How to Distinguish a Single-mode Fiber Transceiver from a Multimode Fiber Transceiver?

A fiber optic transceiver literally means a device that transmits and receives optical signals. Depending on the type of fiber, the distance the transceiver can travel is also different, hence the single mode fiber and multimode fiber transceiver. So, how do we distinguish a single-mode fiber transceiver from a multimode fiber transceiver?

1. Structural differences between single-mode fiber transceiver and multimode fiber transceiver

Single-mode fiber transceiver core is very thin, can only transmit one mode of light, so the dispersion between modes is relatively small, suitable for long-distance transmission. The central glass core of multi-mode fiber is thick and can transmit multiple modes of light, so the dispersion between modes is relatively large. If the transmission distance is increased, the transmitted signal will be unstable. Therefore, multi-mode fiber is suitable for short-distance transmission.

2. Price difference between single-mode fiber transceiver and multimode fiber transceiver

Single-mode fiber transceivers are suitable for long-distance transmission. They have a thin core, wide transmission band, large capacity, and long transmission distance. However, they require a laser source and are therefore more expensive. However, it does not mean that single-mode fiber can not be used for indoor wiring. Single-mode fiber can also be used for short distance transmission, but the cost is higher. Multimode fiber transceiver has thicker core, lower transmission rate, shorter distance, and lower overall transmission performance than single-mode fiber. It is generally used in buildings or adjacent environments.

The most fundamental difference between single-mode fiber transceiver and multi-mode fiber transceiver is the transmission distance. The multi-mode optical transceiver is a multi-node, multi-port signal transmission in the working mode, so the signal distance transmission is relatively short, but the price is low, easy to use, and is mostly used in the construction of LAN. Single-mode fiber transceiver is just the opposite, its working mode is single node, one port signal transmission, so the signal transmission distance is relatively long, constitute the construction of cross-metro area LAN.

It should be noted that there is no good or bad difference between single-mode fiber transceiver and multimode fiber transceiver. The only difference is that the network environment is different. The specific choice should be made according to the use environment. If there is a need for single multi-mode fiber connection between network devices, a multi-mode converter can be used to connect, which can effectively solve the problem of single multi-mode fiber conversion. However, it should be noted that single-mode transceiver can work in single-mode and multi-mode, but multi-mode can not work in single-mode fiber.