Term of the Moment
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Definition: multimode fiber
An optical fiber with a larger core than singlemode fiber. Commonly used for short distances such as LANs, light can enter the multimode fiber core at different angles, making it easier to connect to broader light sources such as LEDs. See singlemode fiber, graded-index fiber and fiber optics glossary.
Multimode vs. Singlemode
In multimode fiber, light rays travel down multiple reflective paths (modes), causing modal dispersion, which is a broadening of the pulses at the receiving end. See dispersion.