Which characteristic causes multimode fiber-optic cable to differ from single mode?

Question

Options

• Aby allowing multiple network services in the same cable
• Bshorter maximum network segment length for a given bandwidth
• Ca wider variety of available connector types
• Duse outdoors as well as indoors

• A
  7% (4)
• B
  88% (52)
• C
  3% (2)
• D
  2% (1)

Explanation

Multimode fiber has a larger core diameter, which allows light to travel in multiple paths (modes) - this causes signal dispersion over distance, limiting how far it can reliably carry high-bandwidth signals compared to single-mode fiber. Option B is correct because this dispersion means multimode supports shorter maximum segment lengths for a given bandwidth; single-mode's narrower core constrains light to one path, preserving signal integrity over much greater distances.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A is wrong - both fiber types carry network traffic the same way; "multiple modes" refers to light paths, not network services.
• C is wrong - connector types (LC, SC, ST, etc.) are generally shared between both fiber types and aren't a defining differentiator.
• D is wrong - outdoor vs. indoor use depends on the cable's jacket rating, not whether it's single-mode or multimode.

Memory tip: Think of "multimode" as a highway with multiple lanes - more lanes sounds better, but merging traffic creates interference. Single-mode is one straight lane: less chaos, greater distance.

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