Which phenomenon primarily limits data transmission distances in single-mode optical fibers at 1550 nm?

💡 Explanation

When light propagates through optical fiber, Rayleigh scattering occurs because of microscopic density fluctuations in the glass, causing photons to scatter in random directions, resulting in signal attenuation. Therefore Rayleigh scattering limits transmission distances significantly at 1550 nm, rather than Brillouin scattering or dispersion which are less dominant at that wavelength.

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