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. This guide explores the key factors affecting fiber optic transmission distance and provides practical selection guidelines for a stable and cost-effective network deployment. Key. In simple terms, how far can a fibre cable transmit a signal before it begins to degrade? The answer depends on several interrelated factors — fibre type, cable standard, the light wavelength in use, and the optical transceivers connected to it. Even details like connector quality, splicing, and. 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.