Fibre Cabling

[boogiebee]

Hi,
boogie bee again, asking a question to all you knowledgable heads out there. The last question was answered superbly well, so many thanks to those that helped. OK, so I could open a book, but this way is muich more fun.
Question this time is: What is the difference between multi mode and single mode fibre in terms of structure and application.
Cheers,
boogie bee.

 

[jimbopalmer]

Single mode is VERY thin (9nm) and the light is supposed to all be one wavelength and direction. lused mostly in long distance applicaations, the electronics are priceier.

Multi mode is 5 to 7 times wider (50nm to 62.5nm) and light is suppose to be able to bounce down the path if it is not perfectly 'in tune'. so the electronics are cheaper, distance under 2 kilometers (some gig specifcations are as short as 260 meters, some 550 meters) I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[daronwilson]

Good answer! Just to clarify a bit, the size is in micrometers not nanometers. Single mode is one beam of light generally produced by a laser, and a straight shot down the narrow 8-9 micrometer glass. Multimode on the other hand is a wider beam of light from an LED or Laser source, and it produces multiple paths of light inside the 50-62.5 micron core. The individual beams are bounced off the sides of the core, and then converge at the distant end.

In general, the distance you are going as well as the bandwidth are the determining factors for choosing single mode or multimode fiber.

It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com