While single mode optical fiber offers unmatched distance and speed for large-scale telecom and data center applications, multimode fiber remains a cost-effective and practical choice for enterprise and short-range connections. 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. They both have their sweet spot, and knowing which one fits your organization's needs can help you make the right choice. Read on for a breakdown of the difference between. Unlike copper cables, which rely on electrical signals, fiber optics use pulses of light to transmit data—offering unmatched bandwidth, low interference, and long-distance capabilities.