Fiber optic connections can transfer more data at higher throughput over longer distances than copper wire. Fiber optic cables are able to transmit data faster than copper cables because they use light instead of electrical pulses to carry data from one point to another.

Advantages of Fiber Optic Cables over Copper Cables:
1. Greater Bandwidth

2. Faster Speeds
3. Longer Distances
4. Better Reliability
5. Thinner and Sturdier
6. More Flexibility for the longer term
7. Lower Total Cost of Ownership

Harsh weather conditions do not primarily affect fiber optic cabling. Rain, cold, and extreme heat can affect traditional electrical signals, but don’t have an effect on fiber optics.

Yes! Fiber optic remains the backbone of the 5G network, connecting to the various cell sites. This will enhance bandwidth and speed as reliance on 5G increases. 4G mobile broadband can be quicker than ADSL fixed-line broadband, and can even approach fiber optic performance. 5G is even faster than that, capable of outpacing many fiber-optic broadband services. 3G, while much slower, can still exceed the speeds you may get from an ADSL service.

Fiber optic cables should be placed in their own dedicated ducts or trays. Do not mix copper cable and fiber cable in the same ducts or trays. After the fiber optic cable is installed in a duct or inner duct, end plugs should be installed to provide an effective water seal.

The differences between Multi-mode and Single-mode fiber and the maximum distance you can expect for different data rates from 100Mb to 40GbE on OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, and OS1 fiber types.

These are the industry standard minimum distances achieved with each fiber type; however, some cable manufacturers offer enhanced cables that exceed these. It’s always best to check the manufacturer’s specifications.

The table below shows distances for ratified standards only.

OM1

• Color – Orange
• Core Size – 62.5um
• Data Rate – 1GB @ 850nm
• Distance – Up to 300 meters
• Applications – Short-Haul Networks, Local Area Networks (LANs) & Private Networks

OM2

• Color – Orange
• Core Size – 50um
• Data Rate – 1GB @ 850nm
• Distance – Up to 600 meters
• Generally used for shorter distances • 2x Distance Capacity of OM1
• Applications – Short-Haul Networks, Local Area Networks (LANs) & Private Networks

OM3 – laser-optimized Multimode

• Color – Aqua
• Core Size – 50um
• Date Rate – 10GB @ 850nm
• Distance – Up to 300 meters
• Uses fewer modes of light, enabling increased speeds
• Able to run 40GB or 100GB up to 100 meters utilizing an MPO connector
• Applications – Larger Private Networks

OM4 – laser-optimized Multimode

• Color – Aqua
• Core Size – 50um
• Data Rate – 40GB up to 100GB@ 850nm
• Distance – Up to 550 meters
• Able to run 100GB up to 150 meters utilizing an MPO connector
• Applications – High-Speed Networks – Data Centers, Financial Centers & Corporate Campuses

OM5

OM5 is the first approved as WBMMF (Wide Band Multimode Fiber) is designed to specifically handle high-speed data center applications using two fibers to transmit from 40GBs up to 100GBs and is powered by shortwave wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM).

• Color – Limegreen
• Core Size – 50um
• Data Rate – 40GB up to 100GB @ 850nm to 953nm
• Distance – Up to 440 meters @40Gb and Up to 150 meters @100GB