Multimode fiber has a larger core (typically 50 or 62. 5 microns) and can carry multiple light signals, usually LEDS, at once. While that's great for short distances, those overlapping signals can bump into each other and cause distortion over longer distances. There are several kinds of multimode fiber types available for high-speed network installations, and each with a different reach and data-rate capability. Whether you're linking buildings, running broadband in rural areas, or building 5G infrastructure, the right cable matters. This. But not all fiber cables are created equal: multimode (MM) and single mode (SM) fibers are the two primary types, each engineered for specific use cases, from short-range data center connections to transcontinental telecom backbones. This guide breaks down their technical differences, performance. There are two main types of fiber optic cables: single mode and multimode.