I have a 1500' fiber run to make for data 10/100. The interface on each end is multi-mode, but the cable I have is single mode. Can this be done? I'm new to fiber so be gentle with me.
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2With rare exceptions, you can't mix multimode and single mode cable/optics.– Ron TrunkMay 16, 2015 at 16:09
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Can please be clearer? Is your 1.5 KM run multimode fiber or is it a 1.5KM single-mode fiber run?– user4565May 16, 2015 at 20:25
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the fiber is single mode and the interface on each end is multimode.– doyleMay 21, 2015 at 12:59
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1Did any answer help you? If so, you should accept the answer so that the question doesn't keep popping up forever, looking for an answer. Alternatively, you could provide and accept your own answer.– Ron Maupin ♦Aug 11, 2017 at 16:57
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3 Answers
The scenario you are asking about will not work.
The answer is in the name - "multimode" fibre carries multiple modes of light. "Singlemode" fibre carries only a single mode. So you can not carry multiple modes of light down a fibre that only supports a mode.
You can use multimode fibre to connect singlemode interfaces but this will only work over a short distance. Soon you will encounter some sort of dispertion so its not really recommend but it will work as a last resort.
answered May 19, 2015 at 13:06
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thank you for your answer. looks like i have some interfaces to acquire.– doyleMay 21, 2015 at 13:00
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@jwbensley "You can use MM to connect SM but only short distance" can you share some experiences and distances?– EDPAug 23, 2015 at 14:44
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@EDP sorry I can't, it works in the lab, but beyond that I don't ever do this in production. Aug 23, 2015 at 15:22
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@jwbensley I was neither suggesting, assuming nor hoping you would :-). I was just curious.– EDPAug 24, 2015 at 9:48
Multimode and Singlemode fibres have very different dispersion characteristics, so they are not directly interoperable. In the unlikely event that you can make it work, don't count on it being reliable. You will need a suitable converter.
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thank you for your answer. looks like i have some interfaces to acquire.– doyleMay 21, 2015 at 13:00
No, you can't use multimode transceivers with a singlemode fiber plant. This simply will not work as desired.
It is possible to use singlemode transceivers with a multimode fiber plant. This can be more complicated to avoid problems and/or damage to your optic and may require the use of a Mode Conditioning Patch Cable. Make sure to do your research before trying to implement.
Of course, if you are only talking about Gig speeds, in my opinion it isn't worth looking into the MCP cables as they can cost more than buying SX transceivers themselves.
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thank you for your answer. looks like i have some interfaces to acquire.– doyleMay 21, 2015 at 13:00