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When building fiber optic cabling, many choices must be made. Choosing single mode or multi-mode installation is unquestionably one of the most crucial decisions. Understanding the distinctions between these two kinds of fiber glass are crucial since it will have a significant impact on your network's range, bandwidth, and spending.

Overview of Single Mode vs. Multi-mode Fiber Optic Cable

Single mode means the fiber enables one type of light mode to be propagated at a time. While multi-mode means that fiber can transmit data in multiple modes. The primary distinction between single mode and multi-mode fiber optic cable is the fiber core diameter, wavelength & light source, bandwidth, color sheath, distance, and cost.

Core Diameter

Single mode fiber: one that has a small light-carrying core that is about 9 micrometers (µm) in diameter. The core is surrounded by cladding, which increases the optical fiber's overall diameter to 125 µm.

Multi-mode fiber: a fiber core diameter of 50 µm or more, which improves "light gathering" and makes connections easier. Similar to single mode, the core is encased in cladding, increasing the optical fiber's overall diameter to 125 µm.

Due to its larger core diameter, multi-mode fiber exhibits more attenuation than single mode fiber. Since single mode fiber optic cables have a relatively tiny fiber core, very little light is reflected as it travels through them, minimizing attenuation.

Wavelength & Light Source

Given the large core size of multi-mode fiber, low-cost light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and VCSELs (vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers) with wavelengths of 850nm and 1300nm are used in multi-mode fiber cables. While single mode fiber frequently employs a laser or laser diodes to generate light that is injected into the cable. The most common single mode fiber wavelengths are 1310nm and 1550nm.

Bandwidth

The maximum bandwidth of multi-mode fiber is currently 28000MHz*km of OM5 fiber. While single mode fiber bandwidth is theoretically unlimited because it allows only one light mode to pass through at a time.

Color Sheath

According to the TIA-598C standard definition, single mode cable is coated with a yellow outer sheath, and multi-mode fiber is coated with an orange or aqua jacket.

Single mode vs. Multi-mode Distance

Single mode vs. Multi-mode: Which Should I Choose?

The first factor to consider when deciding between single mode and multi-mode fiber cables is the fiber distance required. For example, in data centers multi-mode fiber cables are sufficient for distances of 300-400m. Single mode fiber is the best choice for applications requiring distances of thousands of meters or more. In applications where single mode and multi-mode fiber can be used, other factors such as cost and future upgrade requirements should be considered.

It is clear from the comparison of single mode and multi-mode fiber optic cable that single-mode fiber cabling systems are best suited for long-distance data transmission applications and are frequently used in carrier networks and passive optical networks (PONs). Whereas in businesses, data centers, and local area networks (LANs), multi-mode fiber cabling systems are commonly used because of their shorter reach. No matter which one you select, it's crucial to choose the best one that meets your network needs.

For more information, or a quote contact us or visit our fiber optic cable product page.

Data centers use high speed direct attach cables (DACs) or twinaxial (twinax) cables – a type of cable similar to a coaxial cable but with two inner conductors instead of one – for high speed 10G to 400G connections because they offer a low-cost, high-density alternative cabling solution. Let's break down the terminology to better understand the characteristics of DACs and power high speed data center connectivity.

What is a DAC?

A direct attach cable (DAC) is a type of factory terminated twinax cable that connects directly into transceivers and is available in a variety of lengths for short distances of up to 15m. These cables are made up of fixed lengths of shielded copper coaxial or fiber optic cable with pluggable transceivers on either end with gauges ranging from 24AWG to 30AWG. DACs can connect up to 15m through twinaxial cable and up to 100m through active optical cable at 10G, 40G, or higher.

There are three common DAC types:

• Passive Direct Attach Copper Cable
• Active Direct Attach Copper Cable
• Active Optical Cable (AOC)

Passive vs. Active DACs

The main difference between Active DACs and Passive DACs is that Active DACs use electronics for signal conditioning, whereas Passive DACs don’t use electronics for signal conditioning.

Direct Attach Cable vs. Optical Transceiver Module

When connecting switches together to form a stack that connects to routers or servers, DACs, AOCs, and optical transceiver modules are utilized. While DACs and AOCs are fixed cable assemblies with various form factor connectors on both ends, optical transceiver modules require fiber cables in order to be inserted into the transceiver module. For more information, see our comparison video of DAC vs. AOC.

Direct Attach Cables for Data Center Interconnection

High speed direct attach cables are available in a variety of configurations that connect both new and used equipment while minimizing expenses at every point of connection. In top-of-rack switches with 32 to 56 ports that can accommodate up to 128 links, DACs are used (4x25G times 32 ports). DACs with greater data rates are typically backwards compatible with twinax cables with lower data rates.

