Various international standards have their own designations for different types of single-mode fiber, which can be rather confusing. Below is a summary table that references the three main standards bodies in the governance of optical fiber specifications

• IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is an international organization that sets standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. IEC standards are used by manufacturers, service providers, and governments around the world to ensure the safety, reliability, and interoperability of products and systems.
• TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association) is a US-based organization that develops standards for telecommunications products and services. TIA standards are used to ensure the quality, performance, and compatibility of telecommunications equipment.
• ITU (International Telecommunication Union) is a UN specialized agency that sets standards for telecommunications networks and services. ITU standards are used to ensure the global interoperability of telecommunications systems.