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Professional Fibre Optic & Network Cabling Services

Portsmouth Communications

0800 652 1666

Single Mode Fibre Optics

Single Mode fibre optic cable has a small diameter core that allows only one mode of light to propagate. Because of this, the number of light reflections created as the light passes through the core decreases, lowering attenuation and creating the ability for the signal to travel faster, further.

This application is typically used in long distance, higher bandwidth runs by Telcos, CATV companies, Colleges and Universities and other distributed large company sites.

The light is “guided” down the centre of the fibre called the “core”. The core is surrounded by a optical material called the “cladding” that traps the light in the core using an optical technique called “total internal reflection.”

The core and cladding are usually made of ultra-pure glass. The fibre is coated with a protective plastic covering called the “primary buffer coating” that protects it from moisture and other damage. More protection is provided by the “cable” which has the fibres and strength members inside an outer covering called a “jacket”.

The light that travels through a single mode fibre optic cable is generated using a laser. This laser is normally built within a “gbic module” that plugs into a compatible network switch. A “gbic module” for single mode fibre applications is generally much more expensive that one for multi mode,

If you are looking to transfer large amounts of data at high speed over long distances then single mode fibre may be the choice for you.