The opposite of multi-mode fiber is single-mode fiber.
Multi-mode fiber is easier to work with than single-mode fiber. The fiber is larger and the tolerances required are much lower.
Multi-mode fiber is sometimes abbreviated as MMF.
Multi-mode fiber is a type of fiber optic cable which is thick enough for light to follow several paths through the code.
Multi-mode fiber is best suited for use in short lengths, such as those used in Local Area Networks (LANs) and Storage Area Networks (SANs).
Multi-mode fiber comes in two standard widths, 62.5 micron and 50 micron. A micron is one millionth of a meter.
62.5 micron multi-mode fiber can support Gigabit Ethernet over distances as long as 275 meters; 50 micron multi-mode fiber can increase that range to 550 meters