Fiber Optic

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

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.