OS1 single mode optical fiber cables can carry a signal up to around a mile and a half, while OS2 cables can reach up to 125 miles. Multi-mode links can be used for data rates up to 800 Gbit/s. Multi-mode fiber has a fairly large core diameter that enables multiple light modes to be. Many factors decide the fiber cable distance, but the key factors include the below six aspects. Attenuation First is the attenuation of the optical fiber. OM2 fiber can also be used for 10G Ethernet, though with a distance. Fiber optic transmission distance varies based on fiber type, environmental conditions, and equipment selection. This design minimizes signal loss and enables data to be transmitted over longer distances with superior performance, making single mode fiber ideal for backbone. Fiber optic cables are categorized by how they transmit light: Single-mode (OS1/OS2): Guides light in a single, straight path through a tiny 9µm core, enabling long-distance, high-speed transmission.