Diferencias entre la fibra multimodo OM2 / OM3 / OM4 / OM5

All OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5 are 50/125μm multimode fiber (MMF).

They differ mainly in bandwidth, transmission distance, high-speed rate support, wavelength adaptation and application scenarios. Performance upgrades in order: OM2 → OM3 → OM4 → OM5.

Core Parameter Comparison

Detailed Introduction

OM2

• Position: Legacy basic 50μm multimode fiber
• Performance: Low bandwidth, only suitable for 1G network; very short distance for 10G
• Application: Old campus network, legacy system compatibility; phased out in modern data centers
• Color: Orange

Duplex OM2 Multimode LC UPC to LC UPC LSZH Fiber Optic Cable

Duplex OM2 Multimode SC UPC to SC UPC LSZH Fiber Optic Cable

OM3

• Position: First-generation laser-optimized multimode fiber (LOMMF) for VCSEL
• Performance: 4× bandwidth of OM2; 10G up to 300m, 40G/100G up to 100m
• Application: Small & medium data centers, mainstream 10G cabling
• Color: Aqua Green

OM3 Fiber Optic Patch Cable (Carrier grade) LC UPC to LC UPC Duplex 3.0mm 50/125μm 10Gbps Multimode

OM3 Multimode Duplex SC UPC to SC UPC OFNP Fiber Cable

OM4

• Position: Enhanced upgraded version of OM3, lower DMD, higher stability
• Performance: Double bandwidth vs OM3; 10G up to 550m, 40G/100G up to 150m
• Application: Mainstream choice for large data centers, long-distance high-speed links
• Color: Aqua Green/Magenta

OM4 LC to LC UPC Fiber Optic Cord Cable 100/40/10Gb Multimode Duplex MMF 50/125μm LSZH Fiber Optic

LC to SC UPC OM4 Fiber Optic Patch Cable 40G Multi Mode Duplex, 50/125μm, OD 2.0mm, LSZH OFNR

OM5

• Position: Latest Wideband Multimode Fiber (WBMMF)
• Core advantage: Supports SWDM (Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing)
• Covers 850/880/910/940nm wavelength range
• Realizes 100G/200G over single fiber, saves cabling quantity and cost
• Application: Hyper-scale data centers, high-density 100G/200G deployment
• Color: Lime Green

LC UPC to LC UPC Duplex OM5 Multimode LSZH 2.0mm Fiber Optic Patch Cable

Key Summary

1. Performance ranking: OM2 < OM3 < OM4 < OM5
2. Cost ranking: OM2 < OM3 < OM4 < OM5
3. Compatibility: OM3/OM4/OM5 are physically compatible; performance limited by the lowest-grade fiber in the link.

Selection Guide

• Legacy network renovation: Choose OM2
• Small & medium 10G cabling: Choose OM3 (cost-effective)
• Large data center 40G/100G long run: Choose OM4
• High-density 100G/200G & fiber-saving deployment: Choose OM5