Multi-mode optical fiber: Difference between revisions
m →Comparison with single-mode fiber: adding a small animation showing how the modes inside a fibre change with wavelength |
m Changed OM5 colour in comparison table, from violet to lime green. |
||
(42 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Type of optical fiber mostly used for communication over short distances}} |
|||
{{Use American English|date=March 2021}} |
|||
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}} |
|||
[[Image:MultimodeFiber.JPG|thumb|right|A stripped multi-mode fiber]] |
[[Image:MultimodeFiber.JPG|thumb|right|A stripped multi-mode fiber]] |
||
'''Multi-mode optical fiber''' is a type of [[optical fiber]] mostly used for communication over short distances, such as within a building or on a campus. Multi-mode links can be used for data rates up to |
'''Multi-mode optical fiber''' is a type of [[optical fiber]] mostly used for communication over short distances, such as within a building or on a campus. Multi-mode links can be used for data rates up to 800 Gbit/s. Multi-mode fiber has a fairly [[#Comparison with single-mode fiber|large core diameter]] that enables multiple light [[normal mode|modes]] to be propagated and limits the maximum length of a transmission link because of [[modal dispersion]]. The standard [[G.651.1]] defines the most widely used forms of multi-mode optical fiber. |
||
==Applications== |
==Applications== |
||
The equipment used for communications over multi-mode optical fiber is less expensive than that for [[single-mode optical fiber]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fols.org/technology/ | title = Multimode Fiber for Enterprise Networks | author = Telecommunications Industry Association | |
The equipment used for communications over multi-mode optical fiber is less expensive than that for [[single-mode optical fiber]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fols.org/technology/ | title = Multimode Fiber for Enterprise Networks | author = Telecommunications Industry Association | access-date = Jun 4, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090604210103/http://www.fols.org/technology/ | archive-date = June 4, 2009 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Typical transmission speed and distance limits are 100 Mbit/s for distances up to 2 km ([[100BASE-FX]]), 1 Gbit/s up to 1000 m, and 10 Gbit/s up to 550 m.<ref name="ofs">{{cite web |url = http://www.fols.org/fols_library/white_papers/documents/OFSOM4TheNextGenerationofMultimodeFiber.pdf |title = OM4 - The next generation of multimode fiber |author = Furukawa Electric North America |access-date = May 16, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140422141312/http://www.fols.org/fols_library/white_papers/documents/OFSOM4TheNextGenerationofMultimodeFiber.pdf |archive-date = April 22, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref> |
||
Because of its high capacity and reliability, multi-mode optical fiber generally is used for backbone applications in buildings. An increasing number of users are taking the benefits of fiber closer to the user by running fiber to the desktop or to the zone. Standards-compliant architectures such as Centralized Cabling and [[fiber to the telecom enclosure]] offer users the ability to leverage the distance capabilities of fiber by centralizing electronics in telecommunications rooms, rather than having active electronics on each floor. |
Because of its high capacity and reliability, multi-mode optical fiber generally is used for backbone applications in buildings. An increasing number of users are taking the benefits of fiber closer to the user by running fiber to the desktop or to the zone. Standards-compliant architectures such as Centralized Cabling and [[fiber to the telecom enclosure]] offer users the ability to leverage the distance capabilities of fiber by centralizing electronics in telecommunications rooms, rather than having active electronics on each floor. |
||
Line 12: | Line 16: | ||
==Comparison with single-mode fiber== |
==Comparison with single-mode fiber== |
||
[[File:Optical fibres modes vs wavelength.gif|400px|thumb|right|At fixed radius and refractive index, the number of modes allowed |
[[File:Optical fibres modes vs wavelength.gif|400px|thumb|right|Energy distribution of [[Transverse mode|transverse electric]] (TE) modes in an optical fiber. At fixed radius and refractive index, the number of modes allowed depends on the wavelength. ''λ''/''R'' is the ratio of the light's wavelength to the fiber's radius.]] |
||
The main difference between multi-mode and [[single-mode optical fiber]] is that the former has much larger core diameter, typically 50–100 |
