Which is best? Single-mode or multimode fiber optic cable?

Multimode digital fiber optic cable is generally used for communication over short distances, within a building or a campus, for example. Such multimode links usually have data rates of 10Mb/s - 10Gb/s, over link lengths up to 600m, making it perfect for premises applications. Through the use of light traveling along a reflective wire in the cable, data signals are transmitted faster and more efficiently, at a higher bandwidth and speed than digital cable or broadband. 

 

There are two major types of fiber optic cable: single mode and multi mode, each with different features and suitable for different purposes. They both use the same principles, but single mode cables use a single strand of glass fiber, while multimode fiber optic cables, obviously, use two or more strands of glass fiber, hence the "multi" part. 

 

The smaller type, the single mode cable, has a diameter of 8.3-10 microns, using one single path on which the light signals travel through the strand of glass fiber. The multimode fiber optic cable is thicker, with a diameter ranging from 50 to 100 microns, allowing the signal to travel down multiple paths and providing higher bandwidth. The most commonly used multimode fiber has a diameter of 62.5 microns.

 

As expected, there are certain differences in the transmission speeds of a single mode and a multimode fiber optic cable. Although multimode cables provide higher bandwidth, it does not necessarily mean higher speed. The speed of a multimode cable ranges from 10 to 100 MB/s, while a single mode cable can reach higher speeds. However, both types can reach multiple gigabits per second, depending on the length of the cable. 

 

Also, both single mode and multimode fiber optic cable can go over long distances, and the multimode can go up to 3,000 feet without any noticeable signal distortion. The single mode, however, is more resistant to signal leakage, and it can achieve distances even 50 times longer than multimode cables. It is more reliable, but it also costs more, even 20 $ more per meter than a multimode cable. 

 

In the past few years, fiber optics have been gradually replacing the old copper wire for signal transmission. Multimode fiber optic cable systems are commonly used in local phone or network systems, cable television services, university campuses, industrial plants, office buildings or electric utility companies, because they provide high capacity and reliability. 

 

Depending one the particular necessities of the user, one can choose between a singe mode or a multimode fiber optic cable. Both types are great alternatives to copper wires, as they provide far more benefits and advantages, starting with higher bandwidth and stronger signals. However, keep in mind that both types of fiber optic cable must be wither installed indoors, or run inside wiring tubes if outdoors in order to prevent potential damage from weather and environmental conditions. http://www.fiberopticswitch.org/ provides more info about this topic.