Simple Introduction to OM5 Fibre networks

Introducing OM5 – a multimode, high bandwidth fibre solution for short to medium range applications within datacentre environments.  

Sounds great, but let’s simplify exactly what you are getting compared to legacy OM3 & OM4 performance.  It is worth noting at this early stage that OM5 is fully backwards compatible with 50/125um OM3 & OM4 networks and applications.

Essentially the big difference with OM5 is that it is capable of transmitting up to four separate wavelengths/signals through the same cable, unlike all other multimode options.  The best example of this is using an OM5 duplex patch cable which when installed within a network can transmit and receive four bi-directional transmissions over its two cores.  This is known in the industry as short wavelength division multiplexing, abbreviated to SWDM.

This SWDM technology is primarily used across core 40Gb/s & 100Gb/s high bandwidth networks, allowing a reduced amount of cabling to achieve these required speeds.  Previously you would have needed multiple cables and transceivers for this type of multimode performance.

In supporting multiple wavelengths in the 850-950nm range, OM5 provides a great wide bandwidth multi mode fibre (WBMMF) solution.  As with both OM3 and OM4 multimode fibre, it’s assembled using laser signalling within a bend insensitive core construction, complete with ceramic ferrules and ultra polished connectors – usually terminated as LC.  OM5 patch cables are individually tested during production for insertion loss, ready to be immediately patched into the corresponding panels and switch transceivers.

A further benefit of using OM5 and its SWDM technology is that it reduces cross talk compared with using multiple fibres, ultimately leading to a lower transmission loss rate.  Multi mode fibre cabling systems are more cost effective than single mode installations, which are still required for longer distance transmissions.

In terms of distance limitations, there are further benefits in this area as OM5 can achieve distances of 440 metres at 850nm at 40Gb/s.  At 100Gb’s you can expect 150 metres at 850nm.  

OM5 is a great step up from OM4, providing faster and longer connections without any significant losses, taking multi mode fibre to a new enhanced and future proof level that we’ve not seen before. This makes OM5 an ideal choice for modern datacentres.