What is the cable type and maximum distance of 10GBASE-LR?

10GBASE-LR specifies the use of single-mode fiber optic cable, which is designed for long-distance data transmission. The "LR" in the name stands for "Long Range," and it supports distances up to 10 kilometers. Single-mode fiber is capable of carrying signals over much longer distances than multimode fiber due to its smaller core size and the way light is transmitted through the fiber.

This is in contrast to other types of 10GBASE standards, such as those using multimode fibers, which are suited for shorter distances, typically within a building or a campus. Multimode fibers have a larger core and can support more modes of light, but they are limited in distance because of modal dispersion, which can degrade the signal over longer runs.

Understanding the specifications for 10GBASE-LR helps in designing network solutions that require high-speed data transmission over extended distances, making it a critical component for enterprise and data center networks.