Updated for 2026: In this 2026 guide, we break down fiber optic cable types for commercial buildings—single-mode vs multimode, OM3/OM4 options, and plenum vs riser vs outdoor jackets—so you can spec the right fiber for your facility.

Fiber isn’t “one thing.

The structured cabling systems have two key components that are Main Distribution Frame (MDF) and Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF). The MDF is the place where the outside service provider connects to the internal network and IDFs are used as distribution points for end user devices.