What is the maximum distance a single mode fiber-optic cable can run?

Single mode fiber-optic cables are designed to transmit data over much longer distances compared to multimode fiber cables due to their smaller core size and the way they guide light. The maximum distance for single mode fiber typically reaches up to approximately 6,562 feet, or 2,000 meters, without significant degradation of signal quality. This long distance capability makes single mode fiber an excellent choice for telecommunication networks, long-haul data transmission, and any application that requires spanning large distances while maintaining high bandwidth and low attenuation.

In contrast, other options reflect much shorter distances that are characteristic of either multimode fiber or some specific limiting conditions that don’t apply to the standard performance of single mode fibers. This capability makes single mode fiber essential for modern high-speed networking needs, enabling connections across cities and large campuses. Understanding the effective range of single mode fiber is crucial for designing and implementing systems that require extensive coverage without signal loss.