Fiber Optic Cable Types: Single Mode vs Multimode

Fiber Cable

John
Updated on May 10, 2022
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Although single mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF) optic cable types are widely used
in diverse applications, the differences between single mode fiber and multimode fiber optic
cables are still confusing. This article will focus on the basic construction, fiber distance, cost,
fiber color, etc., to make an in-depth comparison between single mode and multimode fiber
types.

Overview of Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Optic Cable

Single mode means the fiber enables one type of light mode to be propagated at a time. While
multimode means the fiber can propagate multiple modes. The differences between single
mode and multimode fiber optic cable mainly lie in fiber core diameter, wavelength & light
source, bandwidth, color sheath, distance and cost.

Core Diameter

Single mode fiber core diameter is much smaller than multimode fiber. Its typical core diameter
is 9 µm even if there are others available. And multimode fiber core diameter is 50 µm and 62.5
µm typically, which enables it to have higher "light gathering" ability and simplify connections.
The cladding diameter of single mode and multimode fiber is 125 µm.
The attenuation of multimode fiber is higher than SM fiber because of its larger core diameter.
The fiber core of single mode cable is very narrow, so the light that passes through these fiber
optical cables is not reflected too many times, which keeps the attenuation to a minimum.
 

9/125 Single Mode Fiber Simplex 50/125 OM3 Multimode Fiber

Attenuation at 1310nm 0.36 dB/km Attenuation at 850 nm 3.0

Attenuation at 1550nm 0.22 dB/km Attenuation at 1300 nm 1.0

Wavelength & Light Source

Due to the large core size of multimode fiber, some low-cost light sources like LEDs (light-
emitting diodes) and VCSELs (vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers) that works at the 850nm
and 1300nm wavelength are used in multimode fiber cables. While the single mode fiber often
uses a laser or laser diodes to produce light injected into the cable. And the commonly used
single mode fiber wavelength is 1310 nm and 1550 nm.

Bandwidth
Multimode fiber bandwidth is limited by its light mode and the maximum bandwidth at present
is 28000MHz*km of OM5 fiber. While single mode fiber bandwidth is unlimited theoretically
because it allows only one light mode to pass through at a time.

Color Sheath

According to the TIA-598C standard definition, for non-military applications, single mode cable
is coated with yellow outer sheath, and multimode fiber is coated with orange or aqua jacket.
Find more details about the Fiber Optic Cable Color Code here.

Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Distance

It’s known that single mode fiber is suitable for long-distance applications, while multimode
optical fiber is designed for short-distance runs. Then when it comes to single mode vs
multimode fiber distance, what’s the quantifiable differences?

Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber Distance
Type

Fast
1Gb Ethernet 10Gb 25Gb 40Gb
Ethernet 1Gb Ethernet
  1000BASE- Base Base Base
100BA 1000BA SE-LX
SX SE-SR SR-S SR4
SE-FX

Single OS2 200m 5,000m 5,000m 10km / /

 mode fiber

OM1 200m 275m / / /

OM2 200m 550m / / /

550m (mode
Multimode conditioning
OM3 200m 550m 300m 70m 100m
fiber patch cable
required)
OM4 200m 550m 400m 100m 150m

OM5 200m 550m 300m 100m 400m

From the chart, we can see that single mode fiber distance is much longer than that
of multimode fiber cables at the data rate from 1G to 10G, but OM3/OM4/OM5 multimode fiber
supports a higher data rate. Because multimode optical fiber has a large core size and supports
more than one light mode, its fiber distance is limited by modal dispersion which is a common
phenomenon in multimode step-index fiber. While single mode fiber is not. That’s the essential
difference between them. In addition, OS2 single mode fiber could support longer distances in
40G and 100G links, which is not listed in the table.
Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Cost

“Single mode vs multimode fiber cost” is a hot topic in some forums. Numbers of people have
expressed their own opinions. Their views mainly focus on the optical transceiver cost, system
cost and installation cost.

Optical Transceiver Cost

Compared to single-mode transceivers, the price of multimode transceivers is nearly two or

three times lower. The following table takes FS compatible Cisco single-mode transceivers and
multimode transceivers as an example.

Speed Transceiver Transceiver Description Price Price D

 FS Compatible GLC-LH-SMD 1000BASE-LX/LH
Single mode SFP US$ 10.00
SFP 1310nm 10km DOM Transceiver
1G US
FS Compatible GLC-SX-MMD 1000BASE-SX
Multimode SFP US$ 9.00
SFP 850nm 550m DOM Transceiver

FS Compatible SFP-10G-LR 10GBASE-LR SFP+

Single mode SFP+ US$ 27.00
1310nm 10km DOM Transceiver
10G US
FS Compatible SFP-10G-SR 10GBASE-SR SFP+
Multimode SFP+ US$ 20.00
850nm 300m DOM Transceiver

