The difference between multimode optical fibers OM3-150 and OM3-300

The OM3 jumper is a 10 Gigabit multimode jumper, and the multimode fiber uses light-emitting diodes as the light source, allowing multiple beams of light to propagate simultaneously in the fiber, thereby forming mode dispersion. Mode dispersion technology limits the bandwidth and distance of multimode optical fibers. Therefore, the core wire of multimode optical fibers is thick, the transmission speed is low, the distance is short, and the overall transmission performance is poor. However, its cost is relatively low, and it is generally used in buildings or environments adjacent to geographical locations. Below, Guangdong Yitong Fiber Opitc Cable will introduce the differences between multimode fiber optic OM3, OM3-150, and OM3-300.

OM3 fiber is a laser optimized fiber type that can provide higher transmission bandwidth in the 850nm transmission window. In gigabit networks, OM3 can support a transmission distance of 550 meters, in 10G Ethernet, OM3 can transmit up to 300 meters, and in 40G/100G Ethernet, OM3 can transmit up to 100 meters.

The bandwidth of multimode fiber optic is between 50MHz and 500MHz/Km. OM3 can be divided into two series, namely OM3-150 and OM3-300. Among them, OM3-150 refers to the longest transmission distance of this patch cord type in 10 Gigabit Ethernet, which is 150 meters, and OM3-300 refers to the longest transmission distance of this patch cord type in 10 Gigabit Ethernet, which is 300 meters. In addition to differences in transmission distance, there are also differences in effective bandwidth between the two, with OM3-300 having a higher effective bandwidth than OM3-150.

Optical properties wavelength window OM3/150 OM3/300

Attenuation 850nm ≤ 2.3dB/km ≤ 2.3dB/km

1300nm ≤ 0.8dB/km ≤ 0.8dB/km

Full injection bandwidth 850nm ≥ 700MHz · km ≥ 1500MHz · km

1300nm ≥ 500MHz · km ≥ 500MHz · km

Effective bandwidth 850nm ≥ 950MHz · km ≥ 2000MHz · km

The longest link for 10 Gigabit transmission is ≤ 150m ≤ 300m

The OM3 10 Gigabit multimode fiber optic cable with a high bandwidth of 850nm is designed to accommodate VCSEL laser sources. VCSEL lasers have lower costs compared to traditional lasers and perform better than LED light sources, making them suitable for 10GB Ethernet transmission. The OM3 jumper is water blue, and its outer sheath material can be divided into PVC sheath, LSZH sheath, and OFNP sheath. The PVC sheath is very soft and antioxidant, suitable for horizontal and vertical applications in ventilated buildings; LSZH sheath is low halogen free and suitable for horizontal structured cabling areas and data center data centers; OFNP sheath has the highest fire protection rating and is suitable for vertical operation between data center floors.

The OM3 10 Gigabit multimode optical cable of Yitianguang Communication uses a flame-retardant outer sheath, which can prevent flame spread, smoke, acidic gases, and toxic gases, and meet a transmission rate of 10GB/s. It is usually used in data center cabling environments and supports 10G or even 40/100G high-speed Ethernet transmission.