The main difference between multi-mode and [[single-mode optical fiber]] is that the former has much larger [[core (optical fiber)|core]] diameter, typically 50–100 micrometers—much larger than the wavelength of the light carried in it. Because of the large core and also the possibility of large [[numerical aperture]], multi-mode fiber has higher "light-gathering" capacity than single-mode fiber. In practical terms, the larger core size simplifies connections and also allows the use of lower-cost electronics such as [[light-emitting diodes]] (LEDs) and [[vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser]]s (VCSELs) which operate at the 850 [[nanometer|nm]] and 1300 nm wavelength (single-mode fibers used in telecommunications typically operate at 1310 or 1550 nm<ref name="arcelect">{{cite web | title = Fiber Optic Cable Tutorial | url = http://www.arcelect.com/fibercable.htm | author = ARC Electronics | date = Oct 1, 2007 | access-date = March 4, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181023040952/https://arcelect.com/fibercable.htm | archive-date = October 23, 2018 | url-status = dead }}</ref>). However, compared to single-mode fibers, the multi-mode fiber [[Fiber-optic communication#Bandwidth–distance product|bandwidth–distance product]] limit is lower. Because multi-mode fiber has a larger core size than single-mode fiber, it supports more than one [[transverse mode|propagation mode]]; hence it is limited by [[modal dispersion]], while single mode is not. |
||
The LED light sources sometimes used with multi-mode fiber produce a range of wavelengths and these each propagate at different speeds. This [[chromatic dispersion]] is another limit to the useful length for multi-mode fiber optic cable. In contrast, the lasers used to drive single-mode fibers produce [[coherent light]] of a single wavelength. |
The LED light sources sometimes used with multi-mode fiber produce a range of wavelengths and these each propagate at different speeds. This [[chromatic dispersion]] is another limit to the useful length for multi-mode fiber optic cable. In contrast, the lasers used to drive single-mode fibers produce [[coherent light]] of a single wavelength. Because of the modal dispersion, multi-mode fiber has higher pulse spreading rates than single mode fiber, limiting multi-mode fiber's information transmission capacity. |
||
Single-mode fibers are often used in high-precision scientific research because restricting the light to only one propagation mode allows it to be focused to an intense, [[diffraction-limited]] spot. |
Single-mode fibers are often used in high-precision scientific research because restricting the light to only one propagation mode allows it to be focused to an intense, [[diffraction-limited]] spot. |
||
Jacket color is sometimes used to distinguish multi-mode [[optical fiber cable|cables]] from single-mode ones. The standard TIA-598C recommends, for non-military applications, the use of a yellow jacket for single-mode fiber, and orange or aqua for multi-mode fiber, depending on type.<ref name=FOAcodes>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ColCodes.htm |title=Fiber optic cable color codes |work=Tech Topics |publisher=[[The Fiber Optic Association]] | |
Jacket color is sometimes used to distinguish multi-mode [[optical fiber cable|cables]] from single-mode ones. The standard TIA-598C recommends, for non-military applications, the use of a yellow jacket for single-mode fiber, and orange or aqua for multi-mode fiber, depending on type.<ref name=FOAcodes>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ColCodes.htm |title=Fiber optic cable color codes |work=Tech Topics |publisher=[[The Fiber Optic Association]] |access-date=Sep 17, 2009}}</ref> Some vendors use violet to distinguish higher performance OM4 communications fiber from other types.<ref name=Erika_Violet>{{cite web |url=http://www.belden.com/blog/datacenters/Who-is-Erika-Violet-and-What-is-She-Doing-in-My-Data-Center.cfm |title=Who is Erika Violet and what is she doing in my data center? |work=Tech Topics |publisher=Belden |first=Dwayne |last=Crawford |date=Sep 11, 2013 |access-date=Feb 12, 2014}}</ref> |
||
==Types== |
==Types== |
||
Multi-mode fibers are described by their core and [[Cladding (fiber optics)|cladding]] diameters. Thus, 62.5/125 μm multi-mode fiber has a core size of 62.5 micrometres (μm) and a cladding diameter of 125 μm. The transition between the core and cladding can be sharp, which is called a [[step-index profile]], or a gradual transition, which is called a [[graded-index profile]]. The two types have different dispersion characteristics and thus different effective propagation |
Multi-mode fibers are described by their core and [[Cladding (fiber optics)|cladding]] diameters. Thus, 62.5/125 μm multi-mode fiber has a core size of 62.5 micrometres (μm) and a cladding diameter of 125 μm. The transition between the core and cladding can be sharp, which is called a [[step-index profile]], or a gradual transition, which is called a [[graded-index profile]]. The two types have different dispersion characteristics and thus different effective propagation distances.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fia-online.co.uk/pdf/Guide/L3814.pdf | title = Optical Fibers Explained | author = British FibreOptic Industry Association | access-date=Apr 9, 2011}}</ref> Multi-mode fibers may be constructed with either [[Graded-index fiber|graded]] or [[step-index profile]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wildpackets.com/resources/compendium/fiber_optics/overview |title=Fiber Optics Overview |access-date=2012-11-23}}</ref> |
