Can I use single mode equipment over multimode cable and vice versa?

This is a question we get many times from our customers. Especially common is a situation, in older installations, back to the times when multimode cable was cheaper than single mode, and inside buildings, and some last mile installations were planned so, that multimode cables were laid.

Answer is not that easy, to answer simply yes or no. Let’s delve in a details.

Definitions:

• SONET – Synchronous Optical Network
• SMF – SingleMode Fiber
• MMF – MultiMode Fiber
• LED – Light Emitting Diode
• DMD – Differential Mode Delay
• Mode -

1. light rays entering the fiber at the particular angle;
2. paths of different length and transmission delays that travel through the cable.

SMF is using laser as a source for the light and therefore light beam is very concentrated. It allows higher bandwidth compared to MMF, while having greater transmission distance.

MMF is typically using LEDs for transmission of the optical signal. It is clear from the name, that it uses multiple modes of light at the same time. Entry angles differ for each mode of the light resulting in different speeds and distances that signal can travel.

Single mode vs Multimode

1. It is possible to interconnect two devices using SMF interface at one end and MMF receiver at another one. But here, many depends also on devices. Like for example ,more sophisticated routers, like Huawei, Alcatel or Cisco while supporting that at physical layer, will not support it at TA. Problem is in DMD that may occur when two different modes are directly coupled. Degradation of the bandwidth also decreases the distance supported for transmission. Also, SMF transmitter should be calibrated in a way so the SMF signal would not overdrive MMF receiver.

Solution: Using the intermediate switch with SMF and MMF interfaces that is able to convert the signals is a good alternative.

2. If you use simple devices, such as video over fiber, or media converters, then it depends, what wavelength are used for your equipment. The trick here is that as we know, single-mode fibers used in telecommunications operate at 1310 or 1550 nm and require bit (now only a little bit) more expensive laser sources, and in older equipment MMF wavelength used were 850 nm.

And if you have this kind of transceivers, then it won’t work over your single mode cable. If you have a newer generation media converters, which use 1300 nm lasers, it will most likely work.

Table 1. Most common wavelengths (non WDM, CWDM or DWDM) used in optical transmission systems.

DK Photonics – www.dkphotonics.com  specializes in designing and manufacturing of high quality optical passive components mainly for telecommunication, fiber sensor and fiber laser applications,such as PLC Splitter, WDM, FWDM, CWDM, DWDM, OADM,Optical Circulator, Isolator, PM Circulator, PM Isolator, Fused Coupler, Fused WDM, Collimator, Optical Switch and Polarization Maintaining Components, Pump Combiner, High power isolator, Patch Cord and all kinds of connectors.

Fiber Optic Connector Market Forecast-DK Photonics

According to ElectroniCast, multifiber / multichannel fiber optic connectors are set for explosive growth, led by MXC™ fiber connectors with triple-digit increases through 2018…

Aptos, CA (USA) – September 22, 2014 --ElectroniCast Consultants, a leading market & technology forecast consultancy addressing the fiber optics communications industry, today announced the release of their annual market forecast and analysis of the use offiber optic connectors and mechanical splices in communication applications. 

According to ElectroniCast, the worldwide fiber optic connector/mechanical splice consumption value reached $2.63 billion in 2013.  Multimode fiber optic connectors led the consumption value in 2013 with a 64 percent market share.  The use of multimode fiber optic connectors is forecast to increase at a rate of 14 percent per year, from $1.68 billion in 2013 to $3.24 billion in 2018. 

“The multimode LC small form factor connector is forecast to maintain the leadership position in relative market share throughout the forecast period, as well as increasing at an average annual rate of 20 percent,” said Stephen Montgomery, Director of the Fiber Optic Component group at ElectroniCast. 

The fastest annual growth is set to come from the use of multifiber/multichannel fiber optic connectors are set for explosive growth, led by MXC™ fiber connectors with triple-digit increases through 2018.  The newly-release connector design enables more fibers (up to 64 fibers at 25G) to be accommodated in fast-paced server/storage data center and other applications.  Both the single-mode and the multimode MXC fiber optic connectors are forecast to reach strong values by 2018.  

Other new fiber optic connector designs, besides the MXC connector, are planned for deployment to address the high-density/high-speed data speeds of 25Gbps or greater in the next couple of years.

