Which of the following best describes the characteristics of a telecom outside plant network?

The characteristics of a telecom outside plant network are best described by employing singlemode fiber due to its specific advantages for long-distance signal transmission. Singlemode fiber has a smaller core diameter, typically around 8 to 10 microns, which allows only one mode of light to propagate. This minimizes modal dispersion and enables the transmission of signals over much greater distances compared to multimode fibers, which can suffer from modal dispersion due to multiple light paths.

In telecom applications, especially for outside plant environments, the demand for high bandwidth and long-distance connectivity is essential. Singlemode fiber supports longer distances without the need for signal regeneration or repeaters, making it economically and technically advantageous for telecommunications companies.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not align as closely with the primary considerations of a telecom outside plant network. For instance, multimode fibers are often used in shorter-distance applications and situations where high bandwidth is not as critical. Plastic optical fibers, while easier to handle and install, typically do not offer the performance needed for most telecom applications. Graded-index multimode fibers, while beneficial in reducing modal dispersion compared to traditional step-index multimode fibers, still do not match the long-distance capabilities and high-performance standards required by telecom networks.