Which type of fiber-optic cable is generally cheaper?

Multimode fiber-optic cable is generally cheaper compared to single-mode cable due to a few key factors. First, multimode fiber has a larger core diameter, typically 50 or 62.5 micrometers compared to single-mode fiber's core, which is about 8 to 10 micrometers. This larger core allows light to bounce around inside the fiber, which makes it easier and less expensive to manufacture.

Additionally, multimode systems can utilize cheaper light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), compared to the laser sources required for single-mode fibers. The cost of the transceivers and other related equipment tends to be lower for multimode applications, making it a more economical choice for shorter distance applications where high bandwidth requirements can be met most economically.

In contrast, single-mode fiber is designed for long-distance communication and requires precise alignment with laser sources, which increases both the complexity and cost. Optical fiber is a general term and does not specify a type of cable, while coaxial cable is a different technology altogether, unsuitable in this context since it does not fall under fiber-optic cables.