What is the maximum length for a fiber optic cable run to maintain signal integrity?

The maximum length for a fiber optic cable run to maintain signal integrity is generally understood to be up to 10 km for single-mode fiber. Single-mode fiber is designed for long-distance transmission, allowing light to travel directly down the fiber without significant signal loss. This minimizes modal dispersion, a common issue in multimode fibers where multiple light paths can lead to degradation over longer distances.

In practical applications, single-mode fibers can achieve distances of 10 km or more with the appropriate equipment and signal loss budget, making it suitable for connecting different locations within campus networks or telecommunication links. The use of single-mode fibers in long-distance applications is a fundamental characteristic that underscores their purpose and capability.

In contrast, the specified limits for multimode fibers, signaling their design and application context, are typically up to 2 km to maintain signal integrity, while the option that states there is no maximum length is misleading as all fibers experience attenuation over distances and thus have prescribed limits for effective performance. Therefore, the established limit of 10 km for single-mode fiber is a crucial fact for maintaining high-quality data transmissions over distances.