- 1-800-537-2296
- Send Us An Email
- Free ground shipping for online store orders
- We ship globally
An optical fiber or fiber optics has emerged as a leading signal transmission medium in data networking applications. It was first proposed as a technology for light transmission in the 1950s. By 1990s the optical fiber technology has gained traction. By 2010, it has taken over the copper cable transmission. Unlike, copper cables, the fiber optics transmits the signals in an optic format that is in the form of light waves. It offers higher data transmission speed, greater data security, and endurance to harsh environmental conditions in comparison to the copper cables. These cables benefit from their design and construction. The fiber optic cables are constructed by bundling multiple glass strands inside a cladding, which is further protected by a buffer tube, which offers protection against environmental conditions. The optic signals are transmitted through these glass strands by the refraction of light principle.
This white paper thoroughly discusses single mode optical fiber, multimode optical fiber, the difference between both, and the selection parameters for specific operations.
The mode is generally defined as the way of optical wave transmission. The optical waves of uniform frequencies, as they enter in the optical fiber are distributed in different paths of transmission. The path followed by each individual optical wave is referred to as mode.
The number of modes in a fiber optic cable is calculated by solving the Helmholtz equation for wave. The Helmholtz equation itself is obtained by applying boundary conditions to Maxwell’s equation. Therefore, the fiber optic modes are projectile solutions of Maxwell’s equation.
The modes are the result of the modal dispersion phenomenon taking place inside the fiber optic cable.
Note: The modal dispersion is totally irrelevant of the number of glass fiber strands wrapped inside the cladding.
Single mode optical fiber is a type of optical fiber designed specifically for single mode light transmission. This means different light waves of different frequencies are transmitted through a single path via this type of optical fiber. These single mode optical fibers are preferred in the industry by a common acronym SMF. The SMF carries optical signals in a transverse mode. That means the path of optic wave transmission is parallel to the length of fiber optic core strand but the electromagnetic oscillation takes place in a perpendicular/transverse direction.
The following characteristics of single mode optical fiber (SMF) make them unique.
Depending on the variation in characteristics, the single mode optical fiber (SMF) is categorized. Let us discuss the categorization of SMF further.
The general types of single mode SMF are listed below.
The multimode optical fiber is a type of optical fiber designed for multiple light signal propagation. The industrial acronym for multimode optical fiber is MMF. In MMF, the modal dispersion takes place according to varying wavelengths of the optical signals. Therefore, modal dispersion in the MMF is higher. The path of optic wave propagation in the MMF is either zigzag or semi-elliptical in nature, it depends on the refractive index of the glass core material.
The following characteristics of Multimode optical fiber (MMF) make them ideal for certain applications.
The multimode optical fiber (MMF) is mainly categorized into two types based on two factors, namely, a system of classification and refractive index and signal behavior.
Besides the characteristics, the differences between the single mode and multimode optical fiber can be stated in a few different ways. The following are the highlighted differences between single mode and multimode optical fibers.
As discussed in earlier sections, it is understood that the manner of optical wave propagation differs according to the modal dispersion and refractive index of the core glass material. This difference in the path of propagation impacts on input and output signal via fiber optic. Let us discuss the impact of both single mode and multimode optical fiber cable.
In the single mode optical fiber, modal and light dispersion is negligible, therefore the light wave transmits in a linear manner. Due to the same, the attenuation is reduced and signal strength remains consistent. Therefore, in SMF, the input signal and output signal are of the same strength over a long distance of transmission.
Also, as multiple optical waves of varying frequencies may transmit via SMF but they all follow the same path, therefore all the data packets reach the output end of the optical fiber. Therefore, the reliability of data transmission from transmitting source device to the receiving device remains assured.
In multimode optical fiber cable, the transmission occurs in two ways, let us discuss the effect of both on the input and output signals.
Both SMF and MMF installation require specific resources like light sources, connectors, etc.
Although the single mode optic fiber cable is less than multimode, the entire installed system of SMF is more expensive than the MMF installed system. This because the capital investment of optical source and integrated devices in the SMF network is higher than MMF. Generally, the laser diode equipment itself costs 1.5 to 5 times higher than the LED diodes. Also, SMF may demand an additional cost of amplifiers, and system maintenance, therefore the overall cost deployment for SMF is higher than MMF.
Compatibility with several applications makes one of the differentiating factors for SMF and MMF.
When it comes to select between single mode and multimode fiber optic for a specific application, one must consider several factors. The factors of consideration are an application requirement, cost of fiber, cost of installation system, equipment installation requirements, a distance of transmission, speed of transmission, etc. In order to select one of the single mode or multimode optical fibers, the thorough comparison for these selection factors shall be done.
Refer to the following comparison table for convenient selection.
|
Sr. No.
|
Selection Parameter |
Single mode optical fiber |
Multimode optical fiber |
|
1 |
Cost of Fiber |
Low |
High |
|
2 |
Cost of Equipment and Installation |
High (1.5-5 times more) |
Moderate |
|
3 |
Attenuation/ Signal Dispersion |
Low |
Moderate |
|
4 |
Bandwidth |
High |
Low |
|
5 |
Transmission |
Low |
High |
|
6 |
Transmission Distance |
High |
Low |
|
7 |
Data Reliability |
High |
Moderate |
Due to the extensively growing demand for fiber optic technology, numerous applications of fiber optic cables are found. However, due to the versatility of applications and requirements, the selection of single mode or multimode fiber optic cable has become crucial. Owing to the need for efficiency, it is essential to consider several factors related to the application and fiber optic in order to make the right choice. Thorough knowledge about fiber optic technology, single mode optical fiber and multimode optical fiber, their characteristics, and scope of utility is important, this can certainly lead to an effective selection of suitable fiber optic cable. To gain more information about VERSITRON’s SMF and MMF cables and related equipment, please visit https://www.versitron.com/.
The information provided in this white paper is intended solely for general information purposes. The practice of Engineering differs across each project, as it is driven by site-specific circumstances. Thus, any business decision based on the implementation must be taken only after consultation with a qualified and licensed professional who is capable of addressing all relevant factors, challenges, and desired outcomes. The information in these white papers is derived from various verified sources and posted after reasonable care and attention. It is possible that some information may appear incomplete, incorrect, or inapplicable considering your particular condition. In such condition, VERSITRON does not accept the liability for direct or indirect losses resulting from using, relying, or acting upon the information in this white paper.
