Fiber optic cables are used to transmit data and audio signals using light. They come in different types, each designed for specific applications and distances. This guide will help you identify the most common types of fiber optic cables and understand how many strands of fiber are typically found in each.
Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)
Also called: OS1, OS2
What it looks like: Yellow jacket, small core (~9µm)
Used for: Long-distance, high-bandwidth transmission (up to 100km)
Strand count:
- Simplex: 1 strand
- Duplex: 2 strands
- Trunk cables: 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, or 144 strands
Cable type: Single-mode fiber optic cable
Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF)
Also called: OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5
What it looks like:
- OM1/OM2: Orange jacket
- OM3/OM4: Aqua jacket
- OM5: Lime green jacket
Used for: Shorter distances (up to 550m), ideal for LANs and data centers
Strand count: - Duplex: 2 strands
- MTP/MPO: 12, 16, or 24 strands
Cable type: Multi-mode fiber optic cable
TOSLINK (Optical Audio Cable)
Also called: Digital Optical, SPDIF, Optical Audio
What it looks like: Small square port with a flap or red light inside
Used for: Sending digital audio from a TV, game console, or Blu-ray player to a soundbar or AV receiver
Strand count: 1 strand
Cable type: Toslink (optical audio cable)
Coaxial Digital Audio
Also called: Digital Coax, SPDIF Coax
What it looks like: Single round port, usually orange
Used for: Sending digital audio using an RCA-style cable
Strand count: 1 conductor (not fiber-based)
Cable type: Coaxial digital audio cable
Audiophile CAT8 Hybrid
Also called: Fiber-shielded Ethernet, AV-grade CAT8
What it looks like: Braided jacket, ferrite cores, shielded connectors
Used for: High-resolution audio streaming, AV over IP, gaming
Strand count: Shielded twisted pairs with fiber-based insulation (not traditional fiber strands)
Cable type: CAT8 hybrid cable
Quick Tips
- Match the cable type to the port label on your device
- Don’t force a connector into a port that doesn’t fit easily
- For audio, use TOSLINK or coaxial digital for clean signal transmission
- For networking, choose single-mode for long runs and multi-mode for short, high-speed links
Need Help?
Monoprice offers a wide range of fiber optic cables for both networking and audio setups. If you're unsure which cable or strand count is right for your application, our support team is happy to help.