1. Jacket color: Single Mode (SM) fiber typically has a yellow jacket, while Multimode (MM) fiber usually has an orange jacket. However, this is not always a reliable method as some manufacturers may use different colors for their cables.

2. Core diameter: SM fiber has a much smaller core diameter (usually around 9 microns) compared to MM fiber, which typically has a core diameter of 50 or 62.5 microns. This can be difficult to determine without the use of specialized equipment.

3. Transmission distance: SM fiber is designed for longer transmission distances, typically up to tens of kilometers, while MM fiber is used for shorter distances, usually up to a few hundred meters.

4. Bandwidth and speed: SM fiber is capable of higher bandwidth and faster transmission speeds compared to MM fiber. This is due to the smaller core diameter and the way light propagates through the fiber.

5. Fiber markings: Some manufacturers may label their fiber cables with information indicating whether it is SM or MM fiber. Look for markings such as "SMF" for single mode fiber or "MMF" for multimode fiber.

It is always best to consult the product specifications or consult with a professional to accurately determine whether a fiber optic cable is SM or MM.

Choose an MSA Compatible SFP or Not?

Compatibility is often the most important parameter users care about when buying an MSA SFP module. MSA (multi-source agreement) is an agreement supported by a number of manufacturers who came together to collaborate and standardize the fit-form and try to provide a reliable mean of mixing and matching SFP brands successfully. Third-party companies also have developed their own tools to program SFP modules to be compatible with the OEM. So, the MSA compatibility Gigabit SFP module can be used successfully in most networks.

SFP vs. SFP+

Here is a table of comparison between SFP and SFP+