Difference between Multimode and Single-mode Fiber (with Comparison Chart)

December 2022 · 5 minute read

single-mode vs multimodeYou might be having an idea about optical fiber, or you can refer previously written article on the difference between optical fibre and coaxial cable. The multimode and single-mode are the types of the optical fiber cable. These fiber optics cable variants can be differentiated by the way in which light is transmitted through these fibers.

The prior difference between multimode and single-mode fiber is that the diameter of core and cladding in multimode fiber lies in the range of 50-85 μm and 125-400 μm. On the other hand, the single-mode has the diameter of 8-12 and 125 μm of core and cladding respectively.

In Single-mode and Multi-mode, the mode refers to the cross-field distribution that propagates along the fiber devoid changing the field distribution unless the phase doesn’t change. In simple words, a mode can be interpreted as the possible path that a directed ray can occupy.

Content: Multimode Fiber Vs Single-mode Fiber

  • Comparison Chart
  • Definition
  • Key Differences
  • Conclusion
  • Comparison Chart

    Basis for comparison
    Multi-mode FibreSingle-mode Fibre
    Core diameter50-85 μm8-12 μm
    Cladding diameter
    125-400 μm125 μm
    Regenerator positioning2 km of distancePlaced at 20 km of distance
    Number of rays
    More than oneOne
    Cost
    Highly ExpensiveLess Expensive
    AttenuationGreater extentVery less or negligible
    Wavelength of transmission850 nm to 1300 nm1260 nm to 1640 nm
    ApplicationLAN, SAN, data centers, etc.WAN, MAN, etc.

    Definition of Multimode Fiber

    Multimode fibers were devised earlier than single-mode fiber in 1960’s. The core and cladding diameter of the multimode fiber is larger with respect to the operating wavelength of the light signal, and also it is greater than single mode. Its core diameter is about 50 to 85 μm.

    Multimode fiber employs geometrical optic model for the light propagation where the light ray rebounds back and forth and reflects from the core-cladding of the fiber. Multiple rays are transmitted in the fiber which propagates in a different path. Their path ultimately corresponds to the fibre mode, and these rays move at different speed.

    The essential devices required for the light wave propagation is the light sources and receivers. The light sources used in multimode fibers are compact semiconductor lasers and LEDs. Among these types of light sources, a laser is more powerful than LED while LED produces a low power output. Hence lasers can cover larger distances. LED as a light source requires the installation of regenerators in every few kilometres. Multimode FiberThe regenerative units are quite expensive. The lasers used in the old days were of multilongitudal mode (MLM). MLM lasers emit light in a broad spectrum of few nanometers. It is called multilongitudal because it operates on multiple different modes where light rays propagate at different speed since the path lengths are distinct. This characteristic of multimode fiber fades the signal, and it is also known as intermodal dispersion.

    There is a disadvantage of Multimode fiber is that it produces a lot of noise and attenuation. The reason behind this is the presence of multiple rays causes interference and certainly deteriorates the signal.

    Definition of Single-Mode Fiber

    Single-mode fiber was evolved after the multimode fiber in 1984. It overcomes the limitations of multimode fiber, i.e., intermodal dispersion and increases the bit rates and the distance between the regenerators. The single-mode fibre has comparatively small core diameter about 8-12 μm which is a small multiple of operating wavelength of the light signal. This range of diameter drives all energy of the light ray to be travelled in the single-mode. Thus it involves a single ray of light.

    Single-mode fiber introduced another type of dispersion known as chromatic dispersion. The energy in light signal or pulse is associated with limited bandwidth. Indeed the single-mode fiber can result in the smearing of pulse because of generation of the distinct propagation speed of pulse frequency components. This is due to the physical properties of glass. The smearing of the pulse because of chromatic dispersion increases by the widening of the pulse spectrum, ultimately it depends on the wavelength of the signal. Single-mode FibreThere is no problem of chromatic dispersion when the silica-based optical fiber of 1.3 μm band is used. But, it generates dispersion in 1.55 μm band. To eliminate the chromatic dispersion, dispersion-shifted fiber and DFB (Distributed-Feedback) laser were evolved. The distributed-feedback laser decreases the spectrum of the transmitted pulse near to its modulation bandwidth which lessens the chromatic dispersion loss.

    Key Differences Between Multimode and Single-Mode Fiber

  • Multimode fiber has 50-85 μm and 125-400 μm core and cladding diameter respectively. On the other hand, single-mode fiber has 8-12 μm and 125 μm respective core and cladding diameter.
  • As single-mode fiber can cover the large distance up to 20-40 km, the regenerator is placed in between the distance of 20-40 km. In contrast, multimode fiber cover short distances and require to place the regenerator in every 2 km.
  • Multimode fiber involves more than one light ray while single-mode includes a single ray of light.
  • The fiber cost of multimode fiber is greater than single-mode fiber. Additionally, the installation and connectors cost is lower in case of multimode fibre, as compared to single-mode.
  • As in multimode fiber, multiple rays are employed which generates interference and attenuation. Conversely, single-mode fiber produces superior transmission quality and minor loss.
  • Wavelength of the produced signal through LED in the multimode is 850 nm to 1300 nm. As against, in single mode, it is in the range of 1260 nm to 1640 nm.
  • The multimode fiber involves applications such as LAN, SAN, data centres. On the contrary, single-mode is used in WAN, MAN, etc.
  • Conclusion

    Single mode fiber is a successor of multimode fiber which eliminate the limitations of the multimode fiber like short distance coverage, attenuation issue, high fiber cost excessive use of regenerators or repeater. Although, multimode fiber is a cost-effective alternative for shorter reach as multimode fiber installation and connectors cost is less comparatively.

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