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Fibre Optic Cables

What do OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 and OS2 mean on fibre optic cable?

Quick answer

The prefix OM stands for optical multimode and OS stands for optical single-mode. OM1 and OM2 are older multimode grades. OM1 has a 62.5 micron core, and OM2 has a 50 micron core. OM3 and OM4 also have a 50 micron core but are laser-optimised, which lets them carry higher-speed signals over longer distances than OM1 and OM2. OM4 supports a longer reach than OM3 at the same speed.

OS2 is the standard grade of single-mode fibre for long-distance and campus backbone links. Single-mode fibre has a core of only 8 to 10 microns, so light travels a single path with low loss.

APAR offers multimode cables using OM1, OM2, OM3 and OM4 fibres, and single-mode cables using G.652D, G.655 and G.657 fibres. The right grade depends on the link length, the speed and the equipment already installed.

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