||
In addition, multi-mode fibers are described using a system of classification determined by the [[ |
In addition, multi-mode fibers are described using a system of classification determined by the [[ISO 11801]] standard — OM1, OM2, and OM3 — which is based on the [[modal bandwidth]] of the multi-mode fiber. OM4 (defined in TIA-492-AAAD) was finalized in August 2009,<ref>{{cite web |
||
| url = http://www.tiaonline.org/standards/committees/files/tr-42/tr4212-aug09-280809115115.pdf | |
| url = http://www.tiaonline.org/standards/committees/files/tr-42/tr4212-aug09-280809115115.pdf | title = Meeting Report #14 |
||
| title = Meeting Report #14 |
|||
| publisher = Telecommunications Industry Association |
| publisher = Telecommunications Industry Association |
||
}}</ref> and was published by the end of 2009 by the [[Telecommunications Industry Association|TIA]].<ref>{{cite web |
}}</ref> and was published by the end of 2009 by the [[Telecommunications Industry Association|TIA]].<ref>{{cite web |
||
Line 32: | Line 35: | ||
| url = http://www.cnsmagazine.com/issues/story.aspx?aid=1000355010 |
| url = http://www.cnsmagazine.com/issues/story.aspx?aid=1000355010 |
||
| first = Paul | last = Kish | date = 2010-01-01 |
| first = Paul | last = Kish | date = 2010-01-01 |
||
| work = # Cabling Networking Systems | publisher = |
| work = # Cabling Networking Systems | publisher = Business Information Group |
||
}}</ref> OM4 cable |
}}</ref> OM4 cable supports 125 m links at 40 and 100 Gbit/s. The letters ''OM'' stand for 'optical multi-mode'. |
||
For many years 62.5/125 μm (OM1) and conventional 50/125 μm multi-mode fiber (OM2) were widely deployed in premises applications. These fibers easily support applications ranging from [[Ethernet]] (10 Mbit/s) to [[gigabit Ethernet]] (1 Gbit/s) and, because of their relatively large core size, were ideal for use with LED transmitters. Newer deployments often use laser-optimized 50/125 μm multi-mode fiber (OM3). Fibers that meet this designation provide sufficient bandwidth to support [[10 Gigabit Ethernet]] up to 300 meters. Optical fiber manufacturers have greatly refined their manufacturing process since that standard was issued and cables can be made that support 10 |
For many years 62.5/125 μm (OM1) and conventional 50/125 μm multi-mode fiber (OM2) were widely deployed in premises applications. These fibers easily support applications ranging from [[Ethernet]] (10 Mbit/s) to [[gigabit Ethernet]] (1 Gbit/s) and, because of their relatively large core size, were ideal for use with LED transmitters. Newer deployments often use laser-optimized 50/125 μm multi-mode fiber (OM3). Fibers that meet this designation provide sufficient bandwidth to support [[10 Gigabit Ethernet]] up to 300 meters. Optical fiber manufacturers have greatly refined their manufacturing process since that standard was issued and cables can be made that support 10 GbE up to 400 meters. Laser optimized multi-mode fiber (LOMMF) is designed for use with 850 nm VCSELs. |
||
Older FDDI grade, OM1, and OM2 fiber can be used for 10 Gigabit |
Older FDDI grade, OM1, and OM2 fiber can be used for 10 Gigabit Ethernet through 10GBASE-LRM. This requires the SFP+ interface to support electronic dispersion compensation (EDC) however, so not all switches, routers and other equipment can use these SFP+ modules. |
||
The migration to LOMMF/OM3 has occurred as users upgrade to higher speed networks. LEDs have a maximum modulation rate of 622 Mbit/s {{Citation needed|date=November 2019}} because they cannot be turned on/off fast enough to support higher bandwidth applications. VCSELs are capable of modulation over 10 Gbit/s and are used in many high speed networks. |
The migration to LOMMF/OM3 has occurred as users upgrade to higher speed networks. LEDs have a maximum modulation rate of 622 Mbit/s {{Citation needed|date=November 2019}} because they cannot be turned on/off fast enough to support higher bandwidth applications. VCSELs are capable of modulation over 10 Gbit/s and are used in many high speed networks. |
||
Some |
Some 200 and 400 Gigabit Ethernet speeds (e.g. [[Terabit Ethernet#802.3cm project|400GBASE-SR4.2]]) use [[wavelength-division multiplexing]] (WDM) even for multi-mode fiber<ref>IEEE 802.3 Clause 150</ref> which is outside the specification for OM4 and lower. In 2017, OM5 has been standardized by TIA and ISO for WDM MMF, specifying not only a minimum modal bandwidth for 850 nm but a curve spanning from 850 to 953 nm. |
||
Cables can sometimes be distinguished by jacket color: for 62.5/125 μm (OM1) and 50/125 μm (OM2), orange jackets are recommended, while [[Aqua (color)|aqua]] is recommended for 50/125 μm "laser optimized" OM3 and OM4 fiber.<ref name=FOAcodes/> Some fiber vendors use violet for "OM4+". OM5 is officially colored [[lime green]]. |
