Last publication just touched on single-mode and multi-mode fibers and their related SFP transceivers, respectively. Here, SFP transceivers can be classified into single-mode SFP and multi-mode SFP according to the types of optical fibers on which SFP transceivers work. For example, single-mode SFP works over single-mode fiber (SMF) cables, and multi-mode SFP works over multi-mode fiber (MMF) cables.

So, what's the difference between single-mode and multi-mode SFP? Do you understand? Today, this article will focus on this topic.

SMF has much tighter tolerances for optics used. The core is smaller and the laser wavelength is narrower. This means that SMF has the capability for higher bandwidth and much longer distances in transmission. The bale clasp of single-mode SFPs is usually designed in blue, yellow or purple. And the color of compatible fiber optic patch cord is yellow. Single-mode SFPs work mainly in 1310nm and 1550nm wavelength and are mostly used in long distance transmission environment, reaching 2 km, 10 km, 40 km, 60 km, 80 km and 120 km. The following table shows single-mode SFP/fiber type compatibility matrix types.

MMF uses a much bigger core and usually uses a longer wavelength of light. Because of this, the optics used in MMF have a higher capability to gather light from the laser. In practical terms, this means the optics are cheaper. The common multi-mode SFPs work in 850nm wavelength and are only used for short distance transmission, reaching 100 m and 500 m. Their color coded bale clasp and color arrow on label are black and the used fiber optic patch cord is usually orange. 1000BASE-SX, 1000BASE-LX, 10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-LX4, and 10GBASE-LRM are all interface types of multi-mode SFPs. Among these multi-mode SFPs, 1000BASE-SX SFPs are one of the most-commonly used type. Take Cisco 1000BASE-SX SFPs for example, Fiberstore compatible GLC-SX-MMD Cisco is designed to operate over multi-mode fiber cables.

When you use whether single-mode SFPs or multi-mode SFPs, you should keep these in mind:

• Ensure that SFPs in both ends of the fiber patch cord are of the same wavelength and consistent in color coding.

• Avoid extreme bends of fiber optic cables as this will increase the attenuation of transmitted light.

• If you don’t use the SFP, you must use the dust plug to protect the optical port.

• To ensure the data accuracy, short-wave SFP modules are used with multi-mode fibers (ie. orange fiber patch cord), while long-wave SFP modules with single-mode fiber (ie. yellow fiber patch cord).

When you choose SFP transceivers, transmission distance, fiber types and cost come into first during your decision, since these factors help to choose the right SFP transceivers more efficiently. Fiberstore supplies various kinds of these fiber optic transceivers available in both single-mode and multi-mode, including the above-mentioned 1000BASE-SX SFP (GLC-SX-MM-RGD), 1000BASE-LX SFP, 10GBASE-SR SFP, and so on. Additionally, CWDM and DWDM SFPs can also be found in Fiberstore. In a word, here, you can find your suitable SFP transceiver type for your network transmission.

Posted by: fernxu123 at 06:31 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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