DACs in different form factors are as follows:

• 10G SFP+ Cables
• 25G SFP28 Cables
• 40G QSFP+ Cables
• 100G QSFP28 DAC
• 200G QSFP56 DAC
• 400G QSFP-DD DAC
• 200G DAC Breakout Cables
• 400G DAC Breakout Cables

Shop Passive or Active DACs at prolabs.com

ProLabs' series of DACs

For more information or additional insights on ProLabs' fiber optics, contact us today!

The challenge of ensuring performance over temperature is growing for all types of network operators. The use of standard commercial temperature connectivity components outside the environmentally controlled confines of data centers, hubs, wire centers, or central offices puts the network at risk.

ProLabs’ new industrial temperature (ITEMP) rated direct attach cables (DAC) help to ensure service reliability in high performance compute, mobile backhaul, remote FTTH cabinets, and other mission critical applications where operating temperatures may exceed the standard commercial temperature envelope.

SFP+ 10G ITEMP DAC

Features & Benefits:

• Delivers 10G over the industrial temperature envelope, -40°C to +85°C.
• 100% tested for compatibility with leading network equipment manufacture platforms.
• Support for full industrial temperature in high performance compute nodes, outside plant cabinets, and customer premises.
• Take advantage of our competitive lead times and avoid backorders with our U.S. & U.K. based stock and fast shipping.
• U.S. & U.K. originated, coded, and tested optics solve your practical network challenges without hassle.

QSFP28 100G ITEMP DAC

Features & Benefits:

• Delivers 100G over the industrial temperature envelope, -40°C to +85°C.
• 100% tested for compatibility with leading network equipment manufacture platforms.
• Support for full industrial temperature in high performance compute nodes, outside plant cabinets, and customer premises.
• Take advantage of our competitive lead times and avoid backorders with our U.S. & U.K. based stock and fast shipping.
• U.S. & U.K. originated, coded, and tested optics solve your practical network challenges without hassle.

Enhance high performance computing application needs with ITEMP SFP+ & ITEMP QSFP28 DACs. Contact us today!

As Internet technology advances, new applications emerge, raising the bar on required bandwidth to maintain favorable consumer experiences to high-speed 100G Ethernet upgrades. This applies for metropolitan area networks, whose networks are more complex and meet elevated performance requirements through supporting high data rates and channel expansion.

Metropolitan area networks face many challenges when migrating to 100G, but there are some cutting-edge advanced technologies to support 100G metro networks.

Requirements for 100G Metro Evolution

Existing 10G networks are rapidly becoming saturated as data traffic volume increases by 40% per year. While long-distance technology research seeks to avoid capacity constraints through the use of advanced optical components and fibers, metro networks have lagged behind the rest of the market in terms of adopting new technologies. The roadmap to 100G metro networks must include economic viability as well as increased space, power, and bandwidth efficiency.

100G Application Technologies

Depending on the application scenario, 100G networks may need an amplifier, dispersion compensation modules, and/or forward error correction (FEC) enabled transponder cards. The dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) multiplexer/demultiplexers (mux/demux) is the core technology that provides a platform for adding channels to existing 10G channels with 100G upgrades.

To meet the high-capacity and long-distance transmission requirements of 100G metro networks, advanced DWDM technology and coherent optics are used. In addition, pulse amplitude modulation 4 (PAM4)—a fresh signal transmission technology—has been created to offer a fresh answer for 100G Ethernet connectivity in metropolitan area networks.

Dispersion Compensation Modules

Coherent optics, particularly small pluggable CFP2 and CFP4 modules, have gained widespread attention and adoption for 100G metro networks due to their optimized performance and size. Higher-order modulation and coherent detection are key technologies in coherent optics. Additionally, digital signal processors (DSP) and FEC are critical for improving the transmission capability of 100G coherent optical communication systems. 100G coherent CFP modules offer low-cost electronic equalization of fiber impairments as well as extensive performance monitoring capabilities, allowing for simple installation and network management.

PAM4 Modulation

PAM4 is a signal transmission technology that employs four different signal levels, with each symbol period representing two bits of logic information (0, 1, 2, 3). It can boost transmission rates while decreasing signal loss, allowing for higher capacity and longer distance transmission.

Because of its simplicity and low power consumption, 100G PAM4 QSFP28 is a cost-effective solution for 100G metro networks based on this cutting-edge technology.

100G Product Recommendations

ProLabs provides 100G high-performance products that apply 100G technology to help customers upgrade their 100G networks.

	100G CFP Transceiver
	100G DWDM QSFP28 PAM4 Transceiver
	DWDM Mux/Demux

The technologies mentioned above make it possible to transmit 100G over long distances in metropolitan areas more efficiently and with greater performance overhead. When choosing ProLabs for these, we can also help save on per-optic costs without compromising on quality.

