Fiber Optic

Optical Single-mode (OS) Fiber vs. Optical Multi-mode (OM) Fiber

We can determine whether optical single-mode fiber (OS) or optical multi-mode fiber (OM) is right for your application. It comes down to the specifics of your project, our experience and industry developments. We welcome an opportunity to consult if you have fiber optic questions.

A few points to consider:

OS can accommodate more than one communication signal at longer distances compared to OM.
OS transmits thousands of communication signals over several miles. This extended distance enables protection through isolation. If lightning strikes one end, the charge does not transmit down the line.
OM was the choice for shorter-reach applications like data centers or enterprise-level networks. OS typically was avoided because the necessary network connectors (modules found in the switches) were very expensive. Today, prices are lower, making OS a viable consideration.
OM1 and OM2 are not recommended for new installations, only Moves/Adds/Changes (MAC) to exiting installations.

Guide for key specs or capabilities:

Type	Core/Cladding Diameter (um)	Fast Ethernet 100BASE-FX	1 Gigabit Ethernet 1000BASE-SX	1 Gigabit Ethernet 1000BASE-LX	10 Gigabit Ethernet 10GBASE	40 Gigabit Ethernet 40GBASE	100 Gigabit Ethernet 100GBASE	40G-SWDM4	100G-SWDM4
OM1	62.5/125	2000 meters	275 meters	550 meters (mode conditioning patch cable required)	33 meters	N/S	N/S	N/S	N/S
OM2	50/125	2000 meters	550 meters	550 meters	82 meters	N/S	N/S	N/S	N/S
OM3	50/125	2000 meters	550 meters	550 meters	300 meters	100 meters	100 meters	N/S	N/S
OM4	50/125	2000 meters	550 meters	550 meters	400 meters	150 meters	150 meters	400 meters	100 meters
OM5	50/125	2000 meters	550 meters	550 meters	400 meters	150 meters	150 meters	500 meters	150 meters
OS2	9/125	2000 meters	5 km at 1310 nm	5 km at 1310 nm	10 km at 1310 nm

N/S: Not Supported

* Sources: 2020 interviews with Advanced Global Communications internal staff.