In multimode optical fiber, where do light signals travel?

In multimode optical fiber, light signals travel through the core of the fiber. The core is the central part of the fiber where the light signals are transmitted, and it is designed to carry multiple light modes or rays simultaneously. This characteristic allows multimode fibers to support short-distance data transmission effectively.

The core is surrounded by cladding, which has a lower refractive index than the core, ensuring that the light signals remain trapped within the core by the process known as total internal reflection. This structure is essential for maintaining signal integrity and minimizing losses as the light travels through the fiber.

The outer jacket serves as a protective layer that shields the fiber components from environmental damage but does not play a role in the transmission of light signals. The connector interface is used for connecting fibers to devices or other fibers but does not influence where the light travels within the fiber itself.