OM1 also known as multimode fibre. OM1 fibre cable historically was a very popular choice in the 90’s for use as backbone links where copper lengths were over 100 meters and a 1000 Mb/s connection was required, it has a core diameter of 62.5/125 but also comes in a 50/125 variant, can run 1000 Mb/s at 500 meters using 1000Base-LX. As networks speed increased and more bandwidth was required people moved from OM1 to OM3. Nowadays OM1 is mainly installed as a retro fit to an existing network.
OM2 fibre cable had a very short life span, brought out as a higher performance version of OM1 this could run at 1000 Mb/s at 2000 meters using 1000Base-LX. OM3 very quickly overtook due to its excellent optical characteristics.
OM3 fibre cable has been developed according to the newest 10Gbit standards and allows the data transmission over a distance up to max 300 m at 850 nm. Due to its excellent optical characteristics, OM3 fibre optic cable is applicable for backbone connections based on a cost-efficient multi-mode technology up to 10Gbit.
OM4 fibre cable is an up and coming fibre standard that has been developed purely for the data centre environment it will be able to support transmission rates of 40 Gbs to 100 Gbs. This fibre will prove to be a cost effective solution for those looking to future proof there data centre investment.
OS1 is also known as single mode fibre and has a core diameter of 9/125 but also comes in a 8/125 variant. Due to the core size has to use laser technology rather than LED, which does increase the cost of the active equipment, but with the cost of VCSEL laser technology dropping, this is fast becoming a viable alternative to OM3 due to its excellent low loss characteristics at long lengths.
OS2 is included in new IEC and EN cable standards, and like OS1 is a single mode fibre with a core diameter of 8/125. This fibre has been introduced as a new outdoor cable specification developed in the industrial premises standard to support 5 km and 10 km channels.
For further information on any of the above or if you have a requirement for the installation of fibre optic cabling please call 0844 561 1772.