Cables can sometimes be distinguished by jacket color: for 62.5/125 μm (OM1) and 50/125 μm (OM2), orange jackets are recommended, while [[Aqua (color)|aqua]] is recommended for 50/125 μm "laser optimized" OM3 and OM4 fiber.<ref name=FOAcodes/> Some fiber vendors use violet for "OM4+". OM5 is officially colored [[lime green]]. |
||
Line 49: | Line 52: | ||
===Comparison=== |
===Comparison=== |
||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
|+ Minimum reach of Ethernet variants over multi-mode fiber |
|+ Minimum reach{{efn|''Reach'' means maximum length, the ''minimum'' reach is the length that is guaranteed to work when within specifications.}} of Ethernet variants over multi-mode fiber |
||
|- |
|- |
||
!colspan=2 | Jacket color and category |
|||
!Category |
|||
!Minimum [[modal bandwidth]]<br />850 / 953 / 1300 nm{{efn|OFL Over-Filled Launch for 850/953 nm / EMB Effective Modal Bandwidth for 1310 nm}} |
!Minimum [[modal bandwidth]]<br />850 / 953 / 1300 nm{{efn|OFL Over-Filled Launch for 850/953 nm / EMB Effective Modal Bandwidth for 1310 nm}} |
||
!Fast Ethernet 100BASE-FX |
!Fast Ethernet 100BASE-FX |
||
!1 |
!1 Gb (1000 Mb) Ethernet 1000BASE-SX |
||
!1 |
!1 Gb (1000 Mb) Ethernet 1000BASE-LX |
||
!10 Gb Ethernet 10GBASE-SR |
![[10 Gigabit Ethernet|10 Gb Ethernet]] 10GBASE-SR |
||
!10 |
!10 Gb Ethernet 10GBASE-LRM (requires EDC) |
||
!25 Gb Ethernet 25GBASE-SR |
![[25 Gigabit Ethernet|25 Gb Ethernet]] 25GBASE-SR |
||
!40 Gb Ethernet |
![[40 Gigabit Ethernet|40 Gb Ethernet]] |
||
40GBASE-SWDM4 |
40GBASE-SWDM4 |
||
!40 |
!40 Gb Ethernet 40GBASE-SR4 |
||
!100 Gb Ethernet 100GBASE-SR10 |
![[100 Gigabit Ethernet|100 Gb Ethernet]] 100GBASE-SR10 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|FDDI (62.5/125) |
|style="background:darkorange"| ||FDDI (62.5/125) |
||
|160 / – / 500 MHz·km |
|160 / – / 500 MHz·km |
||
| rowspan=6 | 2000 m<ref name="fx">{{cite web | url = http://www.hp.com/rnd/pdfs/100FXtechbrief. |
| rowspan=6 | 2000 m<ref name="fx">{{cite web | url = http://www.hp.com/rnd/pdfs/100FXtechbrief.pdf | title = 100BASE-FX Technical Brief | author = Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | year = 2007 | access-date = Nov 20, 2012 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121009212203/http://www.hp.com/rnd/pdfs/100FXtechbrief.pdf | archive-date = 2012-10-09 }}</ref> |
||
|220 m<ref name="IEEE 802.3-2012 Clause 38.3">IEEE 802.3-2012 Clause 38.3</ref> |
|220 m<ref name="IEEE 802.3-2012 Clause 38.3">IEEE 802.3-2012 Clause 38.3</ref> |
||
| rowspan="3" | 550 m<ref name="lx">IEEE 802.3 ''38.4 PMD to MDI optical specifications for 1000BASE-LX''</ref> (mode-conditioning patch cord required)<ref name="modecond">{{cite web | url = http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/interfaces_modules/transceiver_modules/installation/note/OL_19329.html | title=Cisco Mode-Conditioning Patch Cord Installation Note | author=Cisco Systems, Inc | year=2009 | |
| rowspan="3" | 550 m<ref name="lx">IEEE 802.3 ''38.4 PMD to MDI optical specifications for 1000BASE-LX''</ref> ([[mode-conditioning patch cord]] required)<ref name="modecond">{{cite web | url = http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/interfaces_modules/transceiver_modules/installation/note/OL_19329.html | title=Cisco Mode-Conditioning Patch Cord Installation Note | author=Cisco Systems, Inc | year=2009 |access-date=Feb 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>As with all multi-mode fiber connections, the MMF segment of the patch cord should match the type of fiber in the cable plant (Clause 38.11.4).</ref> |
||
|26 m<ref name="fddi">{{cite web | url = http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/interfaces-modules/10-gigabit-modules/product_data_sheet0900aecd801f92aa.html |title = Cisco 10GBASE X2 Modules Data Sheet | publisher = Cisco | |
|26 m<ref name="fddi">{{cite web | url = http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/interfaces-modules/10-gigabit-modules/product_data_sheet0900aecd801f92aa.html |title = Cisco 10GBASE X2 Modules Data Sheet | publisher = Cisco | access-date = June 23, 2015}}</ref> |
||
|220 m<ref name="10GBASE-LRM">{{cite web | url = https://www.cbo-it.de/en/knowledge/135-what-is-a-10gbase-lrm-transceiver-and-why-do-i-need-it.html | title = What is a 10GBASE-LRM transceiver and why do I need it? | publisher = CBO GmbH | |
|220 m<ref name="10GBASE-LRM">{{cite web | url = https://www.cbo-it.de/en/knowledge/135-what-is-a-10gbase-lrm-transceiver-and-why-do-i-need-it.html | title = What is a 10GBASE-LRM transceiver and why do I need it? | publisher = CBO GmbH | access-date = December 3, 2019}}</ref> |
||
|Not |
|Not supported |
||
|Not |
|Not supported |
||
|Not supported |
|Not supported |
||
|Not supported |
|Not supported |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|OM1 (62.5/125) |
|style="background:darkorange"| ||OM1 (62.5/125) |
||
