8/9/2007
#11024
724-746-5500
blackbox.com
TS510A-R2
5 of 5
Multimode vs. single-mode fiber.
Multimode, 50- and 62.5-micron cable.
Multimode cable has a large-diameter core and multiple
pathways of light. It comes in two core sizes: 50-micron and
62.5-micron.
Multimode fiber optic cable can be used for most general
data and voice fiber applications, such as bringing fiber to the
desktop, adding segments to an existing network, and in
smaller applications such as alarm systems. Both 50- and 62.5-
micron cable feature the same cladding diameter of 125
microns, but 50-micron fiber cable features a smaller core (the
light-carrying portion of the fiber).
Although both can be used in the same way, 50-micron
cable is recommended for premise applications (backbone,
horizontal, and intrabuilding connections) and should be
considered for any new construction and installations. Both
also use either LED or laser light sources. The big difference
between the two is that 50-micron cable provides longer link
lengths and/or higher speeds, particularly in the 850-nm
wavelength.
Single-mode, 8–10-micron cable.
Single-mode cable has a small, 8–10-micron glass core and
only one pathway of light. With only a single wavelength of
light passing through its core, single-mode cable realigns the
light toward the center of the core instead of simply bouncing
it off the edge of the core as multimode does.
Single-mode cable provides 50 times more distance than
multimode cable. Consequently, single-mode cable is typically
used in long-haul network connections spread out over
extended areas, including cable television and campus
backbone applications. Telcos use it for connections between
switching offices. Single-mode cable also provides higher
bandwidth, so you can use a pair of single-mode fiber strands
full-duplex for up to twice the throughput of multimode fiber.
Technically Speaking
Specification comparison:
50-/125-Micron Multimode Fiber
850-nm Wavelength:
Bandwidth: 500 MHz/km;
Attenuation: 3.5 dB/km;
Distance: 550 m
1300-nm Wavelength:
Bandwidth: 500 MHz/km;
Attenuation: 1.5 dB/km;
Distance: 550 m
62.5-/125-Miron Multimode Fiber
850-nm Wavelength:
Bandwidth: 160 MHz/km;
Attenuation: 3.5 dB/km;
Distance: 220 m
1300-nm Wavelength:
Bandwidth: 500 MHz/km;
Attenuation: 1.5 dB/km;
Distance: 500 m
8–10-Micron Single-Mode Fiber
Premise Application:
Wavelength: 1310 nm and 1550 nm;
Attenuation: 1.0 dB/km
Outside Plant Application:
Wavelength: 1310 nm and 1550 nm;
Attenuation: 0.1 dB/km
Item
Code
Fiber Optic Test Sets
850 nm, Multimode
TS515A-R2
850/1300 nm, Multimode
TS520A-R2
Laser Source, Dual 1310/1550 nm
120-VAC
TS525A
230-VAC
TS525AE
Fiber Optic Power Meter and LED Source Kit
TS1300A
Visible Light Laser Source
TS510A-R2
