What characteristics does a multimode fiber generally have?

A multimode fiber is designed with a larger core diameter, typically ranging from 50 to 62.5 micrometers, which allows it to gather more light compared to single-mode fibers. This characteristic makes multimode fibers more effective at transmitting multiple light modes simultaneously. The larger core captures more light, enabling higher light-gathering ability, which is particularly beneficial for short-distance applications such as within buildings or data centers where high bandwidth is not as critical as in long-distance connections.

This design results in multimode fibers being well-suited for environments where the ease of installation and cost-effectiveness are prioritized, while still delivering reliable performance over short distances. The increased light-gathering ability can support a greater number of light modes, enhancing the fiber's capacity to transmit data in certain scenarios, despite limitations in bandwidth compared to single-mode fibers over long distances.