Which type of fiber optic cable is most commonly used in network installations?

Multi-mode fiber optic cables are the most commonly used type in network installations due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness for short-distance communication. These cables contain multiple light paths or modes within the core, which allows them to transmit multiple signals simultaneously over relatively short distances, typically up to 2 kilometers depending on the application and the specific type of multi-mode fiber used.

This makes multi-mode fiber especially suitable for local area networks (LANs), data centers, and other applications where high bandwidth is needed without the extended range requirements that single-mode cables would address. Multi-mode fiber operates efficiently with lower-cost light sources, such as LED light transmitters, which adds to their appeal for businesses and organizations looking to minimize infrastructure costs without sacrificing performance for typical networking needs.

In contrast, single-mode fibers are typically used for longer distances but are more expensive and require more precise light sources. Ribbon fiber and plastic optical fibers are less common for standard network installations, with ribbon fiber typically found in high-density applications and plastic optical fiber being more of a niche product suited for short-range applications with less stringent performance requirements.