Single mode SFP28 FS Compatible SFP-25G-LR-S 1310nm 10km US$ 59.00

25G US$
Multimode SFP28 FS Compatible SFP-25G-SR-S 850nm 100m US$ 39.00

FS Compatible QSFP-40G-LR4 40GBASE-LR4

Single mode QSFP+ and OTU3 QSFP+ 1310nm 10km LC DOM US$ 309.00
Transceiver
40G US$
FS Compatible QSFP-40G-SR4 40GBASE-SR4
Multimode QSFP+ QSFP+ 850nm 150m MTP/MPO DOM US$ 39.00
Transceiver

FS Compatible QSFP28 Cisco QSFP-100G-LR4-S

Single mode QSFP28 US$ 499.00
100GBASE-LR4 1310nm 10km Transceiver
100G US$
FS Compatible QSFP28 Cisco QSFP-100G-SR4-S
Multimode QSFP28 US$ 99.00
100GBASE-SR4 850nm 100m Transceiver

From the table, we can see that the price difference gains greatly with the speed increasing.

System Cost
To utilize the fundamental attributes of single mode fibers, which are generally geared towards
longer distance applications, requires transceivers with lasers that operate at longer
wavelengths with smaller spot-size and generally narrower spectral width. These transceiver
characteristics combined with the need for higher-precision alignment and tighter connector
tolerances to smaller core diameters result in significantly higher transceiver costs and overall
higher interconnect costs for single mode fiber interconnects.

Fabrication methods for VCSEL based transceivers that are optimized for use with multimode
fibers are more easily manufactured into array devices and are lower cost than equivalent
single-mode transceivers. Despite the use of multiple fiber lanes and multi-transceivers arrays,
there are significant cost savings over single-mode technology employing single or
multichannel operation over simplex-duplex connectivity. Multimode fiber system offers the
lowest system cost and upgrade path to 100G for standard-based premises applications using
parallel-optic based interconnects.

Installation Cost

Single-mode optical fiber often costs less than multimode fiber. When building a 1G fiber optic
network that you want to be able to go to 10G or faster on eventually, the savings on the cost of
fiber for single-mode saves about half-price. While the multimode OM3 or OM4 fiber increases
35% in cost for SFP modules. The single-mode optics are more expensive, but the labor costs of
replacing the multimode are significantly higher, especially if that followed OM1—OM2—OM3—
OM4. If you are willing to look at used ex-Fibre Channel SFPs, the price of single-mode 1G drops
through the floor. If you have the budget and need for 10G short connections, the economics at
last check still support multimode. Keep an eye on those economics though, as history suggests
that the price premium for single-mode will drop.

Frequently Asked Question about Single Mode vs Multimode

Fiber Optic Cable

Q: What is better single mode or multimode fiber type?

A: As has been mentioned above, single mode fiber and multimode fiber cable have their own
advantages on cost and applications. There is no such thing that single mode optical fibers are
better than multimode ones. Just choosing the best-fit one for your applications is ok.

Q: Can I mix single mode and multimode fiber type?

A: This answer for this question is “no”. Multimode fiber and single mode fiber have different
core sizes, and the number of light modes that they transmit is also different. If you mix the two
fibers, or connect them together directly, you’ll lose a large amount of optical loss, resulting in a
link flapping or being down. Keep in mind that never mix different types of cabling randomly.

Q: Can I use a multimode transceiver on single mode fiber optic cable?

A: Generally speaking, the answer is "no". Large optical loss will occur if a multimode
transceiver is connected with single mode fiber. However, the opposite will work. For example,
1000BASE-LX single mode SFP can work on multimode fiber cable by using mode conditioning
fiber cable. Sometimes, fiber media converters also can be used to solve such problems
between single mode transceivers and multimode transceivers.

Q: Single mode vs multimode fiber optic cable type: which should I choose?
A: When making a decision between single mode and multimode fiber cables, the first factor to
consider is the fiber distance which you need actually. For example, in a data center, multimode
fiber cables are enough for the distance of 300-400 meters. While in applications that require
distance up to several thousands of meters, the single mode fiber is the best choice. And in
applications that can use single mode and multimode fiber, other factors like cost and future
upgrade requirements should be taken into consideration for your choice.

Summary
From the comparison between single mode vs multimode fiber optic cable, it can conclude that
single-mode fiber cabling system is suitable for long-reach data transmission applications and
widely deployed in carrier networks, MANs and PONs. Multimode fiber cabling system has a
shorter reach and is widely deployed in enterprise, data centers and LANs. No matter which
one you choose, on the basis of total fiber cost, choosing the one that best suits your network
demands is an important task for every network designer.

Will a Single Mode Connector Work on Multi-mode

Cable?
 
Single mode and multimode fiber cables are quite different when it comes to size, light source, signal, and so
on. So, they definitely are not interchangeable, and compatibility issues can occur when you try to connect a
single mode fiber optic connector to a multimode network. However, that does not make this combination
impossible. Yes, it is possible to connect two devices with a single fiber at one end and multimode at the other.
Single mode cables are typically useful for long geographical distances. Using a combination of single mode
and multimode cables may be useful in the long run, and can help save on costs and excessive wiring when
you plan to extend your network in the future.