|200 / – / 500 MHz·km |
|200 / – / 500 MHz·km |
||
|275 m<ref name="IEEE 802.3-2012 Clause 38.3"/> |
|275 m<ref name="IEEE 802.3-2012 Clause 38.3"/> |
||
|33 m<ref name="fx"/> |
|33 m<ref name="fx"/> |
||
|220 m |
|220 m |
||
|Not |
|Not supported |
||
|Not supported |
|Not supported |
||
|Not supported |
|Not supported |
||
|Not supported |
|Not supported |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|OM2 (50/125) |
|style="background:darkorange"| ||OM2 (50/125) |
||
|500 / – / 500 MHz·km |
|500 / – / 500 MHz·km |
||
| rowspan=4 | 550 m<ref name="ofs"/> |
| rowspan=4 | 550 m<ref name="ofs"/> |
||
|82 m<ref name="ofs"/> |
|82 m<ref name="ofs"/> |
||
|220 m |
|220 m |
||
|Not |
|Not supported |
||
|Not |
|Not supported |
||
|Not supported |
|Not supported |
||
|Not supported |
|Not supported |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|OM3 (50/125) *Laser Optimized* |
| style="background:turquoise"| ||OM3 (50/125) *Laser Optimized* |
||
|1500 / – / 500 MHz·km |
|1500 / – / 500 MHz·km |
||
| rowspan="3" |550 m (No mode-conditioning patch cord should be used.)<ref name="modecond"/> |
|||
| rowspan="3" |550 m (no mode-conditioning patch cord should be used)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/interfaces_modules/transceiver_modules/installation/note/OL_19329.html|title=A mode-conditioning patch cord should never be used for applications over OM3 and more recent fiber types.|last=|first=|date=|website=Cisco|language=en|access-date=2018-03-07}}</ref> |
|||
|300 m<ref name="fx"/> |
|300 m<ref name="fx"/> |
||
|220 m |
|220 m |
||
Line 108: | Line 111: | ||
|100 m<ref name="ofs"/> |
|100 m<ref name="ofs"/> |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|OM4 (50/125) *Laser Optimized* |
| style="background:#c4618c"| ||OM4 (50/125) *Laser Optimized* |
||
|3500 / – / 500 MHz·km |
|3500 / – / 500 MHz·km |
||
|rowspan=2 | 400 m<ref name="IEEE 802.3">{{cite web |url=http://www.ieee802.org/3/ |title=IEEE 802.3 | |
|rowspan=2 | 400 m<ref name="IEEE 802.3">{{cite web |url=http://www.ieee802.org/3/ |title=IEEE 802.3 |access-date=31 October 2014}}</ref> |
||
|>220 m |
|>220 m |
||
|100 m |
|100 m |
||
Line 116: | Line 119: | ||
Duplex LC |
Duplex LC |
||
|rowspan=2 | 150 m<ref name="ofs"/> |
|rowspan=2 | 150 m<ref name="ofs"/> |
||
(550 m QSFP+ eSR4<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://csmedia.corning.com/CableSystems/%5CResource_Documents%5Cwhitepapers_rl%5CLAN-1556-AEN.pdf | |
(550 m QSFP+ eSR4<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://csmedia.corning.com/CableSystems/%5CResource_Documents%5Cwhitepapers_rl%5CLAN-1556-AEN.pdf |access-date=14 August 2013 |title=40G Extended Reach with Corning Cable Systems OM3/OM4 Connectivity with the Avago 40G QSFP+ eSR4 Transceiver |year=2013 |publisher=Corning}}</ref>) |
||
|rowspan=2 | 150 m<ref name="ofs"/> |
|rowspan=2 | 150 m<ref name="ofs"/> |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| OM5 (50/125) "Wideband multi-mode" for short-wave [[wavelength-division multiplexing|WDM]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tiaonline.org/press-release/tia-updates-data-center-cabling-standard-to-keep-pace-with-rapid-technology-advancements/ |title=TIA Updates Data Center Cabling Standard to Keep Pace with Rapid Technology Advancements |publisher=TIA |date=2017-08-09 | |
| style="background:#C8F902"| || OM5 (50/125) "Wideband multi-mode" for short-wave [[wavelength-division multiplexing|WDM]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tiaonline.org/press-release/tia-updates-data-center-cabling-standard-to-keep-pace-with-rapid-technology-advancements/ |title=TIA Updates Data Center Cabling Standard to Keep Pace with Rapid Technology Advancements |publisher=TIA |date=2017-08-09 |access-date=2018-08-27}}</ref> |
||
| 3500 / 1850 / 500 MHz·km |
| 3500 / 1850 / 500 MHz·km |
||
|>220 m |
|>220 m |
||
Line 127: | Line 130: | ||
== Encircled flux == |
== Encircled flux == |
||
The IEC 61280-4-1 (now TIA-526-14-B) standard defines ''encircled flux'' which specifies test light injection sizes (for various fiber diameters) to make sure the fiber core is not over-filled or under-filled to allow more reproducible (and less variable) link-loss measurements.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goldstein|first1=Seymour|title=Encircled flux improves test equipment loss measurements|url=http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/print/volume-18/issue-4/features/encircled-flux-improves.html|website=Cabling Installation & Maintenance| |
The IEC 61280-4-1 (now TIA-526-14-B) standard defines ''encircled flux'' which specifies test light injection sizes (for various fiber diameters) to make sure the fiber core is not over-filled or under-filled to allow more reproducible (and less variable) link-loss measurements.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goldstein|first1=Seymour|title=Encircled flux improves test equipment loss measurements|url=http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/print/volume-18/issue-4/features/encircled-flux-improves.html|website=Cabling Installation & Maintenance|access-date=1 June 2017}}</ref> |
