Which type of fiber optic cable generally has a larger core diameter?

Multi-mode fiber generally has a larger core diameter compared to single-mode fiber. The core diameter of multi-mode fiber typically ranges from 50 to 62.5 microns, allowing multiple light modes to propagate simultaneously. This design is advantageous for short-distance communication, particularly in applications such as local area networks (LANs), where data does not need to travel long distances.

In contrast, single-mode fiber has a much smaller core diameter, usually around 8 to 10 microns, which is optimized for long-distance transmission of data by allowing only one mode of light to travel through the fiber. This reduces modal dispersion and allows for greater bandwidth over long distances.

Plastic optical fiber, while it can have larger core diameters similar to multi-mode, is generally not used in the same robust applications as glass fibers and thus may not be as relevant for comparisons in professional settings.

Hybrid fiber combines properties of both single-mode and multi-mode fibers, but does not specifically pertain to the question of which type has a larger core diameter. Hence, multi-mode fiber is identified as the correct answer based on its core specifications.