OM5 Fiber: Optimize Your Data Center Performance
Jun 28, 20241 min read
With the increasing demand for data centers, traditional OM3 and OM4 fibers are gradually showing their limitations, especially in terms of transmission distance and bandwidth. To solve these problems, OM5 Fiber was born. OM5, also known as Wideband Multimode Fiber (WBMMF), significantly improves data transmission capabilities by supporting multi-wavelength transmission on a single fiber. This makes OM5 particularly suitable for modern data centers and provides unprecedented flexibility and efficiency. From a wide wavelength range to multiple advantages, OM5 fiber will become an important choice for data centers.
What is OM5 Fiber?
OM5 fiber, also known as wideband multimode fiber (WBMMF), is engineered to handle high-speed data center applications by supporting shortwave wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM). Unlike its predecessors (OM3 and OM4) work at 850 nm wavelength conventionally, OM5 fiber operates over a broader wavelength range of 850 to 950 nm. With this extension in range, it allows multiple wavelengths to be transmitted simultaneously through a single fiber, significantly boosting bandwidth capacity without needing additional fibers. For more detailed information, click here: OM5 Fiber FAQs.
How does OM5 benefit DC?
OM5 Uses Fewer Fibers for Transmission than OM3/OM4
OM5 fiber technology tackles the challenge of rising fiber counts in data centers with its SWDM technology, enabling multi-wavelength transmission. In the traditional 40G network layout, one MTP fiber and four OM4 duplex fibers (a total of 8) are required, but with OM5 and SWDM technology, only two fibers (4x10G) are required. In a 100G link, the same two fibers (4x25G) can support. By reducing fiber count and enabling multiple wavelengths, OM5 provides efficient solutions for data centers.
OM5 Solves OM3/OM4 Distance Limitation Problem
In data centers, OM3 and OM4 fibers have limited transmission distances, for example at 100G speeds, where OM3 can only transmit 70 meters and OM4 up to 100 meters. As data center demands grow, these limitations become significant. OM5 fiber, combined with short-wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM), significantly improves transmission distances. SWDM allows OM5 to transmit multiple signals in parallel within the 850nm to 950nm range, extending 100G transmission up to 150 meters or more. This enhancement overcomes the distance limitations of OM3 and OM4, providing a more flexible and efficient solution for high-speed, long-distance data transmission in modern data centers.
OM5 is Compatible with OM3/OM4 System
Featuring the same 50µm core and 125µm cladding dimensions as OM3 and OM4, it seamlessly integrates into existing infrastructures, avoiding major modifications. Additionally, OM5 supports SWDM4 technology, enabling high-speed data transmission through four-wavelength multiplexing(850nm, 880nm, 910nm, 940nm). This compatibility makes OM5 an ideal choice for data center upgrades, meeting current needs while laying the foundation for future high-speed transmission.
OM5 Continues to Grow in Data Center
It can not be ignored that OM5 costs more than OM3/OM4. however, in the long run, OM5 cable is beneficial for short transmission in data center deployments, since it can utilize the existing OM3/OM4 cabling system and support emerging SWDM applications. This helps future-proof installations, making OM5 a beneficial investment for long-term data center deployments.
Conclusion
In summary, with the increasing demand for high bandwidth in data centers and the migration to multi-wavelength applications, data center operators should deeply understand and fully utilize the advantages and applications of OM5 fiber. OM5 fiber has significantly improved transmission bandwidth, distance, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional fiber. Researching and promoting OM5 fiber technology not only helps optimize data center infrastructure but also meets the needs of future network development.