“Field-installable connectors for indoor and outdoor use are increasing in demand and thus are making a big-splash in the overall connector product lines of several competitors.  Fiber optic connector-types, such as SC, ST, LC, FC and even the MPO and other possibilities are finding their way to the marketplace.  Both mechanical-splice and fusion-splice technologies are meeting the requirements in the field-installable fiber optic product availability,” Montgomery added.

The global fiber optic connector/mechanical splice consumption is driven by a dramatic increase in bandwidth demand beyond the limits of copper.  As optical fiber use migrates closer and closer to the end user, where cable lengths are shorter with higher fiber counts, the requirements for jointing fibers becomes more critical. Splicing and connecting, play a significant role in a network’s cost and performance.

There are over 140 vendors competing for the global fiber optic connector/ mechanical splice market, which ElectroniCast tracks in a product matrix showing participation in the following: connectors, cable assemblies, optical backplanes, and fiber optic installation apparatus; however, is dominated by a few companies that have a broad base in various interconnect products. 

DK Photonics – www.dkphotonics.com specializes in designing and manufacturing of high quality optical passive components mainly for telecommunication, fiber sensor and fiber laser applications,such as WDM, FWDM, CWDM, DWDM, OADM,Optical Circulator, Isolator, PM Circulator, PM Isolator, Fused Coupler, Fused WDM, Collimator, Optical Switch and Polarization Maintaining Components, Pump Combiner, High power isolator, Patch Cord and all kinds of connectors.

DK Photonics' Blog is to introduce fiber optical passive components: Differences Between FBT Coupler and PLC splitters

DK Photonics' Blog is to introduce fiber optical passive components: Differences Between FBT Coupler and PLC splitters: Optical networks require signal being splitted somewhere in design to serve for multiple customers. Splitter technology has made a huge ste...

Differences Between FBT Coupler and PLC splitters

Optical networks require signal being splitted somewhere in design to serve for multiple customers. Splitter technology has made a huge step forward in the past few years by introducing PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) splitter. It has proven itself as a higher reliable type of device compared to the traditional FBT (Fused Biconical Taper) splitter. While being similar in size and outer appearance, both types of splitters provide data and video access for business and private customers. However, internally the technologies behind these types vary, thus giving  service providers a possibility to choose a more appropriate solution.

FBT splitter is made out of materials that are easily available, for example steel, fiber, hot dorm and others. All of these materials are low-price, which determines the low cost of the device itself. The technology of the device manufacturing is relatively simple, which has the impact on its price as well. In scenario where multiple splits are needed, the size of the device may become an issue. It is important to keep in mind that splitters are being deployed in the fields either in cabinets or in strand mountings, so the size of device plays a critical role. FBT splitters only support three wavelengths (850/1310/1550 nm) which makes these devices unable to operate on other wavelengths. Inability of adjusting wavelengths makes FBT splitters less customizable for different purposes. Moreover, the devices are to a high extent temperature sensitive, providing a stable working range of -5 to 75 C. In certain areas, such as Scandinavian countries this temperature restrictions may be crucial. The signal processed by FBT splitters cannot be splitted evenly due to lack of management of the signals

PLC splitter manufacturing technology is more complex. It uses semiconductor technology (lithography, etching, developer technology) production, hence it is more difficult to manufacture. Therefore, the price of the device is higher. However, there is a number of advantages the device possesses. The size of the device is compact, compared to FBT splitters, making it suitable for density applications. PLC splitter operates at wider temperature range (-40 to 85 C), allowing its deploying in the areas of extreme climate. The split ratio goes up to 64, providing a high reliability. Furthermore, the signal can be split equally due to technology implemented. A range of wavelengths (1260 – 1650 nm) is provided, so the wavelengths are adjustable. Critical points of the device that might fail are input and output, so the general risk of failure is low.

 Table 1. FBT and PLC splitter feature comparison

DK Photonics – www.dkphotonics.com  specializes in designing and manufacturing of high quality optical passive components mainly for telecommunication, fiber sensor and fiber laser applications,such as PLC Splitter, WDM, FWDM, CWDM, DWDM, OADM,Optical Circulator, Isolator, PM Circulator, PM Isolator, Fused Coupler, Fused WDM, Collimator, Optical Switch and Polarization Maintaining Components, Pump Combiner, High power isolator, Patch Cord and all kinds of connectors.

