An In-depth Understanding Into Multimode Fiber Jumper

A multimode fiber jumper, also called multimode patch cable or multimode patch cord is one type of fiber optic patch cable mostly used for communication over short distances. Typical multimode fiber jumper can transmit data rates of 10 Mbit/s to 10 Gbit/s over 600 meters. Based on the types of multimode fiber, multimode patch cable can be divided into OM1 fiber, OM2 fiber, OM3 patch cable, OM4 fiber and the newly released OM5 fiber. What is exactly multimode fiber jumper and what are the applications of them? You may know multimoder fiber jumper better after reading this post.

Multimode fiber jumpers are described by their core and cladding diameters. There are two kinds of core sizes: 62.5/125 µm. 50 µm and 62.5 µm refer to the diameters of the fiber core, which is the area that carries light signals. 125 µm means the cladding diameter of the fiber (a strand of human hair is about 100 µm). The fairly larger core of multi-mode fiber jumpers enables multiple light modes to be propagated and limits the maximum length of a transmission link because of modal dispersion.

According to the type of paths that the light rays, or modes, multimode fiber jumpers can be categorized into step-index and graded-index multomode fiber. Step-index fiber is a fiber in which the core is of a uniform refractive index and there is a sharp decrease in the index of refraction at the cladding. The core of a step-index fiber has a uniform index of refraction right up to the cladding interface where the index changes in a step-like fashion. Unlike step index fiber, a graded index core contains many layers of glass, each with a lower index of refraction as you go outward from the axis. The higher refractive index at the center makes the light rays moving down the axis advance more slowly than those near the cladding.

Identified by ISO 11801 standard, multimode fiber jumpers can be classified into OM1 fiber, OM2 fiber, OM3 patch cable, OM4 fiber and newly released OM5 fiber. OM1 was first created in mid-80s. As gigabit and 10 gigabit networks have become widely used, an old fiber design has been upgraded. OM2 fiber was used from the late 70s with lasers for telecom applications. Laser-optimized OM3 patch cable or OM4 fiber today is considered by most to be the best choice for multimode applications. OM3 patch cable and OM4 fiber can provide sufficient bandwidth to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet up to 300 meters. OM5 fiber can transmit 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s and reduced fiber counts for higher speeds.

By the materials of fiber optic cable jackets, multimode fiber jumpers can be divided into four different types: PVC, LSZH, plenum, and armored multimode patch cable. PVC is non-flame retardant, while the LSZH is flame retardant and low smoke zero halogen. Plenum is compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are connected and forms part of the air distribution system. Armored multimode fiber jumpers use rugged shell with aluminum armor and kevlar inside the jacket, and it is 10 times stronger than regular fiber patch cable.

Multi-mode fiber jumpers are used to connect high speed and legacy networks like Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Ethernet. For many years, conventional OM1 and OM2 were widely deployed in premises applications supporting data rates ranging from Ethernet (10 Mbit/s) to gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbit/s). Also, they were ideal for use with LED transmitters. Newer deployments often use laser-optimized OM3 patch cable. OM3 patch cable provides sufficient bandwidth to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet up to 300 meters. And OM4 is suitable for distance up to 550 meters. OM5 wideband multimode patch cable has been released this year to support at least four low-cost wavelengths in the 850-950 nm range and transmit 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s and reduced fiber counts for higher speeds.

Through aforementioned description about multimode fiber jumper, hope you can have a clearer understanding toward it. Last but no least, fiber patch cables can sometimes be distinguished by jacket color: for 62.5/125 µm (OM1) and 50/125 µm (OM2), orange jackets are recommended, while Aqua is recommended for laser-optimized OM3 patch cable and OM4 fiber. And lime green for OM5 fiber. If you want either multimode fiber jumper or single mode fiber jumper, welcome to visit www.fs.com for information.

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Created on Dec 4th 2017 21:35. Viewed 376 times.

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