What Is Fiber Optic Cable? Speed, Types & Benefits

A fiber optic cable is a type of telecommunication cable that uses light to transmit data. Light travels through thin strands of glass—about the size of a human hair—delivering internet at incredibly fast speeds.

Compared to traditional cable or DSL, fiber offers significantly higher bandwidth, lower latency, and more consistent performance—especially during peak usage hours.

What is Fiber Optic Cable Made Of?

Fiber optic cable is made of several layers that work together to protect and transmit data efficiently.

Fiber Optic Cable Jacket

The outer jacket protects the cable from damage. It’s typically made from Polyethylene (PE) or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), known for heat and weather resistance.

Strengthening Fibers

Located beneath the jacket, these fibers are usually thin plastic strands that reinforce the cable and protect it during installation and construction.

Inner Coating

An additional protective layer surrounds the inner components, adding durability and shielding the most delicate parts.

Cladding

Cladding surrounds the fiber core and keeps light from escaping by reflecting it back inward, ensuring efficient signal transmission.

Core

The core is where light travels, transmitting data at extremely high speeds. The surrounding cladding keeps the light contained.

Even though fiber cables contain thin glass strands, they are extremely durable, flexible and physically strong.

How Does Fiber Optic Cable Work?

Fiber optic cables transmit data using pulses of light that travel incredibly fast over long distances.

Think of it like Morse Code. Instead of dots and dashes, computers use binary—1s and 0s—to communicate.

Here’s how it works:

• Light signals travel through the fiber cable
• A photoelectric sensor receives the signal
• The signal is converted into electrical data
• Each pulse of light represents a 1; absence represents a 0

These bits combine to form everything you see online—from streaming video to gaming and browsing.

Fiber internet can transmit hundreds of millions of bits per second. For example, a 1 Gig plan can process up to 1 billion bits per second, enabling ultra-fast, reliable performance.

With Ezee Fiber, you get symmetrical speeds, low latency, and consistent performance—ideal for 4K streaming, gaming, and smart homes.

Single Mode vs. Multimode Fiber

There are two main types of fiber optic cables: single mode and multimode.

Multimode Fiber

Multimode fiber allows light to travel along multiple paths (modes). Because the signal disperses, it weakens over distance. This makes it ideal for shorter distances like offices or buildings. It’s also more cost-effective.

Single Mode Fiber

Single mode fiber allows light to travel in a single, straight path. This eliminates signal distortion and enables faster speeds over much longer distances. It’s the preferred choice for modern fiber networks.

Ezee Fiber uses advanced single mode fiber to deliver ultra-fast speeds and reliable connectivity across entire communities.

Types of Fiber Optic Cable

Multimode Fiber Cable

OM1 Fiber

• Core Diameter: 62.5 µm
• Max Speed: 100 Mbps
• Max Distance: 33 meters
• Color: Orange
• Light Source: LED

OM2 Fiber

• Core Diameter: 50 µm
• Max Speed: 10 Gbps
• Max Distance: 82 meters
• Color: Orange
• Light Source: LED

OM3 Fiber

• Core Diameter: 50 µm
• Max Speed: Up to 100 Gbps
• Max Distance: 100–300 meters
• Color: Aqua
• Light Source: VCSEL (laser)

OM4 Fiber

• Core Diameter: 50 µm
• Max Speed: Up to 400 Gbps
• Max Distance: 150 meters
• Color: Aqua
• Light Source: VCSEL

OM5 Fiber

• Core Diameter: 50 µm
• Max Speed: Up to 400 Gbps
• Max Distance: 150 meters
• Color: Lime Green
• Light Source: VCSEL

Single Mode Fiber Cable

OS1 Fiber

• Core Diameter: 8–10 µm
• Max Speed: 10 Gbps
• Max Distance: 10 kilometers
• Color: Yellow
• Light Source: Laser

OS2 Fiber

• Core Diameter: 8–10 µm
• Max Speed: 10 Gbps+
• Max Distance: Up to 200 kilometers
• Color: Yellow
• Light Source: Laser

Why Fiber Internet Matters

Fiber optic technology delivers faster speeds, greater reliability, and lower latency than traditional cable or DSL. It’s built to handle today’s bandwidth demands and tomorrow’s innovations.

With Ezee Fiber, you get:

• 100% fiber internet (no slowdowns from shared coax lines)
• Symmetrical upload and download speeds
• Ultra-low latency for gaming and streaming
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Get Fiber-Fast Speeds with Ezee Fiber

Fiber internet is the future—and it’s available now.

Upgrade to Ezee Fiber and experience fast, reliable internet designed for how you live today. Check availability and sign up to get connected.