Multimode Fiber: OM1 vs OM2 vs OM3 vs OM4 vs OM5

In this information age, optical fiber communication, as a high-speed, high-bandwidth data transmission method, has become an important cornerstone of modern communication networks. In optical fiber communication systems, multimode optical fiber is favored because of its suitability for short-distance transmission and relatively low cost. This article will take you through the different standards in fiber patch cord multimode, especially OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 and OM5, and reveal the differences between them and their respective application scenarios.

OM1 multimode fiber is one of the earliest standards used in fiber optic communication systems. Its core diameter is 62.5 microns and is usually used for short-distance transmission. OM1 fiber is based on common LED light sources and has shorter transmission distances, making it suitable for low-cost application scenarios. The relatively large core diameter of OM1 fiber limits its bandwidth and transmission rate, so it may not perform well in scenarios with high high-speed data transmission requirements. However, in some applications, especially cost-sensitive ones, the OM1 may still be a suitable choice.

There are two main application scenarios for OM1, local area network (LAN) and fiber-to-the-desktop (FTTD). Due to its lower cost and sufficient performance, OM1 multi-mode optical fiber is widely used in LANs of enterprises and organizations to connect various devices and server. In situations where optical fiber needs to be introduced into offices or work areas, OM1 optical fiber is also often used for fiber-to-the-desktop deployment to provide high-bandwidth connections. Although OM1 multimode fiber has advantages in some specific applications, its relatively low bandwidth and transmission rate limit its application in high-speed data transmission environments.

OM2 multimode patch cord is an upgraded standard in the OM series. Compared with OM1, the core diameter has been improved. The core diameter of OM2 fiber is 50 microns, which is suitable for some short-distance transmission scenarios that require higher bandwidth. Compared with OM1, the core diameter of OM2 multimode fiber is smaller and the bandwidth has been significantly improved, making it more suitable for high-speed data transmission. OM2 is slightly more expensive than OM1, but in some scenarios with higher performance requirements, its price/performance ratio may be higher. OM2 fiber also uses LED light sources and is suitable for short-distance, medium-speed applications.

The main application scenarios of OM2 are enterprise networks and campus networks. OM2 multimode optical fiber is often used to connect data centers, servers and other network equipment within enterprises to provide higher bandwidth support. University campus networks usually need to handle large amounts of data traffic, and the high bandwidth characteristics of OM2 optical fiber make it a common choice for campus networks.

OM3 multimode fiber patch cord is an important upgrade in the multimode optical fiber standard, meeting the needs for higher speeds and greater bandwidth. Its core diameter is also 50 microns, but by using more advanced technology, OM3 fiber has achieved significant improvements in transmission performance. The bandwidth of OM3 multimode fiber is significantly increased, making it ideal for supporting higher speed data transmission. In OM3, a more advanced VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) light source is used, providing greater flexibility for high-density and high-performance applications such as data centers and enterprise networks. The bandwidth of OM3 is significantly higher than that of OM2, supporting higher-speed data transmission. And OM3 can achieve longer transmission distance at the same data rate.

OM3 application scenarios are mainly used in data centers and high-performance computing. OM3 multimode fiber performs well in high-density environments connecting servers, storage and network equipment, supporting high-speed data transmission. OM3 multimode optical fiber is also used to connect supercomputers, large-scale data processing clusters and other scenarios that require high-performance computing.

OM4 fiber patch cables is committed to providing higher bandwidth, longer transmission distance and higher density solutions. By using optimized materials and designs, OM4 multimode fiber takes a significant step forward in performance. OM4 multimode fiber has further improved bandwidth, making it the first choice in high-speed data transmission environments. In OM4, an optimized VCSEL light source is used to support higher density connections and is suitable for high-performance applications such as large-scale data centers and cloud computing. The bandwidth of OM4 is significantly higher than that of OM3, supporting higher rate data transmission, especially in high-density applications. OM3 fiber vs OM4, OM4 can achieve longer transmission distance at the same data rate.

OM4 application scenarios are mainly large-scale data centers and cloud computing. OM4 multimode fiber plays a key role in high-density data centers connecting large numbers of servers and network equipment. Due to its high bandwidth and high-density connection characteristics, OM4 optical fiber is widely used in applications supporting cloud computing and virtualization technologies.

OM5 fiber optic cable is the latest standard in the OM series and is designed to meet the needs for higher bandwidth and greater flexibility in future optical communications. Using wavelength division multiplexing technology, OM5 brings more innovation and application possibilities to optical fiber communication systems. The introduction of OM5 multimode fiber is mainly to support Wavelength Division Multiplexing (wavelength division multiplexing), allowing multiple wavelengths to be transmitted on the same optical fiber, providing a higher total bandwidth. This makes OM5 ideal for future large-scale data center and high-performance computing applications. The bandwidth of OM5 is slightly higher than that of OM4, giving it an advantage in high-density transmission environments. OM4 vs OM5 fiber, OM5 introduces a wider wavelength range, supports more wavelengths, and provides greater flexibility. The wavelength division multiplexing characteristics of OM5 multimode fiber make it suitable for connecting data centers of large-scale cloud service providers to meet the growing data demand. In base station connections supporting 5G communications, the high bandwidth and wavelength division multiplexing characteristics of OM5 fiber provide excellent performance.

In this article, we have a detailed understanding of the technical specifications, performance characteristics and respective application scenarios of OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 and OM5 multimode optical fibers. From the basic performance of OM1 to the wavelength division multiplexing innovation of OM5, these multimode optical fiber standards play a unique role in different application scenarios. In the future, fiber optic technology will continue to evolve to meet the needs for higher bandwidth, greater capacity, and longer transmission distances. Wavelength division multiplexing, the application of new materials and combination with other emerging technologies will be the future development direction of optical fiber technology. In this field of continuous innovation, we look forward to seeing more technological breakthroughs and application innovations, pushing optical communications to new heights.

FCST - Better FTTx, Better Life.

We have been designing, manufacturing and supplying passive components for fiber optical networks since 2003. Everything we do in FCST is designed to provide efficient, simple and innovative solutions to solve complicated tasks.

We offer 4 solutions

lFTTH ODN Solution

lUnderground Cable Installation Solution

lAerial Cable Installation Solution

lFiber Tools & Test Solution

As a FTTx solution supplier, we can also do ODM according to project. We will continue to innovate and contribute more to the construction of the global optical fiber network.