What is one characteristic of multimode optical fiber?

One of the defining characteristics of multimode optical fiber is its ability to allow multiple light modes to propagate simultaneously. This feature arises from the larger core diameter of multimode fiber, which enables the transmission of multiple rays of light, each following different paths or modes within the fiber. This capability is particularly advantageous for short-distance applications, where bandwidth requirements can effectively be met through the use of multimode fiber. The design of multimode fiber facilitates the coupling of light from sources like LED light sources, making it ideal for use in local area networks and other applications where distance is not as significant a factor.

In contrast to this choice, a single core is characteristic of singlemode optical fiber, which does not propagate multiple modes and is typically used for long-distance communication due to its ability to maintain signal integrity over greater distances. The smaller diameter of singlemode fiber compared to multimode fiber also supports this distance capability. Therefore, the ability to support multiple light modes is what distinctly identifies multimode optical fiber.