Several Types of Multimode Fibers

Multimode fibers are classified into five main types—OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5—based on core size, bandwidth, optical source, and supported data rates.

Overview of Multimode Fiber

Multimode 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 introduces modal dispersion, limiting maximum transmission length compared to single-mode fiber.

MM

F is commonly paired with LED or VCSEL light sources and is widely used in LANs, data centers, and enterprise networks due to lower equipment costs and ease of installation. Classification by ISO/IEC 11801Multimode fibers are standardized into five types: OM1 (Legacy Multimode Fiber)Core size: 62. 5 µmJacket color: OrangeLight source: LEDBandwidth: Low, suitable for 100 Mb/s and 1 Gb/sMaximum distance: 10 Gb/s up to 33 mUse case: Older buildings and legacy networks OM2 (Early 50 µm Fiber)Core size: 50 µmJacket color: OrangeLight source: LEDBandwidth: Moderate, supports 1 Gb/s and limited 10 Gb/sMaximum distance: 10 Gb/s up to 82 mUse case: Early 50 µm systems, short-range applications OM3 (Laser-Optimized 50 µm Fiber)Core size: 50 µmJacket color: AquaLight source: VCSELBandwidth: High, optimized for 10 Gb/s, 40 Gb/s, and 100 Gb/sMaximum distance: 10 Gb/s up to 300 m; 40/100 Gb/s up to 100 mUse case: Modern enterprise networks and data centers OM4 (Enhanced Laser-Optimized Fiber)Core size: 50 µmJacket color: AquaLight source: VCSELBandwidth: Very high, supports longer distances at high speedsMaximum distance: 10 Gb/s up to 550 m; 40/100 Gb/s up to 150 mUse case: High-performance data center deployments OM5 (Wideband Multimode Fiber, WB-MMF)Core size: 50 µmJacket color: Lime greenLight source: SWDM (Short-Wavelength Division Multiplexing)Bandwidth: Supports multiple wavelengths (850–953 nm)Maximum distance: Similar to OM4 for single-wavelength, enhanced for SWDMUse case: Emerging high-speed data center applications (100G/200G/400G) with SWDM Key ConsiderationsDistance vs.

Speed: OM1 and OM2 are suitable for lower-speed, short-distance links, while OM3–OM5 support higher-speed applications over longer distances. Optical Source: LED is used in OM1/OM2, while VCSELs are used in OM3/OM4, and SWDM in OM5. Cost: Multimode fiber is generally less expensive than single-mode fiber for short-range applications.

Applications: MMF is ideal for LANs, data centers, and backbone connections within buildings, whereas single-mode fiber is preferred for long-distance links. This classification helps network designers select the appropriate fiber type based on data rate, distance, and future scalability requirements.