TIP 1: Transmission Speed and Transmission Distance
As for Fiber, there are Single Mode fiber and Multimode Fiber, the single mode fiber is for long distance transmission. while for Multimode fiber, it is usually used for intra-racks or short distance area cabling, however, when you are choosing MMF as the installation cable, be sure you know that when transmission distance increase, the transmission speeds might decrease. Beside it, please be noted as considering whether this cable can be used for future application, otherwise you might have to invest again and need to install fiber cable again.
Types of Fiber:
MMF (Multimode Fiber):
- Multimode OM1: 62.5 Micron | Orange colored jacket
- Multimode OM2: 50 Micron | Orange colored jacket
- Multimode OM3: 50 Micron | Aqua colored jacket
- Multimode OM4: 50 Micron | Violet or Aqua colored jacket
- Multimode OM5: 50 Micron | Lime Green colored jacket, The latest Multimode Fiber
SMF (Single Mode Fiber)
- Singlemode OS2: 9 Micron | Yellow colored jacket
Types of Transceivers:
- GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter): The earliest Optical Modules, 1 Gigabit Ethernet speed, typically an SC fiber intreface
- SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable): 1 Gigabit Ethernet speed, typically with LC fiber interface
- SFP+ (Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus): 10 Gigabit Ethernet speed, typically LC fiber interface
- SFP28 (Small Form-factor Pluggable 28): 25 Gigabit Ethernet speed, typically LC fiber interface
- QSFP+ (Quad small Form-factor pluggable): 40 Gigabit Ethernet speed, MPO/MTP or LC interface
- QSFP28 (Quad small Form-factor pluggable 4×28): 100 Gigabit Ethernet, MPO/MTP interface
TIP 2: Various of Transceivers
As for SFP, SFP+ and SFP28, All of them are Small Form-factor Pluggable Modules, each type with multiple type for different transmission distance, let say SFP-10G-SR with a transission distance of 300m over OM3 MMF. while SFP-10G-ZR with a transmission distance up to 80KM over SMF.
By using the table below, and considering what speeds the link may need to run at in the future, you can then determine if you should install Multimode or Singlemode fiber.
