Understanding the differences between single-mode and multi-mode fibre optic cables

30th October 2024

Fibre optic cables come in two main varieties: single-mode and multi-mode. While they both transmit data at lightning speed using light, they do so in slightly different ways, and understanding these differences can help your business choose the right solution.

Single-mode fibre

Single-mode fibre optic cables are designed to carry data over long distances. This makes them perfect for larger businesses or those with multiple office locations, perhaps spread across the North East. They offer higher bandwidth and are ideal for internet service providers or sectors like telecommunications and finance, where constant, long-distance data transmission is critical.

Multi-mode fibre

Multi-mode fibre cables, on the other hand, are generally used for shorter distances, like within a single office building or campus. The thicker core of the cable allows for multiple light signals to travel through at once, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to upgrade their internal network infrastructure without the need for long-range connections. It’s often used in sectors like education and healthcare, where reliable, high-speed connections are needed within a single location.

Which one is right for your business?

If you’re a small to mid-sized business operating within one building, multi-mode might be the best option. However, if you’re planning for growth or have multiple sites, single-mode could be the future-proof choice.

Still unsure?

The team at C-Tech Solutions can assess your needs and recommend the perfect fibre optic solution for your business. Get in touch with us to learn more.

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