Single-mode fiber supports short- and long-distance transmission, regardless of signal bandwidth and/or resolution (eg 1080p and 4K video). Most electronics will travel up to 10km over standard single-mode cable and can be customized up to 80km.

Multimode, on the other hand, has a much shorter maximum transmission distance, which is affected by the cable grade, as shown in the diagram above. We usually find a maximum distance between 0-300m.

The Difference Between Multimode and Single-Mode Fibers

The way in which these two fiber types transmit light eventually led to their separate names. Generally designed for systems of moderate to long distance (e.g., metro, access and long-haul networks), single-mode optical fibers have a small core size (< 10 µm) that permits only one mode or ray of light to be transmitted. This tiny core requires precision alignment to inject light from the transceiver into the core, significantly driving up transceiver costs.

In comparison, multimode optical fibers have larger cores that guide many modes simultaneously. The larger core makes it much easier to capture light from a transceiver, allowing source costs to be controlled. Similarly, multimode connectors cost less than single-mode connectors as a result of the more stringent alignment requirements of single-mode optical fiber. Single-mode connections require greater care and skill to terminate, which is why components are often pre-terminated at the factory. On the other hand, multimode connections can be easily performed in the field, offering installation flexibility, cost savings and peace of mind.

For these reasons, multimode optical fiber systems continue to be the most cost-effective fiber choice for enterprise and data center applications up to the 500 – 600 meter range.