Fiber optic cables come in two main types: single-mode and multi-mode. Single-mode fiber optics have a small core diameter, allowing a single light mode to travel straight through, which is ideal for long-distance communication and high-bandwidth applications. Multi-mode fiber optics have a larger core diameter, allowing multiple light modes to travel simultaneously, making them suitable for shorter distances and less demanding applications.

The cable is further protected by an outer sheath and sometimes additional layers of armor to resist physical damage, environmental factors, and interference. Fiber optic cables are used extensively in telecommunications, internet services, and data centers due to their ability to handle vast amounts of data with minimal loss and electromagnetic interference.

In summary, fiber optic cables offer superior performance for data transmission, characterized by high speed, large bandwidth, and long-distance capabilities, making them essential for modern communication networks and technologies.