There are so many cable options are available the one might wonder where to start. This article will set you on the right path in the decision process. So here this article gives the information about the difference between single-mode and multimode fiber to better understand this topic.
Definition of single-mode optical fiber:
Single-mode optical fiber is a type of optical fiber that allows the propagation of only a single ray of light along with the fiber. Here the core to cladding diameter is 9 to 125 micrometers. It is also known as uni mode optical fiber or mono mode optical fiber.
Definition of multimode optical fiber:
Multimode fiber is a light ray propagate through the fiber at the same time, but each reflects at a certain different angle than others during transmission. The core to cladding diameter in the case of multimode optical fiber is 50-62 to 125 micrometers.
Difference between single-mode and multimode fiber:
- Single-mode fiber has 8-10 Micrometer and 125-micrometer respective core and cladding diameter, while the multi-mode fiber has 50 to 85 micro and 125 to 400-micrometer core and cladding respectively.
- Single-mode fiber includes a single ray of light, while multi-mode fiber involves more than one light ray.
- Single-mode fiber involves applications such as WAN, MAN, and data centers. While the contrary Multimode fiber involves applications such as a LAN, SAN.
- Single-mode fiber can cover a large distance up to 20-40 km, the regenerator is placed in between the distance of 20-40 km. while the multi-mode fiber covers a short distance and requires to place the regenerator in every 2 km.
- Single-mode fiber has a large range of 1260 nanometer to 1640 nanometer, while the wavelength of the produced signal through LED in the multimode is 850 nm to 1300 nanometer.
- The installation and connectors cost is lower in the case of multimode fiber as compared to Single-mode fiber.
- Single-mode fiber produces superior transmission quality and there is a minor loss. But the multi-mode fiber, multiple rays are employed which generate interference and attenuation.