What type of fiber is best suited for long-distance communication?

Single-mode fiber is best suited for long-distance communication due to its design and the way it transmits light. This type of fiber has a small core diameter, typically around 8 to 10 microns, which allows only one mode of light to propagate through the fiber. As a result, single-mode fiber minimizes modal dispersion, the phenomenon where different light modes travel at different speeds, causing signal distortion over long distances.

Because there is less signal degradation and attenuation in single-mode fibers, they can support higher bandwidths and longer transmission distances, making them ideal for applications such as telecommunication and high-speed data networking over several kilometers or even miles. This capability to maintain signal integrity over extensive distances is crucial in many applications, including internet and telecommunications infrastructure.

In contrast, multi-mode fiber has a larger core diameter, allowing multiple light modes to traverse simultaneously and leading to greater modal dispersion over long distances. Plastic optical fiber, while flexible and easier to handle, typically has higher losses and is not suitable for long-distance communication compared to glass fibers. Copper wire, while capable of transmitting data, faces limitations in distance and bandwidth compared to optical fibers, especially in high-demand scenarios. Thus, single-mode fiber is the preferred choice for long-distance fiber optic communication