Fiber Optic Cable Types : Multimode and Single Mode
author: TTI Fiber
2023-12-14
Multimode fiber optic cable, as the name suggests, can carry multiple modes of light. This is achieved through a
relatively larger core diameter, typically 50µm or 62.5µm. This larger core diameter allows for a higher "light
collection" capability and simplified connections. Multimode fiber optic cables are commonly used for short-distance
communication applications, such as within buildings or on campuses.
relatively larger core diameter, typically 50µm or 62.5µm. This larger core diameter allows for a higher "light
collection" capability and simplified connections. Multimode fiber optic cables are commonly used for short-distance
communication applications, such as within buildings or on campuses.
Singlemode fiber optic cable, on the other hand, can only carry one mode of light. This is achieved through a
relatively smaller core diameter, typically 9µm. Singlemode fiber optic cables are typically used for long-distance
communication applications, such as in transoceanic cables or for long-distance telephone lines.
relatively smaller core diameter, typically 9µm. Singlemode fiber optic cables are typically used for long-distance
communication applications, such as in transoceanic cables or for long-distance telephone lines.
Please note that the above descriptions provide a general overview and may not cover all technical details.
Application
Fiber Optic connectors and cables are essential components in nearly every communication project we work on,
whether it's a DAS installation or a Base Station with wireless backhaul. You can rest assured that fiber jumpers
and cabling are playing a role somewhere within that network. Having a general understanding of fiber optics
and the different types of fiber and connectors available will greatly enhance your conversations with your customers.
Fiber Optic connectors and cables are essential components in nearly every communication project we work on,
whether it's a DAS installation or a Base Station with wireless backhaul. You can rest assured that fiber jumpers
and cabling are playing a role somewhere within that network. Having a general understanding of fiber optics
and the different types of fiber and connectors available will greatly enhance your conversations with your customers.
Fiber Optics Basics: Transmitting Signals with Light
Digital Light Signals - Lasers within the equipment generate the light carried by the fiber cables.
Just as copper cables use pulses of electricity to carry signals across a wire, Fiber Optic cable uses pulses of light.
For digital communication, we transmit in ones and zeros. The difference between a one and a zero in copper is
a change or variation in the electric pulse within a certain acceptable range. To keep it simple, the presence of a
pulse at a certain time is a one (1), and the absence of a pulse is a zero (0). The same principle is used for fiber
optics, except we use pulses of light instead of electrical pulses. A laser source inside the hardware is used to turn
the light on and off. For Fiber Optics, again keeping it simple, the presence of a light pulse at a certain time is a
one (1), while the absence of a light pulse is a zero (0). To further simplify it - light on = 1, light off = 0.
For digital communication, we transmit in ones and zeros. The difference between a one and a zero in copper is
a change or variation in the electric pulse within a certain acceptable range. To keep it simple, the presence of a
pulse at a certain time is a one (1), and the absence of a pulse is a zero (0). The same principle is used for fiber
optics, except we use pulses of light instead of electrical pulses. A laser source inside the hardware is used to turn
the light on and off. For Fiber Optics, again keeping it simple, the presence of a light pulse at a certain time is a
one (1), while the absence of a light pulse is a zero (0). To further simplify it - light on = 1, light off = 0.
The Optical Core: Light Signal Propagation through Fiber Cable
Glass, being inherently reflective, serves as an ideal medium for transporting light. Therefore, the optical core, a
glass tube, is used in the center of fiber optic cables to transmit light pulses generated by lasers. These light
pulses propagate down the glass core by reflecting off its sides. The transported signal requires no additional
power; it is the light reflecting within the core that carries the signal through the fiber cable. As the signal travels
farther, it weakens and eventually requires regeneration, but not before traveling a considerable distance. Some
fiber optic cables can transmit signals for over 60 miles before requiring regeneration.
glass tube, is used in the center of fiber optic cables to transmit light pulses generated by lasers. These light
pulses propagate down the glass core by reflecting off its sides. The transported signal requires no additional
power; it is the light reflecting within the core that carries the signal through the fiber cable. As the signal travels
farther, it weakens and eventually requires regeneration, but not before traveling a considerable distance. Some
fiber optic cables can transmit signals for over 60 miles before requiring regeneration.
The core of the fiber plays a significant role in the signal's quality and distance traveled. Core size significantly
affects how far the signal can travel. Typically, smaller cores allow for longer-distance propagation of optical
signals before regeneration.
affects how far the signal can travel. Typically, smaller cores allow for longer-distance propagation of optical
signals before regeneration.
We will delve into the specifics of Single Mode and Multi-mode Fiber cables later, but for now, it's important to
note that Single Mode Fiber has a significantly smaller core compared to Multi-mode Fiber. This smaller core
ensures more direct and efficient signal propagation, allowing for greater distances to be covered.
note that Single Mode Fiber has a significantly smaller core compared to Multi-mode Fiber. This smaller core
ensures more direct and efficient signal propagation, allowing for greater distances to be covered.
Standard Fiber Core Sizes
Multimode Fiber Core Size: 50um and 62.5um
Single Mode Fiber Core Size: 8 – 9um
Note: Core measurement is in microns (um)
Multimode Fiber Core Size: 50um and 62.5um
Single Mode Fiber Core Size: 8 – 9um
Note: Core measurement is in microns (um)
In General, Single Mode (SM) fiber is used for long distances or higher bandwidth needs and uses a laser has its
light source while Multimode (MM) Fiber uses an LED as its light source and is used for short distances or less
bandwidth intensive applications.
light source while Multimode (MM) Fiber uses an LED as its light source and is used for short distances or less
bandwidth intensive applications.
