OM3 is a classification of multi-mode optical fiber that’s specifically optimized for laser-based equipment that requires fewer modes of light. Here are the fundamental specifics about OM3 fiber:
- Core/Cladding Diameter: OM3 fiber has a core diameter of 50 micrometers (µm) and a cladding diameter of 125 µm.
- Wavelength: OM3 fibers are optimized for 850nm wavelength operation.
- Data Rate and Distance: OM3 is designed for 10 Gbps (Gigabit per second) data rates, but it can also handle higher rates. For example:
- At 850nm, OM3 can achieve 10 Gbps data rates up to a distance of 300 meters.
- It can also support 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps data rates for distances up to 100 meters.
- Jacket Color: The standard jacket color for OM3 fiber is typically aqua.
- Usage: OM3 fibers are designed primarily for short-distance, high-speed data transmissions. They’re ideal for data centers and other places where quick data transfer rates are necessary over shorter distances.
- Applications: OM3 is commonly used for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications but is also suitable for 40 Gigabit and 100 Gigabit Ethernet up to certain distances.
- Bandwidth: OM3 fibers have an effective modal bandwidth (EMB) of 2000 MHz·km.
The introduction of OM3 was a significant leap in multi-mode fiber technology, providing much better performance for modern data center applications compared to the earlier OM1 and OM2 fibers. However, as data rate requirements continue to increase, even higher performance fibers like OM4 and OM5 have been developed to meet these demands.