Introduction

There are different types of fiber cables with different speed as well as the distance covered. For instance, the multimode fiber is most suitable for transmission of data over a short distance and high speed while single mode is best suited in transmission of data over long distances with high speed. Therefore, be wise in selecting the type of fiber to use based on the distance and speed.  

Discussion 

The 62.5/125 µm (AKA: OM1) has been the most popular multimode fiber choice throughout the 80's, 90's and into the early 2000's and was the most common multimode fiber used and yet it has the lowest data carrying capacity and shortest distance limitations as compared with other Multimode fiber types. It is generally accepted that 62.5/125 Multimode will soon be obsolete for the purpose of new installations.

NOTE: If you currently have 62.5/125 µm fiber installed in your office, building or campus you need to continue to use 62.5/125 µm fiber patch cables to connect to it. Attempting to mate two different fiber core sizes can lead to high loss and is therefore strongly not recommended.

The 50/125 µm core size comes in three different classifications (OM2, OM3 and OM4). Please note that OM3 is usually just referred to as 10GIG since it is generally the best choice for 10 Gigabit Ethernet over Multimode fiber and was designed specifically for that purpose (unless you need the extra distance provided by OM4).

Singlemode fiber, because of the more expensive electronics required for it is usually used for much greater distances. So for reasons of practicality, most Local Area Networks (LANs) will typically use one form or another of Multimode Cable.

Please be sure to also check the performance specifications of the Network Equipment that you plan to use in order to be sure of speed and distance with a particular fiber optic cable type. This information can usually be found on the Equipment Manufacturer's website or by calling their Tech Support department.

NOTE 1: This mini-article was intended for convenience in finding quick information as a starting point in planning a network. Please consult with a network designer before attempting to design a new network. 

NOTE 2: Please be sure to also check the performance specifications of the Network Equipment that you plan to use in order to be sure of speed and distance with a particular fiber optic cable type. This information can usually be found on the Equipment Manufacturer's website or by calling their Tech Support department.

Conclusion

The availability of different types of fiber optic cables being used in different distances has really boosted the industry. This is because the users can now select the most suited cable for a particular purpose.  As outlined above, multimode fiber should be used over short distances.