Understanding Dark Fiber: Types of Fiber

Because the topic of dark fiber is getting higher visibility, it’s good to break down the fundamentals to increase understanding of the resource.

Operating a fiber optic system with maximal efficiency requires knowing what type of fiber is being used and why. Understanding the characteristics of different fiber types will help you choose the optimal application and achieve the best performance.

There are two basic types of fiber: multimode fiber and single-mode fiber. Multimode fiber is best designed for short transmission distances and is suited for use in LAN systems and video surveillance.  Single-mode fiber is best designed for longer transmission distances, making it suitable for long-distance telephony and multi-channel television broadcast systems.

It’s very possible that one has an understanding of fiber optic technology without the knowledge of how to design a dark fiber network, negotiate dark fiber contracts with carriers and get the best deals on implementation and/or construction, if necessary. That’s where a dark fiber consultant comes in handy.