Comparing OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5 Fiber Optic Cables

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Introduction

Fiber optic cables are essential for high-speed data transmission in networks, and choosing the right type of fiber is crucial for ensuring optimal performance. OM (Optical Multimode) fibers are a category of multimode optical fibers that differ in their performance characteristics, particularly in terms of bandwidth, data rates, and transmission distances. This blog compares the five main types of OM fibers—OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5—highlighting their specifications, applications, and differences.

OM1 Fiber Optic Cable

OM1 fiber was one of the earliest multimode fibers, designed primarily for use with older LED sources. It features a larger core diameter, which makes it suitable for short-distance applications. However, its bandwidth limitations and high attenuation over longer distances make it less ideal for modern high-speed applications. OM1 is generally used in legacy systems and older network installations. It’s less common in new installations due to its lower performance compared to newer OM fibers.

• Core Diameter: 62.5 µm

• Cladding Diameter: 125 µm

• Bandwidth: 200 MHz·km at 850 nm

• Maximum Distance: 300 meters for 1 Gbps Ethernet, 33 meters for 10 Gbps Ethernet

OM2 Fiber Optic Cable

OM2 fiber improves upon OM1 by offering a higher bandwidth and better performance. Its smaller core diameter and enhanced bandwidth support higher data rates and longer distances compared to OM1. OM2 is suitable for many enterprise networks and data centers, providing a good balance between performance and cost. OM2 is commonly used in applications that require moderate data rates and distances, such as within data centers and for local area networks (LANs) where higher bandwidths are not necessary. Check out our OM2 products

• Core Diameter: 50 µm

• Cladding Diameter: 125 µm

• Bandwidth: 500 MHz·km at 850 nm

• Maximum Distance: 550 meters for 1 Gbps Ethernet, 82 meters for 10 Gbps Ethernet

  
  

OM3 Fiber Optic Cable

OM3 fiber is designed for high-speed, short-to-medium distance applications. It offers a significant increase in bandwidth compared to OM2, making it suitable for higher data rates and more demanding applications. OM3 is optimized for use with laser-based equipment and provides excellent performance for 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, and 100 Gbps Ethernet connections. OM3 is widely used in modern data centers, high-speed LANs, and enterprise networks where high bandwidth and short-to-medium distance connections are required. It supports advanced applications such as video streaming and high-performance computing. Check out our OM3 products

• Core Diameter: 50 µm

• Cladding Diameter: 125 µm

• Bandwidth: 2000 MHz·km at 850 nm

• Maximum Distance: 300 meters for 10 Gbps Ethernet, 100 meters for 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps Ethernet

  
  

OM4 Fiber Optic Cable

OM4 fiber further enhances the performance of OM3 by offering even greater bandwidth and longer distances. It is designed for high-speed, high-bandwidth applications and provides better performance for 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps Ethernet connections. OM4 is also optimized for laser-based transmission and offers improved signal quality over longer distances. OM4 is used in high-performance data centers, large enterprise networks, and applications requiring very high bandwidth and longer distances. It is ideal for environments where high data rates and reliability are crucial. Check out our OM4 products

• Core Diameter: 50 µm

• Cladding Diameter: 125 µm

• Bandwidth: 4700 MHz·km at 850 nm

• Maximum Distance: 400 meters for 10 Gbps Ethernet, 150 meters for 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps Ethernet

  
  

OM5 Fiber Optic Cable

OM5 is the latest in the OM series, designed to support wideband multimode applications. It offers a dramatic increase in bandwidth over OM4 and is intended to support short wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM) technology, allowing for multiple wavelengths on a single fiber. OM5 supports even higher data rates and greater flexibility for future-proofing network infrastructure. OM5 is used in cutting-edge data centers and network environments where extremely high bandwidth and advanced technologies like SWDM are needed. It is designed to meet the demands of emerging applications and future network requirements.

• Core Diameter: 50 µm

• Cladding Diameter: 125 µm

• Bandwidth: 28000 MHz·km at 850 nm

• Maximum Distance: Comparable to OM4 for 10 Gbps Ethernet, 150 meters for 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps Ethernet

Summary and Comparison

Fiber Type	Core Diameter	Bandwidth (850 nm)	Max Distance (10 Gbps)	Max Distance (40/100 Gbps)
OM1	62.5 µm	200 MHz·km	300 meters	33 meters
OM2	50 µm	500 MHz·km	550 meters	82 meters
OM3	50 µm	2000 MHz·km	300 meters	100 meters
OM4	50 µm	4700 MHz·km	400 meters	150 meters
OM5	50 µm	28000 MHz·km	Comparable to OM4	150 meters

Conclusion

The choice between OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5 fiber optic cables depends on the specific requirements of the network, including data rate, distance, and future growth considerations. OM1 and OM2 are suitable for legacy systems and moderate-speed applications, while OM3 and OM4 offer higher performance for modern, high-speed networks. OM5 represents the latest advancement, designed to support cutting-edge technologies and extremely high bandwidth needs. Understanding the differences between these fiber types allows network designers and engineers to select the most appropriate fiber for their applications, ensuring efficient and reliable communication infrastructure.