Wavelengths: The Light Traveling through the Core
To simplify, let's discuss wavelengths. Just like copper cables carry different radio frequencies, fiber cables carry
different frequencies of light or wavelengths. Think of the wavelength as a color of light, and each color travels
down the core of the fiber without interference from other colors traveling down the same fiber. This is
essentially wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) or dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM).
The light source determines the wavelength. Lasers can be tuned to send specific wavelengths down the fiber
core. And since each wavelength takes a different path down the core of the fiber, some fiber types are better
suited for some wavelengths. As you will see, Multimode Fiber transports light signals at different wavelengths
than Single Mode Fiber.
To simplify, let's discuss wavelengths. Just like copper cables carry different radio frequencies, fiber cables carry
different frequencies of light or wavelengths. Think of the wavelength as a color of light, and each color travels
down the core of the fiber without interference from other colors traveling down the same fiber. This is
essentially wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) or dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM).
The light source determines the wavelength. Lasers can be tuned to send specific wavelengths down the fiber
core. And since each wavelength takes a different path down the core of the fiber, some fiber types are better
suited for some wavelengths. As you will see, Multimode Fiber transports light signals at different wavelengths
than Single Mode Fiber.
Standard Fiber Wavelengths
Multimode Fiber: 850nm and 1300nm
Single Mode Fiber: 1310nm and 1550nm
Note: Wavelength is measured in nanometers
Multimode Fiber: 850nm and 1300nm
Single Mode Fiber: 1310nm and 1550nm
Note: Wavelength is measured in nanometers
Customers usually request the use of multimode or single-mode fiber optic cables.
They may provide some specific information, but not always. They may rely on you to decide on the exact type
of fiber optic cable they need. Occasionally, you may encounter more technically savvy customers who specify a
specific type such as OM4 fiber. So, what do these terms mean? What are OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4 fibers?
of fiber optic cable they need. Occasionally, you may encounter more technically savvy customers who specify a
specific type such as OM4 fiber. So, what do these terms mean? What are OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4 fibers?
OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4 refer to different grades of multimode fiber optic cables. These grades are based on
the performance characteristics of the cables, such as modal bandwidth and transmission distance.
the performance characteristics of the cables, such as modal bandwidth and transmission distance.
OM1
● Jacket Color – Orange
● Core Size – 62.5um
● Data Rate – 1Gb @ 850nm wavelength
● Distance – Up to 300 meters
● Application – Short-haul networks, Local Area Networks(LANs) & private networks
● Jacket Color – Orange
● Core Size – 62.5um
● Data Rate – 1Gb @ 850nm wavelength
● Distance – Up to 300 meters
● Application – Short-haul networks, Local Area Networks(LANs) & private networks
OM2
● Jacket Color – Orange
● Core Size – 50um
● Data Rate – 1Gb @ 850nm wavelength
● Distance – Up to 600 meters
● Application – Short-haul networks, Local Area Networks(LANs) & private networks
● Generally used for shorter distances. Has twice the distance capacity has OM1
● Jacket Color – Orange
● Core Size – 50um
● Data Rate – 1Gb @ 850nm wavelength
● Distance – Up to 600 meters
● Application – Short-haul networks, Local Area Networks(LANs) & private networks
● Generally used for shorter distances. Has twice the distance capacity has OM1
OM3 – Laser-Optimized Multimode
● Jacket Color – Aqua
● Core Size – 50um
● Data Rate – 10Gb @ 850nm wavelength
● Distance – Up to 300 meters
● Uses fewer modes of light, enabling increased speeds
● Able to run 40GB or 100GB up to 100 meters utilizing an MPO connector
● Application – Larger Private Networks
● Jacket Color – Aqua
● Core Size – 50um
● Data Rate – 10Gb @ 850nm wavelength
● Distance – Up to 300 meters
● Uses fewer modes of light, enabling increased speeds
● Able to run 40GB or 100GB up to 100 meters utilizing an MPO connector
● Application – Larger Private Networks
OM4 – Laser Optimized Multimode
● Jacket Color – Aqua
● Core Size – 50um
● Data Rate – 10G @ 850nm wavelength
● Distance – Up to 550 meters
● Able to run 100GB up to 150 meters utilizing an MPO connector
● Application – High-Speed Networks, Data Centers, Financial Centers and Corporate Campuses
● Jacket Color – Aqua
● Core Size – 50um
● Data Rate – 10G @ 850nm wavelength
● Distance – Up to 550 meters
● Able to run 100GB up to 150 meters utilizing an MPO connector
● Application – High-Speed Networks, Data Centers, Financial Centers and Corporate Campuses
OM5 – The latest and greatest in Multimode Fiber
● Jacket Color – Lime Green
● Fully compatible and can mate with OM3 and OM4 cabling
● Utilizes a wider range of wavelengths between 850nm and 953nm
● Designed to support Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing (SWDM)
● Can Transmit 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s
● Application – High-speed Networks and Data Centers that require greater link distances and higher speeds.
● Jacket Color – Lime Green
● Fully compatible and can mate with OM3 and OM4 cabling
● Utilizes a wider range of wavelengths between 850nm and 953nm
● Designed to support Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing (SWDM)
● Can Transmit 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s
● Application – High-speed Networks and Data Centers that require greater link distances and higher speeds.
When selecting the appropriate type of fiber optic cable, it is essential to consider the specific application
requirements, such as bandwidth requirements, distance, and data transmission speed. The correct type of cable
can ensure optimal performance and longevity while meeting your specific needs.
requirements, such as bandwidth requirements, distance, and data transmission speed. The correct type of cable
can ensure optimal performance and longevity while meeting your specific needs.
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