Outdated OM1 Multimode fibre is rapidly being replaced with OM3 and OM4 Multimode Fibre. In contrast to the technology underpinning Singlemode Fibre, multimode fibre is optical fibre that has been designed to carry multiple light rays (or modes) concurrently. Multimode fibres carrying 10Gb speeds are best suited across relatively short distances up to 300 metres for OM3 and 400 metres of OM4. Due to cable construction, the light modes will disperse, resulting in a loss of signal quality.

Despite this, multimode fibre is a very popular choice with many organisations due to the cheaper cost of the Switch interface using either Mini GBICs or transceivers. Data Centres utilize 12 core OM3/OM4 fibre links because of the short distances involved.

Terminations come in LC-Local Connection, SC-Square Connection or ST-Straight Tip, Single mode and are fusion spliced to ensure little to no signal loss

If you need fibre to work above 10Gb or over larger distances consider Singlemode Fibre