Multimode Fiber and Patch Cords

Multimode fiber gives you high bandwidth at high speeds over medium distances. Light waves are dispersed into numerous paths, or modes, as they travel through the cable’s core typically 850nm or 1300nm.

Multimode fiber optic cable can be used for most general fiber applications. Use multimode fiber for bringing fiber to the desktop, for adding segments to your existing network, or smaller applications such as alarm systems. Multimode fiber optic cable has a large-diameter core that is much larger than the wavelength of light transmitted, and therefore has multiple pathways of light-several wavelengths of light are used in the fiber core. Typical multimode fiber core diameters are 50, 62.5, and 100 micrometers.

50- vs. 62.5-micron cable. Although 50-micron fiber features a smaller core, which is the light-carrying portion of the fiber, both 62.5- and 50-micron cable feature the same glass cladding diameter of 125 microns. You can use both in the same types of networks, although 50-micron cable is recommended for premise applications: backbone, horizontal, and intrabuilding connections, and should be considered especially for any new construction and installations. Both types can use either LED or laser light sources.

The main difference between 50-micron and 62.5-micron cable is in bandwidth-50-micron cable features three times the bandwidth of standard 62.5-micron cable, particularly at 850nm. The 850nm wavelength is becoming more important as lasers are being used more frequently as a light source.

The multimode patch cord is used to connect high speed and legacy networks like Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Ethernet. Multimode patchcords are primarily used with LED sources for LAN and security systems. Its large core makes it easy to couple lots of light from inexpensive LED’s and it has adequate bandwidth for most premises applications.

FiberStore multimode patch cords are manufactured using LSZH cables which conform to IEC, EIA TIA and Telecordia standards. The OM2 patch cords are terminated with our standard connector which gives optimum optical performance. Their large stock covers a complete range of fiber optic patchcords, MPO fiber and fiber pigtail in a variety of lengths, colours and connector configurations, including PVC, Plenum, Aqua, Bendinsensitive,ruggedized, Milspec, MULTIFIBER and custom. Fiber optic patch cable jumpers and assemblies are manufactured in an ISO 9001-2000 certified factories using only the highest quality components. Each fiber optic patch cable jumper is fully tested, to Telcordia standards, for insertion loss and back reflection prior to shipment. Corning Fiber Cable Assemblies are also available at additional prices. Fiber optic patch cords are suited for equipment jumper cable, cross connects, and work area connections. FC,SC,ST,LC,MU,MTRJ and hybrid Patch Cords are available in both multimode (62.5/125μm and 50/125μm) and single mode cable-types, in duplex and simplex versions.