What’s the difference between single mode and multimode fiber? More importantly, which cable should I use in my installation?
These are two of the most common questions we’re asked by integrators when designing a fiber optic installation. In some cases the answer is easy: any cable installed before the modem needs to be single mode. But if you’re running network, security or audio/video links, the answer might be a little more complicated. This article examines the differences between single and multimode fiber.
Single Mode vs. Multimode: Differences in Construction
First the basics…. single mode fiber is designed to propagate a single light mode whereas multimode fiber supports multiple simultaneous light modes. This difference impacts bandwidth, signal transmission distance and signal stability, which we’ll explore later.
Additionally, single mode and multimode cables are built differently. The optical core in a single mode cable is 9µm and the optical core in a modern multimode cable is 50µm, though older fiber cables (specifically OM1 rated cables) features a 62.5µm core.
This smaller core size leads to lower attenuation in single mode cables, and therefore longer transmission distances and higher bandwidths. The physics are straightforward: a smaller pipe means less signal reflection.
Single Mode vs. Multimode: Differences in Bandwidth
If bandwidth is important to you — and it should be — single mode is the clear winner. Single mode cables support brighter, more power light sources with lower attenuation. Plus, a single light mode provides theoretically unlimited bandwidth.
Multimode, on the other hand, relies on the transmission of multiple light modes with less brightness and higher attenuation. This caps the maximum bandwidth and results in five different escalating grades of multimode fiber, each with difference bandwidth and distance capabilities. The industry generally ranks the cable and network electronics as follows:
Single Mode vs. Multimode: Differences in Distance
Fiber transmission distance is largely dependent on the electronics and their light output, but in practice we find single mode also outperforms multimode. Single mode fiber supports short distance transmission and long distance transmission, regardless of signal bandwidth and resolution, such as 1080p, 4K and 8K video. Most electronics will transmit up to 10km (6.2 miles) over a standard single mode cable.
Multimode, on the other hand, has a much shorter maximum transmission distance, further affected by cable grade as indicated in the above chart. We typically find the max distance between 300m – 550m (1,000 – 1,800 feet).
Single Mode vs. Multimode: Differences in Cost
Given the clear advantages of single mode fiber as indicated above, you’d think single mode cables would be more expensive than multimode cables. And that’s surprisingly not the case.
Single mode fiber is more efficient to manufacture, leading to an average of 30% savings over multimode fiber.
The catch is single mode electronics tend to cost more due to stronger light sources and more intricate optical processors. The actual cost varies between device and manufacturer; however, 30% tends to be the average cost difference.
How To Pick a Single Mode or a Multimode Cable
So what’s better—single mode or multimode fiber? The truth is that they are just different: single mode is less expensive, supporting higher bandwidths and longer distances. The cost of electronics, however, is greater.
In practice, we see more integrators choosing single mode over multimode for building prewires, networking, AV distribution, security, broadcast, and most other applications.
Most electronics will support either cable type, provided the proper transceiver module is used and distance limitations are respected. It’s always best to check with your intended device prior to integrating a cable.
Additionally, all tools we offer—including the termination and test kits—are compatible with both single mode and multimode fiber.
Connectors, couplers and adapters are also specific to cable type.
Conclusion
Whichever cable you choose, keep in mind that single mode and multimode cables shouldn’t be passively connected. The large multimode core won’t match the smaller single mode core, resulting in signal killing optical loss. NSI does manufacture media converters that connect two different cable types; however, they require SFP modules and power.
