Fiber Optic Cable Types: OM3, OM4, OM5, and OS2 Explained

Fiber optic cables are essential components of modern data center infrastructure. Understanding the different types of fiber optic cables is crucial for designing high-performance, scalable, and future-proof network systems.

Multimode Fiber Optic Cables
OM1 Multimode Fiber

• Specifications: 62.5/125 micron core/cladding, 200 MHz·km bandwidth at 850nm
• Applications: Legacy systems, short-distance connections, low-bandwidth applications
• Distance: Up to 275m at 1Gbps, 33m at 10Gbps
• Advantages: Low cost, easy termination, widely available

OM2 Multimode Fiber

• Specifications: 50/125 micron core/cladding, 500 MHz·km bandwidth at 850nm
• Applications: Short-distance connections, moderate-bandwidth applications
• Distance: Up to 550m at 1Gbps, 82m at 10Gbps
• Advantages: Better performance than OM1, still cost-effective

OM3 Multimode Fiber

• Specifications: 50/125 micron core/cladding, 2000 MHz·km bandwidth at 850nm
• Applications: High-bandwidth applications, 10G Ethernet, data center connections
• Distance: Up to 300m at 10Gbps, 100m at 40Gbps
• Advantages: Laser-optimized for VCSEL lasers, supports high bandwidth over short distances

OM4 Multimode Fiber

• Specifications: 50/125 micron core/cladding, 4700 MHz·km bandwidth at 850nm
• Applications: High-density data centers, 40G/100G Ethernet, short-reach connections
• Distance: Up to 550m at 10Gbps, 150m at 40Gbps, 100m at 100Gbps
• Advantages: Extended reach compared to OM3, supports higher bandwidth over longer distances

OM5 Multimode Fiber

• Specifications: 50/125 micron core/cladding, 4700 MHz·km bandwidth at 850nm, 4000 MHz·km at 950nm
• Applications: Wideband applications, 400G Ethernet, parallel transmission
• Distance: Up to 100m at 400Gbps using parallel transmission
• Advantages: Supports multiple wavelengths, enables higher bandwidth over short distances  

Single-Mode Fiber Optic Cables

OS1 Single-Mode Fiber

• Specifications: 9/125 micron core/cladding, low attenuation, operating temperature range 0°C to +70°C
• Applications: Indoor applications, short-to-medium distance connections
• Distance: Up to 10km at 10Gbps, 2km at 100Gbps
• Advantages: Low cost, suitable for indoor use

OS2 Single-Mode Fiber

• Specifications: 9/125 micron core/cladding, very low attenuation, operating temperature range -40°C to +85°C
• Applications: Long-distance connections, outdoor applications, high-bandwidth applications
• Distance: Up to 40km at 10Gbps, 10km at 100Gbps, 2km at 400Gbps
• Advantages: Supports longest distances, future-proof for high bandwidth requirements

Comparison of Fiber Optic Cable Types

Bandwidth Comparison

• OM1: 200 MHz·km at 850nm
• OM2: 500 MHz·km at 850nm
• OM3: 2000 MHz·km at 850nm
• OM4: 4700 MHz·km at 850nm
• OM5: 4700 MHz·km at 850nm, 4000 MHz·km at 950nm
• OS1/OS2: Effectively unlimited bandwidth for practical purposes

Distance Comparison

• 1Gbps: OM1 (275m), OM2 (550m), OM3/OM4/OM5 (550m), OS1/OS2 (10km+)
• 10Gbps: OM1 (33m), OM2 (82m), OM3 (300m), OM4/OM5 (550m), OS1/OS2 (40km+)
• 40Gbps: OM3 (100m), OM4 (150m), OM5 (150m), OS2 (10km+)
• 100Gbps: OM3 (30m), OM4 (100m), OM5 (100m), OS2 (10km+)
• 400Gbps: OM5 (100m), OS2 (2km+)

Choosing the Right Fiber Optic Cable

Considerations for Selection

• Bandwidth Requirements: Current and future bandwidth needs
• Distance Requirements: Maximum distance between devices
• Cost Considerations: Initial cost vs. long-term value
• Scalability: Future expansion plans
• Environmental Factors: Indoor vs. outdoor use, temperature range

Application Recommendations

• Legacy Systems: OM1 or OM2
• 10G Ethernet: OM3, OM4, or OM5
• 40G/100G Ethernet: OM4 or OM5 for short distances, OS2 for longer distances
• 400G Ethernet: OM5 for short distances, OS2 for longer distances
• Long-Distance Connections: OS2 single-mode fiber

Conclusion

Choosing the right fiber optic cable type is crucial for designing high-performance, scalable, and future-proof network infrastructure. Multimode fiber is suitable for short-distance, high-bandwidth applications within data centers, while single-mode fiber is ideal for long-distance connections.

OM4 and OM5 multimode fibers are excellent choices for modern data centers supporting 40G, 100G, and even 400G Ethernet, while OS2 single-mode fiber provides the longest reach and highest bandwidth for long-distance applications.

Cloudtop Cable offers a comprehensive range of fiber optic cables, including OM3, OM4, OM5, and OS2, designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern data centers and enterprise networks. Our high-quality cables are backed by expert technical support and industry-leading quality standards.