Cisco SFP Multimode-Singlemode
| Feature | Multimode SFP (MMF) | Singlemode SFP (SMF) |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber Type | Multimode | Singlemode |
| Core Diameter | 50–62.5 µm | ~9 µm |
| Wavelength | 850 nm (short) or 1300 nm | 1310 nm (short) or 1550 nm (long) |
| Max Distance | Up to 550 m (SX) / ~2 km | 10 km (LX) / 70–80 km (ZX) |
| Use Case | Data centers, LAN connections | Campus networks, MAN/WAN, long-distance links |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Connector | LC, SC | LC, SC |
| Example Part Numbers | GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-SX-MM | GLC-LH-SMD, GLC-ZX-SMD |
Key Notes
Multimode SFPs are ideal for short-range, high-bandwidth connections, mostly inside buildings or data centers.
Singlemode SFPs are for longer distances, like between buildings or over a metro network.
Don’t mix fiber types: a multimode SFP on singlemode fiber can cause signal loss; vice versa may work over very short distances but isn’t reliable.
Wavelength matters: always check your SFP’s wavelength matches the fiber and distance requirements.
