Single-Mode vs. Multimode Fiber Optic Cable: What’s the Difference?

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Single-Mode vs. Multimode Fiber Optic Cable
Whats the Difference?

• Setting up the network infrastructure is a game
  of choice. You have a plethora of options when it
  comes to selecting the different materials in a
  network.

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Introduction

• copper wire cables for durability and
  cost-effective solutions
• fiber optic cables for long-distance transmission
  and greater bandwidth.
• There is further bifurcation available in fiber
  optic types
• Single Mode Fiber Optic Cable
• Multimode Fiber Optic Cable
• One point of difference lies in appearance, but
  there exist more. Choosing a suitable cable is
  vital as it has implications on the bandwidth,
  budget, and information travel distance. Hence it
  is essential to understanding the differences
  between both.

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What are Single-mode Multimode Fiber Optic

• By functionality, both operate by reflecting
  light many times inside a glass core. Yet, the
  main difference between both of them lies in
  their construction.
• By definition, a single-mode fiber optic cable
  works by transmitting a single beam of focussed
  light over a large distance.
• In comparison, the multimode fiber optic cable
  can send many light sources at the same time
  within the same glass core.

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Structural Difference

• In a single glance, both single-mode and
  multimode fiber optics have no visual giveaway.
  Cutting open either cable will reveal a glass
  core covered in a protective cladding. The
  cladding allows bending to an extent. Yet, on
  comparing both cables, you may notice that the
  multimode core is slightly thicker.
• Usually, single-mode fiber optic cables only need
  to transfer one light signal and have a core
  diameter of 9µm. In comparison, multimode cables
  need to send many light signals and have a core
  diameter of 62.3µm (OM1) or 50µm
  (OM2/OM3/OM4/OM5).

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Modal Dispersion

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Operation Mode

• You may have learned about two properties of
  light in your science classes
• Multimode fiber optic operates as per the
  reflection property of the light. At the same
  time, a single-mode fiber optic cable transmits
  the light signal in a nearly straight path.
• Due to the constant reflection, the relative
  distance traveled by the multimode signals is
  less than the single-mode fiber signal. The
  signal loss from fiber bending is low in
  multimode fibers.

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Contact Us

• Falcon Tech specializes in providing a large
  portfolio of leading brands for IT, voice, video,
  and data network cables and connectivity
  products. It combines low voltage electrical and
  communication products so that we may service the
  Electrical / Communication Industry.
• Business Details St. Louis Office and
  Showroom Location
• Falcon Technologies, Inc. 2631 Metro Blvd.
  Maryland Heights, MO 63043
• Business Hours
• Office Monday - Friday 730 am - 500 pm CST
  Will Call / Receiving Monday - Friday 700 am -
  500 pm CST
  https//falcontech.com/pages/pre-terminated-fiber-
  optic-cable-assemblies