Single-mode fiber cables have a smaller core size than multi-mode, which reduces the number of light reflections as the light passes through the cable, allowing the signal to travel further.  That makes it especially attractive for organizations that have long distance and higher bandwidth needs, such as telcos and universities. 

Multi-mode fiber on the other hand has a larger core size which allows multiple modes of light to pass through.  As a result, the number of reflections created increases as the light passes through. Multi-mode fiber is less expensive than single-mode fiber, and is largely used for shorter distance runs such as inside a data center or building.  

Another factor to consider is the fiber optical connector. Garland Technology has products that use different connectors ranging from LC to SFP, MPO/MTP^® and Cisco BiDi. Knowing the requirements of your environment and the tools that you want to send copies of the traffic to will help identify the different types of network TAPs that are compatible with your needs. 

Garland Technology the leader in product research, development and evolution released the industry’s first Optical Multi-Mode 5 (OM5) media type for extended long-range and short-range data center applications and their environments.

Improving upon the OM4 that was made standard by the Telecommunications Industry Association, Garland Technology’s OM5 Fiber Test Access Point (TAP) creates an opportunity to provide increased network performance to support longer distances, more ethernet connections, and fiber channel applications.

Advantages of moving to OM5:

•  Design for the future - newest MM Fiber technology, no outdated technology

•  Backward compatible with OM3/OM4

•  Support for 100G SWDM links, offering lower cost of DC migration to 100G

•  Support for Cisco 100G BiDi

•  Offers a 50% link length increase over OM4 for 100G applications

•  No longer need parallel fibers for 40/100G MM transmission, offering a cost reduction over MPO/MTP12