G.652 vs G.655 Single Mode Fiber Comparison
ITU-T G.65x series is a commonly known single mode fiber standard category, which can be further divided into G.652, G.653, G.654, G.655, G.656, and G.657, among which G.652 and G.655 are the two options commonly used. G.652 vs G.655 fiber, what are their differences and how to make a wise decision between them?
Basics and Diversities of G.652 and G.655 Fibers
The first edition of G.652 fiber was standardized in 1984 and now this standard has four subcategories: G.652.A, G.652.B, G.652.C, and G.652.D. All of the four variants have the same G.652 core size of 8-10 micrometers. Among them, G.652.C and G.652.D fibers possess higher performance than G.652.A and G.652.B.
For the G.652 divisions, the G.652.A and G.652.B fibers are designed to have a zero-dispersion wavelength near 1310nm—optimal for operation in the 1310nm band. Due to the water peak nature, both of them are not suitable for Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) applications. The more advanced variants G.652.C and G.652.D fibers have eliminated the water peak for full spectrum operation, allowing them to be applied in the wavelength region between 1310nm and 1625nm to support Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexed (CWDM) transmission. Here is a specification table of the four G.652 variants.
G.655 standard can be divided into G.655.A, G.655.B, G.655.C, G.655.D, and G.655.E five variants, among which the G.655 C/D/E are commonly-used ones. G.655 single mode fiber is known as Non Zero Dispersion-shifted Fiber (NZDSF) on account of the dispersion at the wavelength of 1550nm—close to zero but not zero yet. There are two types of NZDSF: (-D) NZDSF and (+D) NZDSF, which stand for a negative and positive slope versus wavelength respectively.
The G.655 fiber has a small, controlled amount of chromatic dispersion in the C-band (1530-1565nm), where amplifiers work best, and has a larger core area than G.652 fiber. As an improved dispersion-shifted fiber, G.655 can suppress four-wave mixing and other nonlinear effects. Therefore, G.655 single mode fiber that supports longer distances with higher capacity can meet the requirements of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed (DWDM) transmission.
Here is a specification table of the three frequently-used G.655 variants.
| template | G.655.C | G.655.D | G.655.E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelength Range | 1550-1625nm | 1550-1625nm | 1550-1625nm |
| Maximum Attenuation Coefficient | 1550nm: 0.35dB/km 1625nm: 0.4dB/km | 1550nm: 0.35dB/km 1625nm: 0.4dB/km | 1550nm: 0.35dB/km 1625nm: 0.4dB/km |
| Application | (1) Recommendations such as G.691, G.959.1, and G.693. (2) For DWDM systems, channel spacings defined in G.694.1 are supported, depending on the minimum dispersion that is selected. | (1) For wavelengths greater than 1530 nm, the applications mentioned in G.655.C are supported. (2) For wavelengths less than 1530 nm, the fiber can be used to support CWDM applications at channels from 1471nm and higher. | (1) The same style as G.655.D, but with higher values especially for some small channel spacings. (2) The applications mentioned in G.655.C are supported. |
How to Make a Proper Selection Between G.652 and G.655 SMF Cables?
G.652 standard is designed for LAN, MAN, access networks and CWDM transmission. CWDM is an economically sensible option, often used for short-haul applications on G.652 fiber cables, where signal amplification is not necessary. G.655 is the second most common fiber type in terrestrial networks and has been widely deployed in long-haul network and DWDM transmission. The key value position for this fiber type was low dispersion including Chromatic Dispersion and Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) when deployment.
The selection of a single mode fiber optic cable will depend on your needs. The G.652 fiber and its posterior evolution version G.657 are low-cost fibers, standard and qualified for those that don’t require speed higher than 10Gbps with short-haul distances. G.652 is recommended for this kind of case. If your desired bandwidth is higher than 10Gbps or needing to support over long distances with higher performance, G.655 can provide the better solution regardless of much higher cost. The following chart shows the applications for CWDM/DWDM of G.652 and G.655. The one with a mark indicates the standard is suitable for the application.
| 10G CWDM | 40G CWDM | 10G DWDM | 40G DWDM | 100G DWDM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.652 | √ | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| G.655 | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Conclusion
Different types of single mode fiber cables have their own application areas. The evolution of these optical fiber specifications has reflected the evolution of transmission system technology over the years. Choosing the right SMF for your cabling is of importance taking performance, cost, reliability, and safety into considerations. The various fiber cables with different standards will confuse the customers sometimes, Is G.652 Single Mode Fiber Your Right Choice may give you some inspirations before selecting.
FAQ – G.652 vs G.655 Single-Mode Fiber Comparison
What is the difference between G.652 and G.655 single-mode fibers?
G.652 is the standard single-mode fiber used in access and metro networks, optimized for 1310 nm transmission with normal dispersion at 1550 nm, while G.655 (Non‑Zero Dispersion Shifted Fiber) has a controlled small dispersion around 1550 nm to support dense WDM systems and minimize nonlinear effects like FWM.
What are the main subcategories of G.652 and G.655 fibers?
G.652 includes A/B/C/D variants; G.652D is most used with low water peak and extended range 1310–1625 nm. G.655 includes NZ‑DSF categories (A/C/E) that optimize dispersion between 4.5–9 ps/nm·km at 1550 nm for improved DWDM performance.
What dispersion characteristics define G.652 and G.655?
G.652 fibers have dispersion about 17 ps/nm·km at 1550 nm, while G.655 fibers reduce dispersion to 4–9 ps/nm·km, balancing nonlinearity and chromatic dispersion for DWDM transmission per ITU‑T G.655.E.
Which standards define these single-mode fiber types?
They are standardized by ITU‑T G.652 (A–D) and G.655 (A/C/E), IEC 60793‑2‑50 types B1.3 and B4, with mechanical testing under IEC 60794‑1‑2 and durability defined in Telcordia GR‑20‑CORE and GR‑409‑CORE.
What are typical applications for G.652 and G.655?
G.652D is mainly used in metro, access, and FTTx networks up to 80 km; G.655 is intended for long‑haul and DWDM backbone links where multiple wavelengths are transmitted at 1550 nm band.
Which single-mode fiber should I choose, G.652 or G.655?
Choose G.652D for standard access or FTTH networks needing cost efficiency and wide interoperability; choose G.655 for long‑distance, high‑capacity DWDM systems that require minimized nonlinear effects and consistent dispersion control.
