Both single-mode and multi-mode fibre optic cables are available, dependent upon choice and/or application. Multi-mode fibre optic cabling is now normally either OM3 or OM4, with legacy standards being OM1 and OM2. Both the OM3 and OM4 fibre sizes are 50/125 micron. Single-mode fibre optic cabling is normally OS2, which has either 8/125 or 9/125-micron fibres. The advantage of single-mode fibre is that it offers greater performance over longer distances and is often cheaper to supply than multi-mode. The disadvantage for the customer is that the fibre optic modules (SFP / SFP+) needed for single-mode fibre are normally considerably more expensive than those for multi-mode fibre.
The various fibre optic link and channel transmission distances for the different cable types are outlined in the following table:
"What fibre connectors do I need for my patch leads to connect to my network switches?" Below are some photographs to help identify the different types...
Generally, fibre optic SFP and SFP+ modules are all duplex LC connectors.
