Difference Between Single Mode and Multi Mode Fiber

Parameter	Single Mode Fiber	Multi-Mode Fiber
Core Size	It has very small sized core and allows only one mode of light to propagate.	It has large Sized core and allows multiple mode of light to propagate.
Sources	1310+ nm lasers 1 and 10 Gb/s 1 Gb/s + w/ DWDM High precision packaging	850 nm and 1310 nm LEDs 850 nm lasers at 1 & 10 Gb/s Low precision packaging
Distance Support	This Cable is used to transmit data to long distances. Because as the light passes through the core, the number of light reflections created decreases which decreases attenuation and creates the ability for the signal to travel faster forward. Up to 60 KMs +	This cable is used to transmit data to short distances. Because as the number of lights passes through the core, high dispersion and attenuation reduces the quality of the signal. Up to 2 KMs
Construction	It generally comes in 9/125 construction which means that core to cladding diameter ratio is 9 micron to 125 micron.	It usually comes in 50/125 and 62.5/125 size.
Variations	It has no other variation rather than 9/125.	It comes in two variations: i)                    Step-Index Multimode Fiber ii)                   Graded-Index Multimode Fiber.
Cost	The equipment used for communications over Single-mode optical fiber is expensive. But the single mode fiber itself is usually less expensive.	The equipment used for communications over multi-mode optical fiber is less expensive.
Applications	LAN,SAN, Data Centre	WAN, MAN, Campus
Connectors Price	Higher Cost	Low Cost