A: For most applications, the maximum distance of a single-mode cable is around 160 kilometers. Take the common OM2. Fiber optic cable transmission distance is determined by two primary physical factors that affect signal quality as light travels through the fiber medium. Chromatic dispersion This is a key factor affecting single mode fiber distance. Single-mode. Multi-mode (MM) fiber utilizes a relatively large core, typically 50 or 62. Because these different light paths vary slightly in length, they arrive at the receiving end at. Distance—Light travels a longer distance inside single mode cable than it does inside multimode.