Answer to Question #180120 in Optics for Asif

Question

Describe with the aid of simple ray diagrams: (a) the multimode step index fiber; (b) the single-mode step index fiber. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of fiber for use as an optical channel.

Answer 1

(a). the multimode step index fiber

b) the single-mode step index fiber. 

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Diagrams

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The multimode step index fiber

Advantages

1. Multimode cables are less expensive to operate, install, and maintain.

2. High speed and high bandwidth over short distances.

3. Allow several mode optical signals to be transmitted at once.

Disadvantages

1.Multimode cables are more limited in both speed and distance.

2.The maximum speed of an OM4 multimode cable is 100G depending on distance, and only up to a distance of 400 to 550 meters.

$\bull$ For OM3 fiber the maximum distance is 300 meters.

$\bull$ At 2 kilometers, it is only capable of transmitting 100Mbit. 

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The single-mode step index

Advantages

1.Single-mode fiber optic transmissions are faster than multimode over long distances because fewer switches or routers are needed mid-span.

2.Single-mode cable and connectors are generally less expensive than multimode.

Disadvantages

1.Single-mode solutions are often more expensive to deploy and operate since laser-based equipment generate more heat.

2.The dependency on lasers means that single-mode cables are less versatile and more limited in their applications