Fiber Optics

Fiber Cables

OS vs OM Fiber

The briefest explanation is that OS cables are all singlemode fiber, and OM cables are multimode fiber.

Multi Mode Cables

OM Cables.

OM cables are designed to work across shorter distances and with less-expensive transmission parts.

OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5

OM1 and OM2 cables hit top speeds of around 1Gbps. OM3, OM4, and OM5 cables utilize laser-optimized multimode (LOMMF) transmission. This is more expensive, but it enables higher bandwidths, and these cables can get speeds up to 10Gbps (OM3), to 40Gbps (OM4), and up to 100Gbps (OM5).

Single Mode Cables

OS Cables

OS1, OS2

As for OS cables, they come in OS1 or OS2 builds. OS1 is a bit antiquated. It is designed for distances less than 2km, and it hits a top transmission speed of 10Gbps. For jobs in that range, there are usually OM designs that are more cost-effective. OS2 is the standard for long-range networking. The cables can carry signals up to 200 km, and they can achieve transmission rates in excess of 10Gbps.

Identification

Jacket Color

First, always look at the color of your cable. Per TIA/EIA standards, the following color coding applies for non-military fiber optic installations:

• Multimode OM1 = Orange or Slate (Watch for this! OM1 is not compatible with connectors for OM2/OM3/OM4)
• Multimode OM2 = Orange
• Multimode OM3 = Aqua
• Multimode OM4 = Aqua or Erika Violet (Magenta)
• Single Mode OS1/OS2 = Yellow

The connector color codes:

• 62.5/125 OM1 - Beige
• 50/125 OM2 - Black
• 50/125 OM3 - Aqua
• 50/125 OM4 - Aqua
• OM5 - Lime
• Singlemode - Blue
• Singlemode APC - Green

However: Per TIA 598-C, it is permissible to use different jacket colors as long as the cable is identified in the print legend. Please check the print legend or contact the manufacturer before trying to make a positive ID!

Read the print legend

• Look for OM1 (62.5/125), OM2 (50/125), OM3 (50/125), OM4 (50/125) or OS2 (9/125)
• Look for a rating, such as OFNP or OFNR
• Look for any notes about the construction (duplex, tactical, etc.)

Connectors

LC Connector

LC connectors (AKA: Lucent, Little, or Local connectors) "Lucent Connector"

"inventor Lucent Corporation"

"Considered by some to be the modern replacement of the SC connector"

"LC is half the size of SC"

SC Connector

Aka Square Connector, Subscriber Connector, or Standard Connector, or Stick-and-click Connector

"Sometimes referred to as the “square connector” the SC has a push-pull coupling end face with a spring loaded ceramic ferrule."

"SC connector was one of the first connectors to hit the market"

Other Terms

LSZH

Low-smoke, zero-halogen (LSZH) cables proved to be a key materials group that delivered enhanced fire protection performance.