Market Forecast–MPO Connectors in 40/100GbE - DK Photonics

MPO fiber optic connectors used in North American 40/100GbE communication links are forecast to increase at a rate of 49.8% per year through 2018…

Aptos, CA (USA) – August 20, 2014 --ElectroniCast Consultants, a leading market & technology forecast consultancy addressing the fiber optics communications industry, today announced the release of their market forecast and analysis of the use of MPO fiber optic connectors in 40 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and 100GbE Standard communication network links.  MPO is the industry acronym for “multi-fiber push on.”

“Applications such as video, virtualization, cloud computing, switching/routing and convergence are driving the need for bandwidth expansion in data centers, 4G/LTE (wireless) networks, and other deployments.  We continue on the path of gradually migrating from 1G to 10G to 40G and 100G and eventually beyond; and the MPO connector is a key component in 40/100GbE network links, ” said Stephen Montgomery, director of the fiber optics components group at ElectroniCast.

The use of MPO fiber optic connectors in North American 40GbE and 100GbE networks is expected to reach $28 million in 2014, an increase of 84% over last year (2013). The use of 40/100GbE MPO connectors in North American is forecast to increase at annual rate of 49.8% per year over the 2013-20189 timeframe covered in the ElectroniCast market forecast. Market forecast data in the market study refers to consumption (use) for a particular calendar year; therefore, this data is not cumulative data.

The market forecast is segment by the use of single-mode and multimode 12-fiber and 24-fiber MPO connectors, and further broken-out by the use of connectors in 40G and the connectors used in 100G.

According to the market study, the North American 40/100GbE MPO connector market expansion will be dominated by the 12-fiber multimode MPO connectors, increasing at an average annual growth rate of 48.5 percent during the forecast period.

DK Photonics – www.dkphotonics.com  specializes in designing and manufacturing of high quality optical passive components mainly for telecommunication, fiber sensor and fiber laser applications,such as PLC Splitter, WDM, FWDM, CWDM, DWDM, OADM,Optical Circulator, Isolator, PM Circulator, PM Isolator, Fused Coupler, Fused WDM, Collimator, Optical Switch and Polarization Maintaining Components, Pump Combiner, High power isolator, Patch Cord and all kinds of connectors.

Ovum: Optical components market to grow 8% in 2014 from $6.8 bn in 2013

The global optical components (OC) market is expected to grow 8 percent in 2014 from $6.8 billion in 2013, said Ovum.

In 2013, the OC market increased 3 percent from 2012. Ovum said main growth drivers in 2013 were data communication sales driven by large data centers, 100G coherent demand, and unexpected growth in sales of transceivers for fiber-to-the-antenna applications for 4G build-outs.

“Demand for 100G metro–optimized transmission gear will begin shipments and ramp in 2015. Multiple component vendors introduced components and pluggable optics for 100GHz DWDM in anticipation. Opportunities are also emerging in the data center for high-speed interconnects,” said Daryl Inniss, practice leader for Telecoms Components at Ovum.

In the first quarter of 2014, the optical components market declined 1 percent sequentially and grew 7 percent compared to the year-ago period.  New lower telecom prices were one of the main reasons for the marginal growth in OC on quarter-on-quarter basis.

Ovm said demand for 100G components for coherent transmission in WAN, datacom transceivers at 10 and 40G, and fiber-to-the-antenna transceivers is expected to continue. Traffic continues to increase, and high-speed optics being used in new applications are helping to drive the market forward.

The WAN OC segment, which includes components in telecom carriers’ core and metro networks, the largest segment, will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11 percent to $7 billion in 2019. Demand for 100G components and modules is a big driver for growth in WAN.  Ovum expects strong demand for pluggable coherent transceivers in 2015.

Datacom will be expanding at a 16 percent CAGR to reach $4.2 billion in 2019 — led by demand for 10 and 40G components in the early years and then 100G in the later years driven by the availability of server ports supporting data rates greater than 10G.

Access — including CATV, FTTx and transceivers for the fiber-to-the-antenna application — will decline at 2 percent CAGR to $1.1 billion in 2019. The decline will be driven by the FTTx application, where volumes are nearly constant through the forecast period but price declines are projected to pull down revenues.

DK Photonics – www.dkphotonics.com  specializes in designing and manufacturing of high quality optical passive components mainly for telecommunication, fiber sensor and fiber laser applications,such as PLC Splitter, WDM, FWDM, CWDM, DWDM, OADM,Optical Circulator, Isolator, PM Circulator, PM Isolator, Fused Coupler, Fused WDM, Collimator, Optical Switch and Polarization Maintaining Components, Pump Combiner, High power isolator, Patch Cord and all kinds of connectors.