OM1 is a classification of multi-mode optical fiber primarily used for short-distance communication, typically in local area networks (LANs) or within data centers. Here are some specifics about OM1 fiber:
- Core/Cladding Diameter: OM1 fiber typically has a core diameter of 62.5 micrometers (µm) and a cladding diameter of 125 µm.
- Wavelength: OM1 fibers are optimized for 850nm and 1300nm wavelength operation.
- Data Rate and Distance: At 850nm, OM1 can achieve 1 Gbps (Gigabit per second) data rates up to a distance of 275 meters and 10 Gbps data rates up to a distance of 33 meters. For the 1300nm wavelength, the 1 Gbps distance is extended up to 550 meters.
- Jacket Color: The standard jacket color for OM1 fiber is usually orange, although this might vary depending on the manufacturer.
- Usage: OM1 fibers were among the first types of multi-mode fibers to be widely adopted and were prevalent in older installations. Modern installations have shifted towards higher-grade fibers like OM3, OM4, and OM5 due to increased bandwidth and distance requirements.
- Applications: OM1 is often used in premises applications, including backbone and horizontal configurations. It’s suitable for Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet applications.
Given the rapid growth of data demands and the availability of higher bandwidth multi-mode fibers, OM1 is becoming less common in new installations but is still present in many legacy systems.