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CCST Networking: Which Cable Type Is Used for Long-Distance Fiber-Optic Connections?

Which cable is best for long-distance fiber-optic connections? Learn why single-mode fiber is the industry standard for long-haul data transmission—essential for Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking 100-150 exam success.

Table of Contents

Question

Which type of cable is typically used for long-distance connections in fiber-optic networks?

A. Cat6
B. Single-mode fiber
C. Coaxial
D. Multimode fiber
E. Shielded twisted pair

Answer

B. Single-mode fiber

Explanation

Single-mode fiber is designed for long-distance transmission, while multimode is for shorter distances.

The cable type typically used for long-distance connections in fiber-optic networks is single-mode fiber.

Single-mode fiber has a small core diameter (about 8–10 microns) that allows only one light mode to propagate, minimizing signal attenuation and dispersion over long distances.

This design enables single-mode fiber to support transmission distances up to 200 kilometers or more, making it ideal for metro, backbone, and long-haul telecommunications networks.

In contrast, multimode fiber has a larger core and is suited for short-distance applications (typically up to 1,000 meters), such as within buildings or data centers, due to higher attenuation and modal dispersion.

Single-mode fiber is available in types such as OS1 (indoor, up to 10 km) and OS2 (outdoor/long-haul, up to 200 km), with OS2 being preferred for the longest distances.

Single-mode fiber is specifically engineered for long-distance transmission, providing minimal signal loss and supporting high-bandwidth communication over many kilometers.

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