Based on these different technologies, various 100G metro network solutions have been developed and continuous development of these technologies are required when evolving to 100G.

For more information about 100G metro networks, or a quote, contact us.

Data center facilities frequently consume more than 100 times the amount of electricity as a commercial office space due to their specialized function of housing high-energy IT equipment and operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With such high electricity consumption, effective energy conservation measures in data centers can significantly reduce energy consumption utility costs.

Data center energy consumption is receiving a lot of attention as the industry grows. Operating data centers can be expensive if the power infrastructure is poorly designed or outdated.

The following are some of the most innovative ways data centers can improve energy efficiency while drastically lowering operating costs.

1. Information Technology (IT) – use power-efficient networking hardware i.e. low-power solutions

2. Power Infrastructure – reduce losses from power distribution units and uninterruptible power supplies

3. Airflow Management – improve cooling by preventing hot and cold air from mixing

4. HVAC – optimizing cooling and humidification systems

5. Innovative tariffs – derive data center efficiency

With the tools listed above, data centers can improve daily power efficiency, extend the life of IT equipment, and reduce daily costs to achieve higher margins while maintaining reliability. Significantly improve your IT energy by implementing one or more of these simple energy-saving initiatives in your data center.

For more information on how you can help your data center, contact us or check out our low-power solutions page.

Demand for 16G Fiber Channel services outside the data center require solutions that leverage existing fiber infrastructures. Standard long-wavelength ‘gray’ optic solutions do not offer the reach required for WAN connections and are not optically compatible with existing CWDM or DWDM networks.

ProLabs' new 16G Fiber Channel CWDM and DWDM transceivers enable rapid expansion of new services over existing fiber infrastructure. The 16G Fiber Channel CWDM and DWDM transceivers are high-performing, cost-effective modules that can support data rates of 16G Fiber Channel and transmission distances of 40km over single-mode fiber.

Deliver more services over existing fiber in place with 16G FC CWDM and DWDM transceivers:

MSA and TAA 16GBase-CWDM FC SFP+ Transceiver (SMF, 1470nm, 40km, LC, DOM, 0 to 70C) Other wavelengths available: 1490, 1510, 1530, 1550, 1570, 1590, 1610 nm	SKU: SFP-16GB-CW-47-40-C
Cisco® Compatible TAA 16GBase-CWDM FC SFP+ Transceiver (SMF, 1470nm, 40km, LC, DOM, 0 to 70C) Other wavelengths available: 1490, 1510, 1530, 1550, 1570, 1590, 1610 nm	SKU: SFP-16GB-CW-47-40-C-C
Brocade® (Formerly) Compatible TAA 16GBase-CWDM FC SFP+ Transceiver (SMF, 1470nm, 40km, LC, DOM, 0 to 70C) Other wavelengths available: 1490, 1510, 1530, 1550, 1570, 1590, 1610 nm	SKU: SFP-16GB-CW-47-40-BR-C
MSA and TAA 16GBase-DWDM 100GHz SFP+ Transceiver (SMF, 1563.86nm, 40km, LC, DOM) Other wavelengths available: DW18 through DW61	SKU: SFP-16GB-DW17-40-C
Cisco Compatible 16GBase-DWDM 100GHz SFP+ Transceiver (SMF, 1563.86nm, 40km, LC, DOM) Other wavelengths available: DW18 through DW61	SKU: SFP-16GB-DW17-40-C-C
Brocade (Formerly) Compatible 16GBase-DWDM 100GHz SFP+ Transceiver (SMF, 1563.86nm, 40km, LC, DOM) Other wavelengths available: DW18 through DW61	SKU: SFP-16GB-DW17-40-BR-C

Features & Benefits:

• 16x fiber channel data links over a single-mode fiber with a maximum reach of 40km.
• 100% tested for compatibility with our full catalog of OEM switches and routers.
• Take advantage of our competitive lead times and avoid backorders with our U.S.- & U.K.-based stock and fast shipping.
• U.S. & U.K.-originated, coded, and tested optics solve your practical network challenges without hassle.

Deploy 16G FC CWDM and DWDM optics for your infrastructure. Contact us today!

See ProLabs' other 16G Fiber Channel solutions:

Dell® Compatible TAA 16GBase-SW SFP+ Transceiver (MMF, 850nm, 300m, LC, DOM)	SKU: SFP-16GFC-SW-C
MSA and TAA 16GBase-LW SFP+ Transceiver (SMF, 1310nm, 10km, LC, DOM)	SKU: SFP-16GBASE-LW-C

Available with compatibility with leading network equipment manufacturers, including Cisco, HP, and more!