3 ms·

If you have the choice, always run single-mode. It’s infinitely more scalable than multimode and the price is on-par. Around here, SMF is currently cheaper. SM

If you have the choice, always run single-mode. It’s infinitely more scalable than multimode and the price is on-par. Around here, SMF is currently cheaper. SMF optics are single digit dollars more expensive than MMF optics, if you use third-party modules. And you might as well use them because your SP does. In my experience they’re better built and more reliable (longer lasting and lower failure rate. n=1000s of modules) than first-party Cisco optics.

traceroute66 2y ago
> In my experience they’re better built and more reliable (longer lasting and lower failure rate. n=1000s of modules) than first-party Cisco optics And for the typical price of a Cisco optic you can buy two third-party optics. So now you have a spare. :)
- runjake 2y ago
  From the last quote I got, I could buy almost 10 third-party Fs.com optics for the price of a Cisco OEM optic ($2,500 vs $250). And the FS.com seem to be manufactured more durably. And have a lower failure rate.
  - traceroute66 2y ago
    Personally I prefer Flexoptix for two reasons. First, they are reprogrammable. They will send you a free programming box with your first order if you agree to a public testimonial on their website. Support are also very responsive if you need new codings they'll try to work with you to find something that works (they can push new codes to your coding box). Second, more recently, they have the option to choose "not made in China". They sell both China and what they call "S2 Origin" which is any of Germany, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia. Only downside is if you are buying for personal use you won't be able to buy from Flexoptics. They only sell to companies. (They do have a small number of resellers though, so you might have more luck with indirect sourcing for personal purchases ... you won't get a free programming box tough).
    - haneefmubarak 2y ago
      I mean, for a mere Benjamin, a disregarded LLC will solve that for you.
    - runjake 2y ago
      I'll check them out. That would be handy as I'm dealing with a bunch of vendors. Thanks for the head's up!
    - piperswe 2y ago
      FS transceivers are also re-programmable: https://www.fs.com/products/96657.html https://www.fs.com/products/96657.html
runjake 2y ago
An addendum here that architectural firms and builders will still often spec out MMF for in-building fiber. You want to tell them "No, use SMF instead". They will look at you funny and maybe even tell you "that's more expensive" because they haven't looked at price lists in over a decade. But they are wrong on all counts (unless you exist in a really whacky market). The only exception here is that some video, HVAC, etc systems require MMF to stay in warranty. In those cases, run both and use the MMF only for that junk.

traceroute66 2y ago

> In my experience they’re better built and more reliable (longer lasting and lower failure rate. n=1000s of modules) than first-party Cisco optics And for the typical price of a Cisco optic you can buy two third-party optics. So now you have a spare. :)

runjake 2y ago
From the last quote I got, I could buy almost 10 third-party Fs.com optics for the price of a Cisco OEM optic ($2,500 vs $250). And the FS.com seem to be manufactured more durably. And have a lower failure rate.
- traceroute66 2y ago
  Personally I prefer Flexoptix for two reasons. First, they are reprogrammable. They will send you a free programming box with your first order if you agree to a public testimonial on their website. Support are also very responsive if you need new codings they'll try to work with you to find something that works (they can push new codes to your coding box). Second, more recently, they have the option to choose "not made in China". They sell both China and what they call "S2 Origin" which is any of Germany, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia. Only downside is if you are buying for personal use you won't be able to buy from Flexoptics. They only sell to companies. (They do have a small number of resellers though, so you might have more luck with indirect sourcing for personal purchases ... you won't get a free programming box tough).
  - haneefmubarak 2y ago
    I mean, for a mere Benjamin, a disregarded LLC will solve that for you.
  - runjake 2y ago
    I'll check them out. That would be handy as I'm dealing with a bunch of vendors. Thanks for the head's up!
  - piperswe 2y ago
    FS transceivers are also re-programmable: https://www.fs.com/products/96657.html https://www.fs.com/products/96657.html

runjake 2y ago

An addendum here that architectural firms and builders will still often spec out MMF for in-building fiber. You want to tell them "No, use SMF instead". They will look at you funny and maybe even tell you "that's more expensive" because they haven't looked at price lists in over a decade. But they are wrong on all counts (unless you exist in a really whacky market). The only exception here is that some video, HVAC, etc systems require MMF to stay in warranty. In those cases, run both and use the MMF only for that junk.