FIBRE OPTICS:( future’s cable)

Single-mode fiber gives you a higher transmission rate and up to 50 times more distance
than multimode, but it also costs more. Single-mode fiber has a much smaller core than
multimode. The small core and single light-wave virtually eliminate any distortion that could
result from overlapping light pulses, providing the least signal attenuation and the highest
transmission speeds of any fiber cable type.

Multimode fiber gives you high bandwidth at high speeds over medium distances. Light
waves are dispersed into numerous paths, or modes, as they travel through the cable’s core
typically 850 or 1300nm. Typical multimode fiber core diameters are 50, 62.5, and 100
micrometers. However, in long cable runs (greater than 3000 feet [914.4 ml), multiple paths of
light can cause signal distortion at the receiving end, resulting in an unclear and incomplete
data transmission.

What is the difference between multimode and single mode fiber?

Multimode fiber has a relatively large light carrying core, usually 62.5 microns or larger in
diameter. It is usually used for short distance transmissions with LED based fiber optic
equipment. Single-mode fiber has a small light carrying core of 8 to 10 microns in diameter.
It is normally used for long distance transmissions with laser diode based fiber optic
transmission equipment.

How do I know what type of fiber I need?

This is based on transmission distance to be covered as well as the overall budget allowed. If
the distance is less than a couple of miles, multimode fiber will work well and transmission
system costs (transmitter and receiver) will be in the $500 to $800 range. If the distance to be
covered is more than 3-5 miles, single mode fiber is the choice. Transmission systems
designed for use with this fiber will typically cost more than $1000 (due to the increased cost
of the laser diode).