These two categories define how light travels through the fiber core: Transmits a single light mode; very low attenuation; supports long-distance transmission up to 100 km or more. Although they can do the same job in some instances, the different construction methods make each of them better suited to certain tasks and budgets. In this guide, Omnitron Systems explores the key differences between. Unlike copper cables, which rely on electrical signals, fiber optics use pulses of light to transmit data—offering unmatched bandwidth, low interference, and long-distance capabilities. But not all fiber cables are created equal: multimode (MM) and single mode (SM) fibers are the two primary types. We'll cover single mode, multimode, and armored fiber cables below. Single mode fiber optic cable is made up of a small diameter glass or plastic core surrounded by cladding, which is a layer of reflective material.
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