When comparing how singlemode and multimode fiber are manufactured there s one big differentiator.
Single mode vs multimode fiber distance.
Some studies report a difference of 100 000 ghz.
Let s take a closer look at the types of multimode fiber options based on bandwidth and distance needs 1 gb s networksthe majority of enterprise fiber networks today still run 1000base sx delivering up to 1 gb s over multimode.
Multimode fiber optic cable has a large diametral core that allows multiple modes of light to propagate.
Typical transmission speed and distance limits are 100 mbit s for distances up to 2 km 1 gbit s up to 1000 m and 10 gbit s up to 550 m because of its high capacity and reliability multi mode optical fiber generally is used for backbone applications.
We will see the differences taking into consideration various comparison factors of transmission system such as data rate distance attenuation time to travel and so on.
Singlemode fiber s core size is smaller and carries light directly down the fiber it only allows the fundamental mode of light to transmit down the fiber.
Single mode fiber needs to be used with laser diode based fiber optic transmission equipment for precise calibration required to inject light into the fiber optic cable while multimode fiber is usually used with led based fiber optic equipment for short distance transmissions.
Single mode fiber distance and bandwidth.
Single mode vs multimode fiber.
Designed for long distance communication a single mode fiber cable allows light signals to travel more than 10 miles a much longer distance than multimode.
Single mode fiber also accommodates much higher bandwidths than multimode.
Because multimode fiber is thicker it can accommodate more signals for greater bandwidth.
Which should i choose.
So for greater speed it is better to use multimode fibers as a single cable is capable of handling what would otherwise require multiple single mode cables.
Om1 cable will support 1000base sx out to 275 meters and that distance jumps to 550 meters with om2 cable.
When making a decision between single mode and multimode fiber cables the first factor to consider is the fiber distance which you need actually.
Single mode fiber has a core that measures around 5um while the multimode fiber core measures 50um or more.
With a 9 micron.
The equipment used for communications over multi mode optical fiber is less expensive than that for single mode optical fiber.
This means that the core to cladding diameter ratio is 9 microns to 125 microns.
This page on single mode vs multimode fiber describes difference between single mode and multi mode fiber systems the other difference between terms are also provided.
Multimode fiber optic cable.