According to the different types of applicable fibers, optical modules can be divided into single-mode optical modules and multi-mode optical modules.

About single-mode optical modules and multi-mode optical modules

As the name implies, a single-mode optical module is an optical module used with a single-mode fiber. It uses LD or LED with narrow spectral lines as the light source, and can transmit data signals with extremely high bandwidth, so the transmission distance is very long. The multi-mode optical module is used together with multi-mode optical fibers, using light-emitting diodes or lasers as the light source, and the transmission distance is short.

The difference between single-mode optical module and multi-mode optical module

The differences between single-mode optical modules and multi-mode optical modules are listed in detail below:

Transmission rate and distance - Both single-mode optical modules and multi-mode optical modules can support 10G and 40G transmission, but their transmission distances are quite different. The maximum transmission distance of multi-mode optical modules is about 550 m, while the transmission distance of single-mode optical modules can reach 10 km, 40 km, 80 km or even further.

1. Price—The components used in single-mode optical modules are twice as high as multi-mode optical modules, so they are slightly more expensive than multi-mode optical modules.

2. Performance - Generally speaking, single-mode optical modules can only be used with single-mode optical fibers, and multi-mode optical modules can only be used with multi-mode optical fibers, and cannot be mixed.

3. Power consumption—The power consumption of multi-mode optical modules is lower than that of single-mode optical modules.

Tips for using single-mode/multi-mode optical modules

When using single-mode/multi-mode optical modules, the following points should be noted:

Ensure that the optical modules at both ends of the fiber link have the same working wavelength; In order to reduce the packet loss rate of data, use multi-mode optical modules for short-distance transmission applications and single-mode optical modules for long-distance transmission applications; Do not bend the optical cables between optical modules greatly. to prevent excessive fiber loss.

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