Difference Between Fiber Optic Singlemode and Multimode Pictures

Single-mode fiber and multimode fiber are two different types of fiber optic communications, and they differ significantly in terms of core diameter, transmission distance, light source, bandwidth, and price.

Core Diameter: The core diameter of single-mode fiber is generally 9μm, while the core diameter of multimode fiber is 50/62.5μm.

Transmission distance: single-mode fiber due to the narrow core, it can only transmit a mode of light at 1310nm, 1550nm and WDM wavelengths, so it has a smaller dispersion and higher bandwidth, suitable for long-distance transmission. The core of the multi-mode fiber is wider, can transmit a variety of modes of light at a given operating wavelength, but due to the transmission of up to hundreds of modes, the transmission constants of each mode and the group rate is different, resulting in a narrow bandwidth of multi-mode fibers, dispersion is large, and loss is large, suitable for short-distance transmission.

Light source: Single-mode fiber generally uses laser light source, while multi-mode fiber generally uses LED light source.

Bandwidth: Due to the small core diameter of single mode fiber, it has a high bandwidth.

Price: Multimode fiber is more expensive than single-mode fiber because multimode fiber supports multiple optical modes.

Overall, the main differences between single-mode fiber and multi-mode fiber are in core diameter, transmission distance, light source, bandwidth and price. When choosing to use, you need to choose according to the specific application scenarios and needs.

Audit Editor Huang Yu