||
==See also== |
==See also== |
||
Line 134: | Line 137: | ||
*[[ISO/IEC 11801]] |
*[[ISO/IEC 11801]] |
||
*[[IEEE 802.3]] |
*[[IEEE 802.3]] |
||
*[[Optical fiber connector]] |
|||
==References== |
==References== |
||
{{reflist}} |
|||
<references /> |
|||
{{refbegin}} |
|||
* {{cite web | url = http://www.fiber-optics.info/articles/fiber-types.htm | title = Types of Optical Fiber | author = Force, Inc. | date = 2005-04-14 |accessdate=Apr 17, 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012030238/http://www.fiber-optics.info/articles/fiber-types.htm |archivedate=October 12, 2007}} |
|||
* {{cite web | url = http://www. |
* {{cite web | url = http://www.fiber-optics.info/articles/fiber-types.htm | title = Types of Optical Fiber | author = Force, Inc. | date = 2005-04-14 |access-date=Apr 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012030238/http://www.fiber-optics.info/articles/fiber-types.htm |archive-date=October 12, 2007}} |
||
* {{cite web | url = http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/fiber_optic/topic02.html | author = International Engineering Consortium | title = Fiber Optic Technology | |
* {{cite web | url = http://www.vdvworks.com/LennieLw/ | title = Lennie Lightwave's Guide to Fiber Optics | first= Jim | last = Hayes |author2=Karen Hayes | date = Mar 22, 2008 |access-date=Jun 4, 2008}} |
||
* {{cite web | url = http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/fiber_optic/topic02.html | author = International Engineering Consortium | title = Fiber Optic Technology | access-date = Jun 4, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090213154041/http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/fiber_optic/topic02.html | archive-date = February 13, 2009 | url-status = dead }} |
|||
* {{cite web | url = http://www.fols.org/technology/ | title = Multimode Fiber for Enterprise Networks | author = Telecommunications Industry Association | |
* {{cite web | url = http://www.fols.org/technology/ | title = Multimode Fiber for Enterprise Networks | author = Telecommunications Industry Association | access-date = Jun 4, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090604210103/http://www.fols.org/technology/ | archive-date = June 4, 2009 | url-status = dead }} |
||
* {{cite |
* {{cite web | url = http://www.fols.org/uploads/mmfiberwhitepaper.pdf | title = Choosing the right multimode fiber for data communications | author = Telecommunications Industry Association | date = Sep 2008 | access-date = Nov 17, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090106135217/http://www.fols.org/uploads/mmfiberwhitepaper.pdf | archive-date = January 6, 2009 | url-status = dead }} |
||
* {{cite web | url = http://www.hp.com/rnd/pdfs/100FXtechbrief. |
* {{cite web | url = http://www.hp.com/rnd/pdfs/100FXtechbrief.pdf | title = 100BASE-FX Technical Brief | author = Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | year = 2007 | access-date = Nov 20, 2012 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121009212203/http://www.hp.com/rnd/pdfs/100FXtechbrief.pdf | archive-date = 2012-10-09 }} |
||
{{refend}} |
|||
==External links== |
==External links== |
Latest revision as of 11:39, 17 December 2024
Multi-mode optical fiber is a type of optical fiber mostly used for communication over short distances, such as within a building or on a campus. Multi-mode links can be used for data rates up to 800 Gbit/s. Multi-mode fiber has a fairly large core diameter that enables multiple light modes to be propagated and limits the maximum length of a transmission link because of modal dispersion. The standard G.651.1 defines the most widely used forms of multi-mode optical fiber.
Applications
[edit]The equipment used for communications over multi-mode optical fiber is less expensive than that for single-mode optical fiber.[1] Typical transmission speed and distance limits are 100 Mbit/s for distances up to 2 km (100BASE-FX), 1 Gbit/s up to 1000 m, and 10 Gbit/s up to 550 m.[2]
Because of its high capacity and reliability, multi-mode optical fiber generally is used for backbone applications in buildings. An increasing number of users are taking the benefits of fiber closer to the user by running fiber to the desktop or to the zone. Standards-compliant architectures such as Centralized Cabling and fiber to the telecom enclosure offer users the ability to leverage the distance capabilities of fiber by centralizing electronics in telecommunications rooms, rather than having active electronics on each floor.
Multi-mode fiber is used for transporting light signals to and from miniature fiber optic spectroscopy equipment (spectrometers, sources, and sampling accessories) and was instrumental in the development of the first portable spectrometer.
Multi-mode fiber is also used when high optical powers are to be carried through an optical fiber, such as in laser welding.
