Fiber optic cables usually have two type’s single-mode optical cables and multimode optical cables. Multimode optical cables are also known as M2 fiber optic cables. There is a huge difference between these two types of wires in their installation, working, nature, and the core’s diameter.
People use these two types of cables differently, keeping their needs and data transmission distances in mind. Multimode cable can send data and information to short distances because there are multiple modes of light. Sending data to longer distances is impossible to long distances because of the distortion. The light signals may not reach the end at the same speed due to the refraction of the multiple light signals passing through it.
How M2 is different from the single-mode fiber cable
There are several ways in which multimode cables are different from single-mode lines. Depending on your needs and requirements, you can select any of the wires. If you are looking for someone to help you choose the cord of your appetite and best quality in UAE, fiber optic UAE companies will serve you best for you and your future and present needs.
Here below are some of the factors that differ between single-mode fiber cables form multimode fiber cables.
1. Diameter
Single-mode fiber optic cables have smaller core sizes in comparison with multimode fiber optic cables. These larger core sizes allow us to pass multiple modes of light through it.
2. Bandwidth
Multimode or M2 cables have higher bandwidths due to multiple modes of lights propagating through it, and single-mode lines have lower bandwidths.
3. Modes of light
In multimode cables, the modes of light are more than one, and in a single-mode, the mode of light is just one.
4. Source of light
The source of light used by multimode fiber optic cables is either LED sources or laser sources. On the other hand, for single-mode fiber optic cables, laser or diode are light sources.
5. Attenuation rates
The attenuation and distortion rates are higher in multimode cables because they allow multiple modes of light to propagate through it, increasing the chances of attenuation. In comparison, the attenuation rates are very minimal in the single-mode cables. That is why they are good for data transmission to longer distances.
6. Cost of cable
The cable costs are higher for single-mode cables in comparison to multimode cables.
What are the different types of M2 fiber optic cables?
1. OM1
- The core size/diameter is 62.5 µm
- The source of light for these are LED
- The color code standard for OM1 is an orange jacket
- OM1 cable is in use for 100 Megabit Ethernet application
2. OM2
- The core size/diameter is 50 µm
- The source of light for these are LED
- The color code standard for OM2 is an orange jacket
- OM2 cable is in use for 1000 base Ethernet application
- Distance reach is 550 m
3. OM3 and OM4
- The core size/diameter is 50 µm
- The source of light for these are lasers
- The color code standard for OM3 and OM4 is an aqua jacket
- OM3 and OM4 cables are in use for 10G, 40G, and 100G Ethernet application
- With OM3 having 10 and 40G distances are 100 meters and with OM4 with 40 and 100G distances are 150 meters
4. OM5
- The core size/diameter is 50 µm
- The wavelength ranges from 850 nm to 940 nm
- The color code standard for OM5 is a lime green jacket
- With OM5 fiber optic having 40G distances are 440 meters and 150 meters for 100G
Which cable to use, M2 or single-mode?
You must consider different factors while choosing which type of fiber optic cable you must use. Some of the elements are below.
1. Pricing
In terms of pricing, single-mode fiber optic cables are expensive, whereas multimode or M2 fiber optic cables are three times less expensive. Multimode cables are inexpensive because they are good for the transmission of data to shorter distances. The signal’s quality is not as good as that of the light movement in single-mode fiber optic cables. Multimode cables are preferable within a building for shorter distances. It depends on your needs and buying capacity to make choices on which cable to use. But generally, single-mode fiber optic cables are best.
2. Distance
The selection of the cable depends on the distance of the sending and receiving point. If the sending and receiving, ends are within the same building and have shorter distances use multimode fiber optic cables instead of single-mode fiber optic cables. Choose wisely when you go to buy the fiber for your need. Do proper research on your needs and the alternatives to serve your demands. Fiber optic UAE is the best option for you to choose the cable to fit your needs.
