Fiber Optics has brought a breakthrough in the world of telecommunication and the internet. They outstand the electrical cables with their long-distance coverage and higher bandwidth carriage. It provides high data exchange speeds that travel as fast as light via the cable. Now here we will discuss two major types of it: Single Mode and Multi-mode Fiber Cable.
What are Single Mode Optic Fiber Cables?
To be very simple, Single Mode Optic Fiber Cable a single strand of glass fiber with a diameter of 8.5-10 microns that has one mode of transmission. Also, its small core allows this cable to virtually eliminate the distortion, which can result from overlapping light pulses. The single light carried is faster and perfect for transmitting light signals or data to long distances as the light propagates 1310 or 1550 nm.
What are Multi-Mode Optic Fiber Cables?
In the other category falls, Multi-Mode Optic Fiber Cable, that is of a bigger diameter, up to 50-100 microns. As the light propagates 850 or 1300 nm, it also gets dispersed into various paths. The larger diameter and core raises the possibilities of data dispersion or loss in its way.
How can I decide which one to choose? Single Mode or Multi-Mode Optic Fibre Cable?
Even after knowing the facts, this question is a stressful one. So here is a short help:
- Single Mode is faster: Since there is only one mode transmitting, and the path is narrow with almost zero dispersion, the data transfers at a much higher speed.
- Single Mode works for long distances: Single-mode cables are used in Cable televisions and broadband networks, because of its faster speed and lesser data loss chances. The smaller core and less dispersion make it possible to transmit data to longer distances than Multi-mode cables.
- Cost factor: Single-mode fiber turns down anyone's expectations when it comes to its cost. Its installation costs are high enough than multi-mode ones.
- Single-mode cables should be used when the data has to be transferred to long distances. Multi-mode cables can be used up to a few miles, but when it comes to transmitting signals to 10-12 miles or even more, single-mode cables are the choice without any second thought.
To make a perfect choice, now you have the major points listed. What you have to do is to look into your budget and requirement area. Get mapped the distance you have to cover up and the cable length you are supposed to use, keeping in mind the budget you have in mind to invest.
