are essential.

In contrast, multi-mode fiber, with a larger core (around 50 or 62.5 microns), supports multiple light modes, which can lead to modal dispersion. This can limit its effective bandwidth over longer distances, making it less suitable for high-bandwidth applications. Multi-mode fiber is typically more appropriate for shorter distances, such as within campus networks or between buildings where high-speed data transmission is needed, but over shorter ranges.

Acknowledging these characteristics clarifies why single-mode fiber is considered superior for high-bandwidth applications, as it facilitates faster data transmission over longer distances without significant loss of quality.