Multi-mode transceivers on single-mode fiber

fiber

The topic says it all; is there any hope for using multi-mode transceivers on a single-mode fiber cable?

I work exclusively with mobile setups, where I use pretty expensive fiber cables. The equipment I use is a mix of multi and single-mode, and I was hoping that I could settle on one common standard cable.

Best Answer

Absolutely: NO

Think about it for a second... you're firing a 62.5um (or 50um) laser into a 9um fiber. That means ~85% of the signal is gone from the very start.

(The opposite will work: SM launched into a MM fiber, but it takes good fiber, a Mode Conditioning Cable, and your distance will be compromised. But it can work.)