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Multi-Mode Cables
Frequently Asked Questions
Multimode fiber cables are usually cheaper than their single-mode cousins. They are also easier to install as they are more resistant to breakage. They perform well over short distances.
Long distances of propagation limit the performance of multimode fibers. Compared with single-model fiber cables optical pulses suffer significant distortion and losses in multimode fiber cables.
The core diameter of a multi-mode fiber cable is typically a few tens of micrometers wide.
Unlike a bare fiber, a multimode fiber cable has a special tubing that consists of multiple layers of protective materials that isolate heat, noise, and in some cases interference with electromagnetic waves. Additionally, fiber cables often come with end-connectors that make it easy to couple these cables with other devices.
The grade refers to the performance level of a multimode fiber cable. There are 5 distinct grades: OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5 based on ISO/IEC 11801 standard. Each of these grades corresponds to a particular bandwidth and transport distance, with OM1 designating a standard 62.5um multimode glass, OM3 - 50 um enhanced glass core capable of 300m transmission at 10GB bandwidth and M5 reserved for multimode cables that can transmit up to 550m at 10Gb bandwidth.
The maximum distance depends on the wavelength of light transmitted. It can reach up to 10 miles for certain wavelengths. For these maximum distances, the bandwidth of the signal will drop significantly.
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