Different types of multimode optical fiber
Multimode optical fibers are classified into five main types: OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5, each differing in core size, bandwidth, transmission distance, optical source, and typical applications.
Overview of Multimode Fiber
Multimode fiber (MMF) has a larger core diameter (50–62.5 µm) than single-mode fiber, allowing multiple light modes to propagate simultaneously. This makes MMF ideal for short- to medium-distance communication, such as within buildings, campuses, or data centers. MMF is cost-effective because it pairs with LED or VCSEL transceivers, which are cheaper and consume less power than single-mode laser modules .
Multimode Fiber Types
| Type | Core Size | Jacket Color | Optical Source | Max Distance (10G Ethernet) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OM1 | 62.5 µm | Orange | LED | 33 m | Legacy networks, 100M–1G Ethernet |
| OM2 | 50 µm | Orange | LED | 82 m | 1G Ethernet, limited 10G applications |
| OM3 | 50 µm | Aqua | VCSEL (laser-optimized) | 300 m | 10G Ethernet, 40G/100G up to 100 m, modern enterprise networks |
| OM4 | 50 µm | Aqua | VCSEL | 550 m | High-speed 10G–100G links, data centers, backward compatible with OM3 |
| OM5 | 50 µm | Lime Green | SWDM (shortwave wavelength division multiplexing) | Similar to OM4 for 10G, supports multiple wavelengths | Future-proof high-speed networks, supports wideband applications |
Key Characteristics
- OM1 and OM2: Older standards, use LED light sources, suitable for lower-speed networks. OM1 has a larger core (62.5 µm) than OM2 (50 µm), limiting bandwidth and distance .
- OM3 and OM4: Laser-optimized for VCSELs, supporting higher bandwidth and longer distances. OM4 extends 10G Ethernet reach to 550 m and supports 40G/100G links up to 150 m with proper equipment .
- OM5: Introduced for wideband multimode fiber (WBMMF), enabling multiple wavelengths over a single fiber for higher aggregate bandwidth, ideal for future-proofing data centers .
Applications
- Enterprise networks and data centers: OM3, OM4, and OM5 are preferred for high-speed 10G–100G Ethernet links.
- Campus and building backbones: OM1 and OM2 may still exist in legacy installations but are largely replaced by OM3/OM4.
- Specialized uses: OM5 supports shortwave wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM), allowing multiple wavelengths to transmit simultaneously, increasing capacity without adding fibers .
Summary
Choosing the right multimode fiber depends on required data rates, distance, and future scalability. OM1 and OM2 are suitable for legacy or low-speed networks, while OM3 and OM4 dominate modern high-speed deployments. OM5 is emerging as a future-proof solution for wideband, high-capacity networks. Proper selection ensures optimal performance, cost efficiency, and compatibility with existing or planned network infrastructure .
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