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Constructions are different
Transmissions are different
Special-purpose fiber - Polarization-maintaining fibers written by Hai
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Principle of operation - Special purpose fiber - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_fiber
Multimode fibers - http://www.rp-photonics.com/multimode_fibers.html
The basic of fiber optic cable (single mode and multi mode) -http://www.arcelect.com/fibercable.htm
Single mode vs Multi mode fiber optic cable -http://www.multicominc.com/active/manufacturer/multicom/Fiber%20Optics/singlemode-multimode.html