Comparison with single-mode fiber
[edit]The main difference between multi-mode and single-mode optical fiber is that the former has much larger core diameter, typically 50–100 micrometers—much larger than the wavelength of the light carried in it. Because of the large core and also the possibility of large numerical aperture, multi-mode fiber has higher "light-gathering" capacity than single-mode fiber. In practical terms, the larger core size simplifies connections and also allows the use of lower-cost electronics such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) which operate at the 850 nm and 1300 nm wavelength (single-mode fibers used in telecommunications typically operate at 1310 or 1550 nm[3]). However, compared to single-mode fibers, the multi-mode fiber bandwidth–distance product limit is lower. Because multi-mode fiber has a larger core size than single-mode fiber, it supports more than one propagation mode; hence it is limited by modal dispersion, while single mode is not.
The LED light sources sometimes used with multi-mode fiber produce a range of wavelengths and these each propagate at different speeds. This chromatic dispersion is another limit to the useful length for multi-mode fiber optic cable. In contrast, the lasers used to drive single-mode fibers produce coherent light of a single wavelength. Because of the modal dispersion, multi-mode fiber has higher pulse spreading rates than single mode fiber, limiting multi-mode fiber's information transmission capacity.
Single-mode fibers are often used in high-precision scientific research because restricting the light to only one propagation mode allows it to be focused to an intense, diffraction-limited spot.
Jacket color is sometimes used to distinguish multi-mode cables from single-mode ones. The standard TIA-598C recommends, for non-military applications, the use of a yellow jacket for single-mode fiber, and orange or aqua for multi-mode fiber, depending on type.[4] Some vendors use violet to distinguish higher performance OM4 communications fiber from other types.[5]
Types
[edit]Multi-mode fibers are described by their core and cladding diameters. Thus, 62.5/125 μm multi-mode fiber has a core size of 62.5 micrometres (μm) and a cladding diameter of 125 μm. The transition between the core and cladding can be sharp, which is called a step-index profile, or a gradual transition, which is called a graded-index profile. The two types have different dispersion characteristics and thus different effective propagation distances.[6] Multi-mode fibers may be constructed with either graded or step-index profile.[7]
In addition, multi-mode fibers are described using a system of classification determined by the ISO 11801 standard — OM1, OM2, and OM3 — which is based on the modal bandwidth of the multi-mode fiber. OM4 (defined in TIA-492-AAAD) was finalized in August 2009,[8] and was published by the end of 2009 by the TIA.[9] OM4 cable supports 125 m links at 40 and 100 Gbit/s. The letters OM stand for 'optical multi-mode'.
For many years 62.5/125 μm (OM1) and conventional 50/125 μm multi-mode fiber (OM2) were widely deployed in premises applications. These fibers easily support applications ranging from Ethernet (10 Mbit/s) to gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbit/s) and, because of their relatively large core size, were ideal for use with LED transmitters. Newer deployments often use laser-optimized 50/125 μm multi-mode fiber (OM3). Fibers that meet this designation provide sufficient bandwidth to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet up to 300 meters. Optical fiber manufacturers have greatly refined their manufacturing process since that standard was issued and cables can be made that support 10 GbE up to 400 meters. Laser optimized multi-mode fiber (LOMMF) is designed for use with 850 nm VCSELs.
Older FDDI grade, OM1, and OM2 fiber can be used for 10 Gigabit Ethernet through 10GBASE-LRM. This requires the SFP+ interface to support electronic dispersion compensation (EDC) however, so not all switches, routers and other equipment can use these SFP+ modules.
The migration to LOMMF/OM3 has occurred as users upgrade to higher speed networks. LEDs have a maximum modulation rate of 622 Mbit/s [citation needed] because they cannot be turned on/off fast enough to support higher bandwidth applications. VCSELs are capable of modulation over 10 Gbit/s and are used in many high speed networks.
Some 200 and 400 Gigabit Ethernet speeds (e.g. 400GBASE-SR4.2) use wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) even for multi-mode fiber[10] which is outside the specification for OM4 and lower. In 2017, OM5 has been standardized by TIA and ISO for WDM MMF, specifying not only a minimum modal bandwidth for 850 nm but a curve spanning from 850 to 953 nm.
Cables can sometimes be distinguished by jacket color: for 62.5/125 μm (OM1) and 50/125 μm (OM2), orange jackets are recommended, while aqua is recommended for 50/125 μm "laser optimized" OM3 and OM4 fiber.[4] Some fiber vendors use violet for "OM4+". OM5 is officially colored lime green.
VCSEL power profiles, along with variations in fiber uniformity, can cause modal dispersion which is measured by differential modal delay (DMD). Modal dispersion is caused by the different speeds of the individual modes in a light pulse. The net effect causes the light pulse to spread over distance, introducing intersymbol interference. The greater the length, the greater the modal dispersion. To combat modal dispersion, LOMMF is manufactured in a way that eliminates variations in the fiber which could affect the speed that a light pulse can travel. The refractive index profile is enhanced for VCSEL transmission and to prevent pulse spreading. As a result, the fibers maintain signal integrity over longer distances, thereby maximizing the bandwidth.
