So, to cut right to the chase, you can generally tell if fiber is multimode or singlemode by examining the cable's jacket color, looking for printed markings on the jacket, checking the connector type, and if all else fails, by measuring the core diameter or using an optical. So, to cut right to the chase, you can generally tell if fiber is multimode or singlemode by examining the cable's jacket color, looking for printed markings on the jacket, checking the connector type, and if all else fails, by measuring the core diameter or using an optical. So, to cut right to the chase, you can generally tell if fiber is multimode or singlemode by examining the cable's jacket color, looking for printed markings on the jacket, checking the connector type, and if all else fails, by measuring the core diameter or using an optical time-domain. Choosing the right type of fiber optic cable is essential for reliable and cost-effective network performance. The two main types — Single Mode (SM) and Multimode (MM) — differ in construction, performance, and application. Here are some methods you can use: Single-mode (SM): Typically has a smaller core diameter, usually around 9 microns. This allows for a single mode of light to travel through the core. They're perfect for telecommunications and CATV.