Which fiber type allows for longer cable runs?

Single-mode fiber is designed to support longer cable runs compared to multimode fiber. This is primarily because single-mode fiber has a smaller core size, typically around 8 to 10 micrometers in diameter, allowing it to carry light directly down the fiber with minimal scattering. This results in lower attenuation and less signal loss over long distances.

In contrast, multimode fiber, which has a larger core (about 50 or 62.5 micrometers), allows multiple light modes to propagate, but this leads to modal dispersion where different light rays arrive at different times, limiting the effective distance the signal can travel without degradation.

Hybrid and coaxial fibers do not have the same capabilities and characteristics as single-mode when it comes to supporting long distance runs, as coaxial is primarily used for cable television and other connections that do not require the same bandwidth or distance capabilities as fiber optics.