What is a disadvantage of multi-mode fiber?

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Multi-mode fiber does have its disadvantages, particularly regarding its performance over longer distances. Unlike single-mode fiber, which is designed to carry light directly down the fiber with minimal loss over extensive lengths, multi-mode fiber uses multiple light modes, which can lead to higher dispersion and attenuation.

As the signal travels further through multi-mode fiber, these effects result in increased loss of signal strength and clarity, making it less effective for long-distance transmission compared to single-mode options. This characteristic limits the practical applications of multi-mode fiber in environments where long-distance communication is necessary.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the key shortcomings of multi-mode fiber. For example, while multi-mode fiber does have lower bandwidth capabilities when compared to single-mode fiber, it can still support considerable bandwidth for short to medium-distance applications. Additionally, multi-mode fiber is often less expensive than single-mode fiber, thus negating the cost disadvantage in many scenarios. Scalability concerns also tend not to be as pronounced with multi-mode fiber because it can typically handle increasing bandwidth needs in local networks where distances are not extensive.