As the demand for faster and more efficient data transmission increases, understanding the capabilities of various fiber optic cables becomes essential. Among the prominent types of multimode optical fibers are OM4 and OM5, each tailored to meet specific needs in high-speed data communication networks. Let's explore their key characteristics, differences, and suitable applications.

What is OM4 Fiber?

OM4 fiber optic cables are optimized for data transmission at specific wavelengths, primarily 850 nm and 1300 nm. Known for their high modal bandwidth, these fibers support higher data rates and longer transmission distances compared to OM3 and older generation multimode cables.

Here are the key features of OM4:

1. Distance and Data Rates:
   • Based on IEEE standard, at 10 Gb, the supported distance is up to 400 meters.
   • For 40 Gb and 100 Gb, the supported distance is up to 150 meters.
2. Applications:
   OM4 fibers are ideal for indoor high-speed networks like 10G, 40G, 100G, 200G and beyond, making them a popular choice for data centers and enterprise networks.
3. Jacket Color:
   Typically, OM4 cables have an aqua-colored jacket for easy identification.

What is OM5 Fiber?

OM5, also known as wideband multimode fiber (WBMMF), represents the next evolution in multimode fibers, engineered to support emerging technologies and higher data rates.

Here’s what OM5 has to offer:

1. Distance and Data Rates
   Like OM4, OM5 supports up to 150 meters at 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s.
   
   Its support for SWDM allows it to transmit multiple wavelengths simultaneously, potentially increasing overall data capacity and transmission distances for certain applications, as shown below:

   
   

2. Applications:
   OM5 is designed specifically for SWDM applications and is ideal for data centers utilizing SWDM transceivers.
3. Jacket Color:
   OM5 cables are typically lime green, which distinguishes them from other types of multimode fibers.

Choosing the Right Fiber

The choice between OM4 and OM5 fibers largely depends on your current network requirements and future expansion plans..

Consider this: if your network primarily supports existing high-speed applications and does not use SWDM technology, OM4 provides excellent performance at a more affordable price.

Both OM4 and OM5 fiber optic cables are designed for high-speed data transmission but cater to different needs and future-proofing strategies. OM4 remains a solid choice for current high-speed networks, while OM5 is specifically geared towards SWDM applications.