Parameters of single-mode fiber SMF-28

Corning SMF-28 single-mode fiber is a standard optical fiber optimized for 1310 nm and 1550 nm transmission, featuring low attenuation, low dispersion, and high reliability.

Core Specifications

Fiber Type: Single-mode optical fiber, compliant with ITU-T G.652.D, TIA/EIA-492CAAA, IEC 60793-2, and GR-20-CORE standards . Mode Field Diameter (MFD): Approximately 9.2 µm at 1310 nm, ensuring compatibility with legacy single-mode fibers . Core and Cladding: Ultra-pure synthetic silica core with consistent geometric properties; cladding diameter is 125 µm. Coating: Dual acrylate CPC coating (standard 245 µm diameter) for mechanical protection, easy stripping, and compatibility with various cable designs including loose tube, ribbon, and tight buffer . Manufacturing Process: Outside Vapor Deposition (OVD), producing high-strength, low-attenuation fiber with uniform geometry .

Optical Performance

Attenuation:

• 1310 nm: ≤ 0.35 dB/km (premium), ≤ 0.40 dB/km (standard)
• 1550 nm: ≤ 0.25 dB/km (premium), ≤ 0.30 dB/km (standard)
• Water peak (1383 ± 3 nm): ≤ 2.1 dB/km . Dispersion: Optimized for low chromatic dispersion at 1310 nm; suitable for TDM and WDM systems at 1550 nm . Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD): Maximum 0.5 ps/√km for standard SMF-28; SMF-28e offers improved PMD of 0.20 ps/√km . Point Discontinuity: No discontinuity greater than 0.10 dB at 1310 nm or 1550 nm .

Mechanical and Environmental Properties

Proof Test: ≥ 100 kpsi (0.7 GPa) tensile stress; higher proof levels available . Coating Diameter: 245 µm (standard), with SMF-28 Ultra available in 242 µm or reduced 200 µm for high-fiber-count cables . Bend Performance: SMF-28 Ultra exceeds ITU-T G.657.A1 for macrobend tolerance, reducing signal loss in tight bends . Reliability: Designed for long-term performance in telephony, cable TV, submarine, and utility networks, with consistent performance reel after reel .

Wavelength Range

• Optimized for 1310 nm (low dispersion, high capacity)
• Effective for 1550 nm (TDM/WDM systems)
• Compatible with full-spectrum applications including legacy networks .

Summary

SMF-28 fiber is a high-performance, low-loss single-mode fiber widely used in telecommunications and data networks. Its key advantages include low attenuation, low PMD, high mechanical strength, and compatibility with both legacy and modern optical systems. Enhanced versions like SMF-28e and SMF-28 Ultra provide improved PMD, macrobend performance, and reduced coating diameters for advanced network deployments .