Multimode and single-mode are two types of fiber optic cable used in different situations:
1. Multimode Fiber Optic Cable: This cable is designed to carry multiple light rays, or modes, concurrently, each at a slightly different reflection angle within the optical fiber. It is best used for short distances as the modes of light can disperse over longer lengths causing signal loss. Multimode fiber is typically used for data and audio/visual applications in local-area networks and connections within a building or campus, where distances are less than 2km.
2. Single-Mode Fiber Optic Cable: This cable only allows one mode of light to pass through at a time. It has a smaller core than multimode fiber, which allows the signal to travel faster and further without losing its strength. Single-mode fiber is typically used for longer distances, up to 100km, such as in long-distance telecommunications, cable TV networks, or college and university campuses.
In summary, if you're working over short distances within a building or campus, multimode fiber will likely be your best choice. If you're working over long distances, such as in a city-wide or regional network, you'll likely want to use single-mode fiber.