Key Differences Between Single Mode and Multimode Optical Fibers

Posted by Kevin Miller on Mon, Apr 26, 2021 @ 08:04 AM

When utilizing optical fibers for high-speed communications applications, there two primary categories that fibers are grouped into, based on their construction and intended applications. In this article, we will review both Single Mode and Multimode optical fiber classifications, providing a quick introduction to both types and their key differences.

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Topics: optical fiber, multimode fiber, single mode fiber

Popular Single Mode Optical Fibers

Posted by Kevin Miller on Wed, Apr 14, 2021 @ 10:04 AM

Single Mode optical fibers are frequently deployed in fiber optic communications systems,  as their design makes them the ideal choice for network links ranging from just a few hundred meters to thousands of kilometers in distance.  With several global manufacturers leading the market offering fibers to meet ITU-T industry standards, in this article we will quickly review some of the most common and popular single mode fibers that are being designed into networks today. 

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Topics: single mode fiber

What Is Optical Fiber?

Posted by Tiffany San Souci on Thu, Jun 9, 2016 @ 09:06 AM

Optical fiber is made by drawing glass or plastic to a desired length and diameter (slightly larger than a human hair).  This flexible and highly pure fiber is most commonly used to transmit light for a wide range of applications including visible light displays, sensors, and high-speed communications networks which we will discuss in this article.

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Topics: optical fiber, multimode fiber, single mode fiber

Upgrading to 40/100 Gigabit Ethernet? Consider the Implications on your MultiMode Fiber Infrastructure

Posted by OJ Johnston on Mon, May 11, 2015 @ 17:05 PM

While many enterprises are considering the move to a 40/100G ethernet infrastructure, often they overlook the impact of remaining with a multimode fiber infrastructure. While there is little difference in the infrastructure requirements of 10G ethernet for single-mode fiber and multimode fiber infrastructures, there is an exponential difference in 40/100G ethernet infrastructures. Many people tout the economics of MMF vs SMF lasers as the key reason for remaining with their MMF infrastructure; however, the savings achieved there will likely be erased by the increased cost of the passive optical infrastructure.

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Topics: multimode fiber, optical taps, single mode fiber

Single Mode Optical Fibers by ITU Standards

Posted by Kevin Miller on Wed, May 18, 2011 @ 14:05 PM

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a United Nations agency involved with the development of worldwide standards for communications technology.  With the explosive growth and use of fiber optic technology around the world, a number of single mode optical fibers have been designed over the years for various applications.  Since integration of a variety of optical fibers and systems is required to achieve seamless worldwide communication, ITU developed standards for fibers that help to ensure this can happen.

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Topics: single mode fiber