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Four types of multimode optical fibers

Optical access and telecom site reference Published 10 Jul 2026

Use this reference to prepare product questions for CGWEB NETWORKS. Check interfaces, capacity, protection and installation requirements against the current product documentation.

The four main multimode optical fibers—OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4—differ in core size, bandwidth, data rate, transmission distance, and typical applications, with OM1 and OM2 suited for legacy systems and OM3/OM4 optimized for high-speed data centers.

Overview of Multimode Fiber

Multimode fiber (MMF) has a larger core diameter, typically 50–62. 5 µm, allowing multiple light modes to propagate simultaneously. This makes it ideal for short-distance communication, such as within buildings or campus networks, and allows the use of lower-cost LED or VCSEL light sources.

MM

F is generally used for high-speed LANs, data centers, and backbone connections where distances are limited by modal dispersion. Key Characteristics of the Four TypesFiber TypeCore SizeBandwidthMax Distance (10 Gbps)Typical ApplicationsJacket ColorLight SourceOM162. 5 µm200 MHz·km33 mLegacy 100 Mbps Ethernet, short linksOrangeLEDOM250 µm500 MHz·km82 m1 Gbps Ethernet, short intra-building linksOrangeLEDOM350 µm2000 MHz·km300 m10 Gbps Ethernet, data centersAquaLaser-optimized (VCSEL)OM450 µm4700 MHz·km550 m10–100 Gbps Ethernet, high-speed data centersAquaLaser-optimized (VCSEL)OM1 and OM2 are older standards, primarily used in legacy networks, while OM3 and OM4 are optimized for laser-based transmission, supporting higher data rates and longer distances.

OM4 is backward compatible with OM3 and allows longer 10 Gbps links and higher-speed applications like 40/100 Gbps over short distances.

Practical Considerations

Distance and Speed: OM1 and OM2 are limited to shorter distances and lower speeds, making them suitable for small-scale or older networks. OM3 and OM4 are preferred for modern enterprise and data center environments. Cost: Multimode fiber transceivers are generally less expensive than single-mode equivalents, making MMF cost-effective for short-range high-speed networks.

Installation: Larger core sizes simplify connector alignment and termination, reducing installation complexity.

Future-

Proofing: For new high-density networks, OM4 is recommended, and OM5 (not included in the four) supports multiple wavelengths for next-generation applications like 400 Gbps and SWDM systems. Choosing the right multimode fiber depends on your network's speed requirements, distance, and future scalability. OM1 and OM2 may suffice for legacy or small networks, while OM3 and OM4 are ideal for high-speed, high-density environments.

Four types of multimode optical fibers - CGWEB NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE [PDF]

Four types of multimode optical fibers
Multi-mode optical fiber

OverviewApplicationsComparison with single-mode fiberTypesEncircled fluxExternal links

Multi-mode optical fiber is a type of optical fiber mostly used for communication over short distances, such as within a building or on a campus. Multi-mode links can be used for data rates up to 800 Gbit/s. Multi-mode fiber has a fairly large core diameter that enables multiple light modes to be propagated and limits the maximum length of a transmission link because of modal dispersion. The standard G.651.1 defines the mos

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