Yes, single-mode fiber can transmit and receive data simultaneously. There are two ways to achieve this. It is specified as the best for especially long-distance applications than multimode fiber. This document outlines the specifications for a single-mode optical fiber and cable designed for use around the 1310 nm zero-dispersion wavelength, suitable for both the 1310 nm and 1550 nm regions, and compatible with analogue and digital transmission. It details the fiber's geometrical, optical. The difference is that fiber-optics use light pulses to transmit information down fiber lines instead of using electronic pulses to transmit information down copper lines. 659 Characteristics of optical components and subsystems Characteristics of optical systems G.