Introduction to the advantages and disadvantages of single-mode fiber

The single-mode optical fiber is connected to the single-mode optical module. Because the transmission distance is relatively long, the structure of the single-mode optical fiber is different from that of the multi-mode optical fiber. The core diameter of the single-mode fiber jumper is relatively small, 8 μm to 10 μm, and the light propagates along a straight path without bouncing off the edge, thus completely avoiding dispersion and waste of light energy, so the single-mode fiber jumper Lower attenuation can be achieved, allowing the signal to travel faster and farther.

There are two types of single-mode fiber jumpers: OS1 single-mode fiber and OS2 single-mode fiber. OS1 single-mode jumper is suitable for optical transmission with a maximum transmission distance of 10km, and the maximum attenuation value in the 1310nm and 1550nm bands is 1.0db/km. The maximum transmission distance of the OS2 single-mode jumper can reach 200km, and the maximum attenuation value in the 1310nm and 1550nm bands is 0.4db/km. Both OS1 fiber optic jumpers and OS2 fiber optic jumpers are used in Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks. In addition, OS2 fiber optic jumpers can be used in 40G and 100G Ethernet.

Advantages of Single Mode Fiber

Transmission distance: Single-mode fiber patch cords can support longer-distance data transmission because of their lower attenuation. For example, multimode fiber jumpers generally have a maximum transmission distance of several hundred meters, while single-mode fiber jumpers can reach 200km.

Bandwidth capacity: Single-mode fiber patch cords can provide higher bandwidth than multimode fiber patch cords.

Intermodal dispersion: Single-mode fiber only transmits one mode of light, so there is no intermodal dispersion.

Transmission rate: Due to the absence of intermodal dispersion, mode noise and some other effects, single-mode fiber patch cords can transmit signals at a higher rate.

Disadvantages of Single Mode Fiber Patch Cords

Difficult coupling: Due to the smaller core diameter of single-mode fibers, it is more difficult to couple light into single-mode fibers than into multimode fibers.

Higher cost: Since the optical transceiver is very expensive, the cost of using a single-mode fiber jumper will be higher than that of a multi-mode fiber jumper.

Tougher technology: Manufacturing and handling single-mode fiber is more difficult than dual-mode fiber.