What is the cable type and maximum distance of 10GBASE-S?

The correct answer is Multimode - 400 meters, as specified for 10GBASE-S, which refers to a 10 Gbps Ethernet standard operating over multimode fiber. This standard allows for a maximum distance of 400 meters when using OM4 multimode fiber. OM4 fiber optic cable is optimized for higher bandwidths and is often used in data centers and enterprise networks for high-speed connections.

The choice of multimode fiber for this standard is crucial, as it enables higher data transfer rates over shorter distances compared to single-mode fiber, which is used for longer-distance communications. In 10GBASE-S applications, the fiber-optic link must support the specific requirements for distance and bandwidth, which makes the selection of OM4 multimode appropriate for 400 meters of reach.

Understanding the limits and capabilities of different cable types, as illustrated by this question, is essential for effective network design and implementation, especially when ensuring that devices will communicate reliably within the specified distances.