What is a benefit of single-mode step index fiber compared to multi-mode fiber?

Single-mode step index fiber offers a significant benefit in terms of greater bandwidth capacity compared to multi-mode fiber. This enhanced bandwidth is primarily due to the way light propagates through single-mode fibers. In single-mode fibers, light travels through a single path or mode, which minimizes modal dispersion – a phenomenon where multiple light modes traveling at different speeds can cause signal distortion over longer distances.

As a result, single-mode fibers can support higher data rates over much longer distances than multi-mode fibers, making them ideal for telecommunications and data-intensive applications. The design of single-mode fibers allows them to transmit signals more effectively, enabling higher bandwidths without the limitations often encountered in multi-mode systems.

While other factors such as cost, construction, and bending sensitivity can play a role in fiber selection, the primary advantage of single-mode step index fiber remains its ability to handle greater bandwidth capacity, which is critical for modern high-speed communication networks.