Fiber optic cable can be run anywhere from 300 meters up to 80 kilometers (roughly 50 miles) depending on the cable type, transceiver used, and network standard. Many factors decide the fiber cable distance, but the key factors include the below six aspects. Attenuation First is the attenuation of the optical fiber. This guide explores the key factors affecting fiber optic transmission distance and provides practical selection guidelines for a stable and cost-effective network deployment. With amplifiers, such as Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), the distance can be extended to 600 miles or more, and even further with additional amplifiers for long-haul. Fiber optics transmits information by sending light signals through thin strands of glass. While this technology offers higher speeds and longer distances than traditional copper wiring, physical limitations impose distance constraints. Light pulses degrade as they travel over long spans, primarily.