Complete List of Multimode Fiber Specifications and Models

Multimode fiber is classified into OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5, each defined by ISO/IEC 11801 standards based on core size, bandwidth, and supported data rates.

Overview of Multimode Fiber (MMF)

Multimode fiber (MMF) is designed for short- to medium-distance optical communication, typically within buildings, campuses, or data centers. It has a larger core diameter (50–62.5 µm) than single-mode fiber, allowing multiple light modes to propagate simultaneously. MMF is cost-effective because it uses LEDs or VCSELs as light sources, which are less expensive than single-mode laser modules, and supports high data rates up to 100 Gbps over distances of 300–550 meters depending on fiber type (OM3, OM4, OM5) .

OM Fiber Designations

The OM (Optical Multimode) designation indicates the fiber generation and its performance characteristics:

• OM1: Legacy 62.5 µm core fiber, typically with an orange jacket. Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet up to 33 meters and is mainly used for 100 Mbps networks. Uses LED light sources and is considered obsolete for modern high-speed applications .
• OM2: 50 µm core fiber, also with an orange jacket, supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet up to 82 meters. Commonly used for 1 Gigabit Ethernet and LED-based systems .
• OM3: 50 µm laser-optimized fiber with a aqua jacket, designed for VCSEL-based transceivers. Supports 10G/25G Ethernet over longer distances (up to 300 meters for 10G) and moderate-distance 40G/100G links .
• OM4: Enhanced laser-optimized 50 µm fiber with aqua jacket, offering higher bandwidth than OM3. Supports longer distances at high speeds, making it the mainstream choice for modern data centers and enterprise networks .
• OM5: 50 µm fiber with lime or violet jacket, designed for Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing (SWDM). Enables multiple wavelengths over a single fiber, increasing capacity and efficiency for high-speed applications .

Key Considerations

• Core Size: OM1 (62.5 µm), OM2–OM5 (50 µm)
• Bandwidth: Increases from OM1 to OM5, with OM3/OM4/OM5 optimized for laser sources
• Maximum Distance: Varies by data rate and fiber type; OM1/OM2 are limited, OM3/OM4/OM5 support longer distances for 10G–100G Ethernet
• Applications: OM1/OM2 for legacy networks, OM3/OM4 for modern enterprise and data center networks, OM5 for high-capacity SWDM deployments
• Jacket Color: OM1/OM2 (orange), OM3/OM4 (aqua), OM5 (lime/violet) Understanding the OM designation helps network engineers select the appropriate multimode fiber for cost-effective, high-performance, and future-proof network installations.