Pickup fiber optic cable multimode or single-mode

Quick answer: Single-mode fiber has a 9-micrometer core, carries light in one path, and supports distances up to 80+ km. There are two main types of fiber optic cables: single mode and multimode. Although they can do the same job in some instances, the different construction methods make each of them better suited to certain tasks and budgets. Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Cost: Which Is. The fundamental difference between Single Mode (SMF) and Multimode (MMF) fiber is the core size and how light travels through it. [pdf]