Hey there! As a supplier of fiber optic jumpers, I often get asked about the differences between multimode OM1 and OM2 fiber optic jumpers. In this blog, I'm gonna break it down for you in a way that's easy to understand.
What are Multimode Fiber Optic Jumpers?
First off, let's quickly talk about multimode fiber optic jumpers. These cables are designed to carry multiple light rays (modes) simultaneously. They're commonly used in local area networks (LANs), data centers, and other short - distance applications. Multimode fibers have a larger core diameter compared to single - mode fibers, which allows multiple light paths to travel through the cable.
OM1 Fiber Optic Jumpers
OM1 fiber optic jumpers are the older generation of multimode fibers. They have a core diameter of 62.5 microns and a cladding diameter of 125 microns. The larger core diameter makes it easier to couple light into the fiber, which was an advantage in the early days of fiber optic technology when light sources were less efficient.
- Bandwidth and Distance: OM1 fibers typically have a bandwidth of around 160 - 200 MHz·km at 850 nm. This means that for a 1 - kilometer length of OM1 fiber, the maximum frequency at which data can be transmitted without significant signal degradation is between 160 and 200 MHz. In practical terms, for Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps), the maximum transmission distance is about 275 meters. For 10 Gigabit Ethernet, the distance drops to just 33 meters.
- Applications: OM1 fibers were widely used in older LAN installations, especially in buildings where data rates were relatively low. They're still found in some legacy systems, but their use is becoming less common as technology advances.
OM2 Fiber Optic Jumpers
OM2 fiber optic jumpers are an improvement over OM1. They also have a core diameter of 50 microns and a cladding diameter of 125 microns. The smaller core diameter compared to OM1 allows for better performance in terms of bandwidth and distance.
- Bandwidth and Distance: OM2 fibers have a bandwidth of around 500 MHz·km at 850 nm. This is a significant improvement over OM1. For Gigabit Ethernet, the maximum transmission distance can reach up to 550 meters. For 10 Gigabit Ethernet, the distance is about 82 meters, which is much better than OM1.
- Applications: OM2 fibers are commonly used in medium - sized LANs and data centers where data rates are higher than what OM1 can handle. They're suitable for applications such as server - to - switch connections and short - haul network links.
Key Differences between OM1 and OM2
- Bandwidth: As mentioned earlier, OM2 has a much higher bandwidth than OM1. This means that OM2 can transmit data at higher speeds over longer distances without significant signal loss. If you're looking to upgrade your network to support higher data rates, OM2 is a better choice.
- Cost: OM1 fibers are generally cheaper than OM2. This is because OM1 is an older technology and the manufacturing process is more established. However, when you consider the long - term cost of upgrading your network due to the limitations of OM1, OM2 may be a more cost - effective option in the long run.
- Compatibility: Both OM1 and OM2 fibers use the same connectors, such as SC, FC, and LC. For example, you can find SC To SC Duplex Fiber Optic Jumper for both OM1 and OM2. However, when upgrading from OM1 to OM2, you need to make sure that all the components in your network, including transceivers, are compatible with the new fiber type.
- Future - Proofing: OM2 is more future - proof than OM1. With the increasing demand for higher data rates in modern networks, OM1 may not be able to keep up. OM2, on the other hand, can support higher data rates and longer distances, making it a better choice for future network expansions.
Choosing the Right Fiber Optic Jumper
When it comes to choosing between OM1 and OM2 fiber optic jumpers, you need to consider your specific needs. If you have an existing network with low data rate requirements and a limited budget, OM1 may be sufficient. However, if you're planning to upgrade your network in the near future or if you need to support higher data rates, OM2 is the way to go.
We offer a wide range of fiber optic jumpers, including FC Pigtail and LC To LC Duplex Fiber Optic Jumper in both OM1 and OM2 types. Our jumpers are made with high - quality materials and are rigorously tested to ensure reliable performance.
Contact Us for Purchase and Consultation
If you're interested in purchasing fiber optic jumpers or have any questions about OM1 and OM2, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you make the right choice for your network. Whether you need a small quantity for a home network or a large order for a data center, we can provide you with the best solutions at competitive prices.
References
- ITU - T G.651.1, "Characteristics of a 50/125 µm multimode graded - index optical fibre cable".
- TIA - 568.3 - D, "Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard".