Understanding The Types (Flavors) of Multimode Fiber?
Multimode fiber can be glass or plastic and is a type of optical fiber that has a wider core size compared to another type called single-mode fiber. This wider core makes it suitable for transmitting data over shorter distances. When choosing Multimode fiber it is important to know what the different types (Flavors) are and what they do.
Any multimode cable (plastic or glass) usually works at a specific light wavelength called 850 nm. This wavelength allows it to use cheaper light sources called light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for sending data. These LEDs emit light in a broad range, and the 850 nm wavelength is ideal for them. For example, one type of multimode fiber called OM1 can send data up to 33 meters at a speed of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), while another type called OM5 can send data up to 550 meters at a speed of 100 Gbps. This means OM5 can transmit data over 16 times farther than OM1.
On the other hand, single-mode fiber typically uses a different wavelength, usually 1310 nm or 1550 nm. This allows it to use a different kind of light source called laser diodes, which have a narrow range of light emission. Laser diodes can achieve higher data transmission speeds and can send data over longer distances compared to LEDs.
The 850 nm wavelength also causes less signal loss in the fiber compared to longer wavelengths, allowing multimode fiber to cover longer distances than single-mode fiber. Choosing the right wavelength for this type of cable fiber depends on finding a balance between cost and performance. Using the 850 nm wavelength allows for the use of cheaper LED sources while still providing acceptable performance for short-distance applications. While single-mode glass is more common for long-distance cables, multimode fiber is often used for connections within buildings or campuses.
Multimode Fiber Comparison Chart
Understanding the various multimode glass types can be daunting due to the array of choices available. Questions may arise regarding the differences between OM1 and OM5 cables, as well as the other fiber types, and which option best suits your network requirements. This concise overview will help you simplify the selection process.
Across industries worldwide, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5 are the most commonly used multimode fiber types. While these variants are widespread, certain specialized industries may opt for multimode fiber with a plastic core instead of glass, or require fiber with a larger core diameter exceeding 200 microns, known as MM200. However, our focus here is solely on the known variations from OM1 to OM5.
The abbreviation “OM” denotes optical multi-mode. OM1 boasts a glass core diameter of 62.5 micrometers, whereas OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5 feature a smaller core diameter of 50 micrometers, better suited for modern laser applications. The Key differences among these multimode fiber types lie in their respective capabilities for transmitting data over specific distances.
Table Summary of Common Multimode Glass Types:
| Glass Type | Details |
|---|---|
| OM1 | Glass is used for 10Gb Ethernet at lengths up to 33 meters (110 ft). This type commonly uses an LED light source and can be identified by an orange jacket. |
| OM2 | Glass is able to carry 10Gb Ethernet at a data rate of 1 Gbps up to 82 meters (270 ft) on an LED light source. It can be found in both orange and aqua jackets. |
| OM3 | Glass is laser-optimized glass and has a diameter of 50 microns. It can transmit data over longer distances than OM2 fiber, up to 300 meters at a data rate of 10 Gbps. This type of cable can also be distinguished by an aqua jacket. |
| OM4 | Glass is a type of fiber cabling used for high-bandwidth applications such ' as data centers and enterprise networks. It can transmit laser signals up to 150 meters, and with extra technology like SWDM or DWDM, up to 400 meters. It is usually aqua-colored, but a magenta variant is also available. Magenta is used to differentiate it from other fiber types. |
| OM5 | Glass can provide high bandwidth over short-range distances using fewer cables often by utilizing WDM technology. Traditionally, 400Gb Ethernet was achieved using 16 transmit and receive cables, but with OM5 cables you can accomplish this with just four transmit and receive cables. It always comes in a lime-_green jacket. |
What are some important things to think about when choosing multimode for your needs?
1. Distance and speed: Think about how far the data needs to travel and how fast it needs to go. Faster speeds usually need glass that can handle more data, while longer distances need glass that doesn’t lose the signal as much.
2. Light wavelength: Consider what kind of light the glass will carry. Different types of glass work better with different wavelengths of light, so pick one that matches what you’ll use.
3. Signal distortion: Watch out for modal dispersion, which happens when different light modes mix and mess up the signal. Choose glass that has less of this problem.
4. Cost: Think about how much the glass and the gear to use it will cost. Some types of glass are pricier than others, and the equipment you need to send light through it can add up.
5. Compatibility: Make sure the glass works well with the other stuff in your network, like transceivers and switches. It’s no good if they can’t talk to each other!
A key point to understand in choosing the right Fiber SFP Module and Fiber type is to make sure to match the type together to maximize your investment.
Also key to note is that Fiber only carries light (Data over Light) and not Power. So when your extension requires Power or PoE (Power Over Ethernet) you can look at better Ethernet Cable Extender solutions to meet that need.
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