Network cable technology has advanced strikingly since the early 2000s, giving rise to faster and better-performing technology. Fiber optics is the cutting edge of high-speed data transmission, outpacing the 1 Gbps bandwidth of Cat5e copper cables with transfer rates of up to 400 Gbps. Fiber falls into two main categories: single-mode and multimode. This guide explains what multimode fiber is and when to use it.
What Is Multimode Fiber and How Does It Work?
In fiber optics, a “mode” is a light ray. Single-mode cables transmit information using a single light ray. Multimode fiber is designed to send multiple signals simultaneously. This allows for higher data transmission volumes with reduced cabling requirements.
The key to multimode cables is the size of the fiber core. A single-mode fiber core measures just 9 microns, which helps ensure maximum signal fidelity. In comparison, multimode fiber cores range from 50 to 62.5 microns — roughly a 500% increase in capacity.
This means that instead of a tightly focused beam of light, multimode fiber can carry many light paths. The result is higher network bandwidth, increased throughput, and lower latency — at least over short distances. With high-performance transceivers, data centers can handle an enormous volume of data seamlessly.
Technical Information for Multimode Fiber
Multimode technology has different classifications, ranging from OM1 to OM5. The wavelength of multimode fiber can be either 850 nm or 1,300 nm.
A key difference between categories is the multimode fiber’s max distance:
- OM1 uses LED light sources and is commonly used for 100 Mbps small business applications.
- OM2 has a 50 micron core and transmits 10 Gbps at 250 feet or 1 Gbps at 1,800 feet.
- OM3 fiber relies on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, allowing for 10 Gbps connections at a max distance of 950 feet.
- OM4 fiber can handle distances of 1,300 feet at 10 Gbps, or 490 feet for 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps connections.
- OM5 fiber can house 4 or more WDM channels, with a max distance of 1,300 feet at 100 Gbps.
OM1 and OM2 cables have an orange jacket, OM3 and OM4 use aqua, and OM5 fiber is lime green.
What Are the Advantages of Multimode Fiber?
Multimode fiber optics provides many benefits for organizations that require high-speed networking and data transfer capabilities. Multimode can transmit Ethernet and internet protocols in the same fiber and reduce cable needs for multiple users.
High-quality multimode fiber is a good solution for increasing network bandwidths in enterprise organizations. Not only do the optical transceivers have a lower overall cost, but added space savings also provide more flexibility for system design.
Where Is Multimode Fiber Used?
Multimode fiber is an excellent choice for networking applications that require high data transfer rates over short distances. Common examples include:
- Data centers
- University campuses and schools
- Brokerages
- Government buildings
- Hospitals
- Marketing firms and large office buildings
Many enterprise-level organizations invest in top-tier multimode fiber cables for operations centers, especially with on-prem or hybrid server setups. Multimode is an ideal fit for LANs.
What Type of Multimode Fiber Do You Need?
At Equal Optics, we provide cost-effective solutions for business networking, including high-quality multimode patch cables for data centers. Contact us to learn more about multimode fiber specs and find OEM replacements for your organization.
