Which optical fiber type is known for having a larger core size to support multiple light paths?

Multimode fiber is recognized for its larger core size, which allows it to support multiple light paths or modes of light. This design facilitates the transmission of signals over shorter distances while accommodating several light sources, typically LEDs, which can emit different angles of light. The larger core enables increased light capacity, making multimode fiber ideal for applications such as data centers and local area networks (LANs), where high bandwidth over moderate distances is essential.

Single-mode fiber, in contrast, has a much smaller core diameter that limits light transmission to a single mode, making it suitable for long-distance communication. Specialty fiber and plastic optical fiber serve specific roles within fiber optics but do not share the same characterized ability to transmit multiple light paths as multimode fiber does.