As data transmission demands continue to grow, understanding the different types of fiber optic cables is crucial for network professionals. Let's break down the key differences between OS2, OM1, OM3, OM4, and OM5 fiber optic cables:

Single-mode vs. Multimode

OS2 is a single-mode fiber, while OM1, OM3, OM4, and OM5 are multimode fibers4.

Core Size and Light Source

OS2: Single-mode with a small core, uses laser light sources4.

OM1: 62.5/125μm core, uses LED light sources13.

OM3, OM4, OM5: 50/125μm core, use VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) light sources13.

Bandwidth and Distance

OS2: Highest bandwidth, suitable for long-distance transmission (kilometers)4.

OM1: 200MHz*km bandwidth, supports 10GbE up to 33m13.

OM3: 2000MHz*km bandwidth, supports 10GbE up to 300m13.

OM4: 4700MHz*km bandwidth, supports 10GbE up to 550m13.

OM5: 28000MHz*km bandwidth, designed for 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s transmission13.

Jacket Color

OS2: Yellow

OM1 & OM2: Orange

OM3 & OM4: Aqua

OM5: Lime Green13

Applications

OS2: Telecom, long-distance data center connections4.

OM1: Legacy systems, short-distance networks4.

OM3/OM4: Modern data centers, enterprise networks4.

OM5: Future-proof data centers, high-speed short-range connections4.

Choosing the right fiber type depends on your specific needs, considering factors like transmission distance, speed requirements, and future scalability. Understanding these differences will help you make informed decisions for your network infrastructure.