Multimode fibre are used for Local Area Networks

Multimode fibre are used for Local Area Networks (LAN) where the network links can be up to 2,000 meters. Two standard sizes of core are offered: 62.5 μm and 50 μm (with better performances).

Multimode fibre have a graded index profile to
reduce the dispersion of the signal during the transmission. The high size of the core is interesting for easy connection and does not require high cost test equipment.

Singlemode fibre are able to transmit over longer distances. The installation is more delicate as they have a smaller core of 9 μm. This implies more precise connectors and test equipment.
On a global network point of view, although the cost of multimode fiber is more important than the singlemode’s, the complete system is more economic.

Indeed Multimode fibre are used with cheap transmission components LED(1) or VCSEL(2) whilst Singlemode fiber perates with more expensive LASER.

(1) LED: Light Emitting Diode
(2) VCSEL: Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser

November 12, 2011

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