Fiber optics is seen as the best available technology when it comes to transmitting information at high speeds. It is possible to say that multimode fibers are preferable to use in enterprise networks, data centers, and campus networks due to their longevity and lower cost level. You will learn much about multimode fibers and types of multimode fibers while reading this paper.
What Is the Definition of Multimode Fibers?
Multimode fiber is defined as a fiber optic cable that carries multiple modes at the same time. The core diameter of multimode fibers is larger compared to the core of the single-mode fiber. Therefore, the multimode optical fiber serves perfectly well for short-distance communications.
How Many Types of Multimode Fibers Are There?
There are five types of multimode fibers based on international standards – OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5.
1. OM1 Fiber
The core of the OM1 fiber is 62.5 microns. The OM1 fiber is used for slow-speed applications such as 100 Mbps Ethernet. It has a short transmission range of 275 meters when operating at 1 Gbps.
2. OM2 Fiber
OM2 fiber has a core size of 50 microns. It is capable of providing increased bandwidth and high speed as compared to OM1 fiber. Its transmission range at 1 Gbps is 550 meters, and 10 Gbps is around 82 meters. OM2 fiber is perfect for mid-range high-speed network applications.
3. OM3 Fiber
In indoor network installations, OM3 fiber is employed when there is a need for increased speed but not with single-mode fiber. The typical OM3 cable can handle 10 Gbps transmission over a distance of approximately 300 m. As soon as the network operates at a rate of 40 or 100 Gbps, the achievable distance becomes shorter and equals to 100 m. Thus, such properties of OM3 fibers make them suitable for use in data centers which involve lots of interconnections.
4. OM4 Fiber
OM4 can be referred to as an advanced alternative to OM3 due to higher bandwidth capabilities. OM4 enables 10 Gbps data transmission over 550 m under similar conditions. 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps Ethernet can be transmitted for 150 m. In practice, most companies tend to apply OM4 in high-performance computing facilities where extra network scalability might be useful.
5. OM5 Fiber
OM5 is regarded as one of the newest solutions offered by modern manufacturers. Such fibers allow SWDM technology, which implies simultaneous transportation of multiple wavelengths instead of only one. Despite being 50/125 μm fiber like OM3 and OM4, OM5 fibers provide improved data transport within distances exceeding 100 m.
OM1 vs OM2 vs OM3 vs OM4 vs OM5: Key Differences
|
Type |
Core Diameter | Bandwidth | 1 Gbps Distance | 10 Gbps Distance | 40/100 Gbps Distance | Typical Applications |
|
OM1 |
62.5 µm | 200 MHz·km | 275 m | 33 m | Not recommended | Legacy networks, low-speed LAN |
| OM2 | 50 µm | 500 MHz·km | 550 m | 82 m | Not recommended |
Mid-range high-speed networks |
| OM3 |
50 µm |
2000 MHz·km | 300 m | 300 m |
100 m |
Data centers, high-speed networks |
| OM4 |
50 µm |
4700 MHz·km |
550 m |
550 m | 150 m |
HPC, large data centers |
|
OM5 |
50 µm | 4700 MHz·km+ | 550 m | 550 m | 150 m+ |
High-speed data centers, SWDM applications |
Multimode Fiber Connector Types
|
Connector Type |
Features | Application |
|
LC |
Compact, high-density | Data centers, network equipment |
|
SC |
Easy to plug/unplug, reliable |
Enterprise networks, fiber cabling |
| ST | Bayonet-style, durable |
Industrial networks, campus LAN |
| MTP/MPO |
High-density, multiple fibers |
Large-scale data center cabling |
Advantages of Multimode Fiber
- The first reason why multimode fibers are so popular is the low cost of installation. As compared to the single-mode variants, multimode fibers and equipment associated with them are relatively cheaper to install for short-range communication and local area networks.
- The other reason why it is used is the capability of high-speed transmission. Contemporary multimode fibers such as OM3, OM4, and OM5 have a data transmission rate of over 10 Gbps; therefore, they can be used in conditions of fast data transmission.
- Regarding the process of installation of multimode fibers, it must be stated that it requires simpler light sources in comparison with the single-mode alternatives – LED or VCSEL light sources may be used instead.
Finally, there are various fields of use for multimode fiber, which include data centers, campuses, enterprises, and others that require stable operation at certain distances.
Conclusion
It is evident that through years of development, multimode fibers managed to progress from OM1 to OM5 categories; however, there was observed growth in their bandwidth capacity and data transmission range. The selection of a proper fiber category mainly depends on actual network conditions and needs.
