How to distinguish an optical fiber module is singlemode or multimode?

How to distinguish an optical fiber module is singlemode or multimode?

As an important part of the optical network transmission, the optical fiber module functions as a photoelectric conversion, so that the signal can be transmitted in the optical fiber. So, do you know how to distinguish whether an optical fiber module is singlemode or multimode? Next, we will teach you a few ways to distinguish between multi-mode fiber modules and single-mode fiber modules.

First, we can look at the wavelength parameters of the optical module. Generally, the wavelength of the optical fiber module is 850nm, and the optical fiber module is a multimode optical module. The wavelength of the single-mode optical fiber module is generally 1310nm, 1330nm, 1490nm, 1550nm, etc. In addition, the CWDM color light module and the DWDM color light module are both single-mode fiber modules.

Second, we can look at the transmission distance of the fiber optic module. The transmission distance of the multimode optic module is generally less than 2km, which needs to be used with a multimode fiber patch cord. The transmission distance of a single-mode optical fiber module is generally more than 2km. Besides, a Gigabit single-mode optical fiber module can transmit as far as 160km, and a 10-Gigabit single-mode optical fiber module can transmit as far as 100km.

Third, we can see the types of optical components of the fiber optic module. The light emitting device of the multimode fiber optic module is VCSEL, and the light emitting device of the single mode fiber optic module is DFB, EML, FP, etc.

Fourth, we can judge single-mode or multi-mode from the color of the pull ring of the optical fiber module. The color of the pull ring of the multi-mode optical fiber module with a transmission rate of less than 40G (excluding 40G) is generally black, while when it comes to 40G and above (including 40G), the color of the pull ring of the multimode optical fiber module is beige. The pull ring of the single-mode fiber module with a wavelength of 1310nm is blue. In addition, there are other colors of pull ring. They are all single-mode fiber modules.

The above criteria from ZCables serve as indicators to determine whether the optical fiber module is single-mode or multi-mode. Having knowledge of the fiber type (single-mode/multi-mode) of the fiber-optic module will assist us in selecting the appropriate fiber patch cord.