Comparison
[edit]Jacket color and category | Minimum modal bandwidth 850 / 953 / 1300 nm[b] |
Fast Ethernet 100BASE-FX | 1 Gb (1000 Mb) Ethernet 1000BASE-SX | 1 Gb (1000 Mb) Ethernet 1000BASE-LX | 10 Gb Ethernet 10GBASE-SR | 10 Gb Ethernet 10GBASE-LRM (requires EDC) | 25 Gb Ethernet 25GBASE-SR | 40 Gb Ethernet
40GBASE-SWDM4 |
40 Gb Ethernet 40GBASE-SR4 | 100 Gb Ethernet 100GBASE-SR10 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FDDI (62.5/125) | 160 / – / 500 MHz·km | 2000 m[11] | 220 m[12] | 550 m[13] (mode-conditioning patch cord required)[14][15] | 26 m[16] | 220 m[17] | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | |
OM1 (62.5/125) | 200 / – / 500 MHz·km | 275 m[12] | 33 m[11] | 220 m | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | |||
OM2 (50/125) | 500 / – / 500 MHz·km | 550 m[2] | 82 m[2] | 220 m | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | |||
OM3 (50/125) *Laser Optimized* | 1500 / – / 500 MHz·km | 550 m (No mode-conditioning patch cord should be used.)[14] | 300 m[11] | 220 m | 70 m | 240m[18]
Duplex LC |
100 m[2]
(330 m QSFP+ eSR4[19]) |
100 m[2] | |||
OM4 (50/125) *Laser Optimized* | 3500 / – / 500 MHz·km | 400 m[20] | >220 m | 100 m | 350m[18]
Duplex LC |
150 m[2]
(550 m QSFP+ eSR4[19]) |
150 m[2] | ||||
OM5 (50/125) "Wideband multi-mode" for short-wave WDM[21] | 3500 / 1850 / 500 MHz·km | >220 m | 100 m |
Encircled flux
[edit]The IEC 61280-4-1 (now TIA-526-14-B) standard defines encircled flux which specifies test light injection sizes (for various fiber diameters) to make sure the fiber core is not over-filled or under-filled to allow more reproducible (and less variable) link-loss measurements.[22]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Telecommunications Industry Association. "Multimode Fiber for Enterprise Networks". Archived from the original on June 4, 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e f g Furukawa Electric North America. "OM4 - The next generation of multimode fiber" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 22, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
- ^ ARC Electronics (October 1, 2007). "Fiber Optic Cable Tutorial". Archived from the original on October 23, 2018. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
- ^ a b "Fiber optic cable color codes". Tech Topics. The Fiber Optic Association. Retrieved September 17, 2009.
- ^ Crawford, Dwayne (September 11, 2013). "Who is Erika Violet and what is she doing in my data center?". Tech Topics. Belden. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
- ^ British FibreOptic Industry Association. "Optical Fibers Explained" (PDF). Retrieved April 9, 2011.
- ^ "Fiber Optics Overview". Retrieved November 23, 2012.
- ^ "Meeting Report #14" (PDF). Telecommunications Industry Association.
- ^ Kish, Paul (January 1, 2010). "Next generation fiber arrives". # Cabling Networking Systems. Business Information Group.
- ^ IEEE 802.3 Clause 150
- ^ a b c Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (2007). "100BASE-FX Technical Brief" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 9, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
- ^ a b IEEE 802.3-2012 Clause 38.3
- ^ IEEE 802.3 38.4 PMD to MDI optical specifications for 1000BASE-LX
- ^ a b Cisco Systems, Inc (2009). "Cisco Mode-Conditioning Patch Cord Installation Note". Retrieved February 20, 2015.
- ^ As with all multi-mode fiber connections, the MMF segment of the patch cord should match the type of fiber in the cable plant (Clause 38.11.4).
- ^ "Cisco 10GBASE X2 Modules Data Sheet". Cisco. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
- ^ "What is a 10GBASE-LRM transceiver and why do I need it?". CBO GmbH. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
- ^ a b "40GE SWDM4 QSFP+ Optical Transceiver | Finisar Corporation". www.finisar.com. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
- ^ a b "40G Extended Reach with Corning Cable Systems OM3/OM4 Connectivity with the Avago 40G QSFP+ eSR4 Transceiver" (PDF). Corning. 2013. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
- ^ "IEEE 802.3". Retrieved October 31, 2014.
- ^ "TIA Updates Data Center Cabling Standard to Keep Pace with Rapid Technology Advancements". TIA. August 9, 2017. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
- ^ Goldstein, Seymour. "Encircled flux improves test equipment loss measurements". Cabling Installation & Maintenance. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
- Force, Inc. (April 14, 2005). "Types of Optical Fiber". Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved April 17, 2008.
- Hayes, Jim; Karen Hayes (March 22, 2008). "Lennie Lightwave's Guide to Fiber Optics". Retrieved June 4, 2008.
- International Engineering Consortium. "Fiber Optic Technology". Archived from the original on February 13, 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2008.
- Telecommunications Industry Association. "Multimode Fiber for Enterprise Networks". Archived from the original on June 4, 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2008.
- Telecommunications Industry Association (September 2008). "Choosing the right multimode fiber for data communications" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on January 6, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2008.
- Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (2007). "100BASE-FX Technical Brief" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 9, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2012.