Types and characteristics of multimode optical fibers

Multimode optical fibers are classified into OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5, each differing in core size, bandwidth, data rate, and typical applications.Overview of Multimode FiberMultimode fiber (MMF) is designed for short-distance communication, typically within buildings or campuses, and features a larger core diameter (50–62.5 µm) that allows multiple light modes to propagate simultaneously. This enables higher data throughput over short distances but limits maximum transmission length due to modal dispersion. MMF is commonly used in data centers, enterprise LANs, and backbone cabling because it supports high-speed connections at lower equipment costs compared to single-mode fiber .Types of Multimode FiberOM1Core size: 62.5 µmJacket color: OrangeLight source: LEDBandwidth & Data Rate: Supports 100 Mbit/s Ethernet; 1 Gbit/s up to 275 meters; 10 Gbit/s up to 33 metersUse: Legacy networks, short-range applications OM2Core size: 50 µmJacket color: OrangeLight source: LEDBandwidth & Data Rate: 1 Gbit/s Ethernet commonly; 10 Gbit/s up to 82 metersUse: Short-distance enterprise networks OM3Core size: 50 µmJacket color: AquaLight source: Laser-optimized (VCSEL)Bandwidth & Data Rate: 10 Gbit/s up to 300 meters; 40/100 Gbit/s up to 100 metersUse: Modern data centers and high-speed LANs OM4Core size: 50 µmJacket color: AquaLight source: Laser-optimized (VCSEL)Bandwidth & Data Rate: 10 Gbit/s up to 550 meters; 40/100 Gbit/s up to 150 metersUse: High-performance data centers, supports longer distances than OM3 OM5Core size: 50 µmJacket color: Lime greenLight source: Laser-optimized, supports Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing (SWDM)Bandwidth & Data Rate: Designed for multiple wavelengths over a single fiber, enabling higher aggregate data ratesUse: Emerging high-speed networks, future-proofing for 400G+ Ethernet deployments SummaryOM1 and OM2 are older standards primarily using LED sources and are suitable for legacy or short-distance networks. OM3 and OM4 are laser-optimized for VCSELs, supporting higher speeds and longer distances, making them standard in modern data centers. OM5 extends capabilities with SWDM for multi-wavelength transmission, enabling even higher data throughput over the same fiber infrastructure .