An optical fiber with a larger core (typically 50 or 62.5 microns) than singlemode fiber. The core is made of plastic or glass fibers. It is the most commonly used fiber for cabling short distances as used in LANs. The name multimode comes from the fact that light rays travel down multiple reflective paths (modes) within the fiber. This allows light to enter the core at different angles, making it easier to connect to broader light sources such as LEDs (light emitting diodes). Fiber optic interfaces and multimode fiber-based transmission systems are less expensive than those based on singlemode fiber. However, the use of multiple reflective paths (modes) increases modal dispersion and shortens the distances that this type of fiber optic transmission system can span."