Ethernet Fiber
Ethernet technology is the first and widest technology used for almost all types of networks. Allowing data transfer speeds that go as fast as 10 gigabytes per second and even expected to reach 100Gbit/s in the near future, it is certainly the best among the best standards.
And in order for these speedy transmissions to take place, Ethernet applies the use of fiber optics as a means of transporting data. Fiber Optics is a technology that makes use of light waves and pulses as signals that could be exchanged in a network.
However, just like any other form of technology, Ethernet services have different specification and performance qualities.
One the account of the optical fiber technology in particular, there are two main types being used in Ethernet networks: the Single Mode Fiber (SMF) and the Multi Mode Fiber (MMF). As their name already suggests, they are classified based on their capabilities. Single mode fibers can carry data on a single ray of light and follow only a single path, while multi mode fibers can carry more data with their higher capacity for light and they also move in multiple paths.
SMF has a core that measures 8.3 µm, while measurements 50 and 62.5 µm are for MMF. SMF, because of its narrow core composition, requires higher and more precisely measured data pulses. MMF, on the other hand, is more versatile and has less particular adjustments to be made.
Generally, because of the meticulousness needed in installation and actual usage of SMF, it is more expensive than MMF. However, SMF’s pricing is not only based on the reasons of sophistication and expensive equipments. Given its narrowness, it provides narrower modal dispersion. Meaning, it can retain quality of the data stored in its light pulses even for over 300 meters. With this feature, it is highly reliable for long-distance data transfers.
Then again, not all networks have massive distances between their linked computers. And on the account of being reliable for distances below or exactly 300 meters, MMF takes the lead. Its broader core allows easier functioning for a wide range of device types. MMF could perform using low cost lasers and connectors. Therefore, in practical terms, MMF is cheaper yet more reliable (although for short distances only). But, MMF’s wide core also poses some disadvantages.
One of them is DND or differential mode delay, where a data transmission takes a while longer than necessary. This happens when a signal gets a little “lost” somewhere in the multiple paths of MMF’s core while traveling from its source to its destination. Some Ethernet variants available using MMF are 100BASE-FX for 100Mbit/s (maximum 2km range), 1000BASE-SX for 1Gbit/s (maximum 550m range), and 10GBASE-SR for 10Gbit/s maximum 300m range).
Of course there are other equipments needed to make sure that Ethernet services function best. Some of them include pluggable module and switches that adjust and adapts different physical layer standards of different devices. But, whichever of the two optical fiber types is chosen for a network use, the certainty of efficient information exchange is guaranteed. Take note, fiber optics is actually one of the highest praised technologies in the line of commercial and industrial usage.
