Specifications For Optical Fiber Types

Today's networks must have the proper fiber optic cabling to ensure optimal performance and to meet network specifications including connection speeds. The chart below shows the capacity of popular fiber types, and their common applications.


Specifications for Optical Fiber Types
Core/Cladding Attenuation Bandwidth Applications
Graded-Index (Multimode)

@850/1300nm @850/1300nm
50/125 microns 3/1 dB/km 500/500 MHz-km Laser-rated for GbE LANs
50/125 microns 3/1 dB/km 2000/500 MHz-km Optimized for 850 nm VCSELs
62.5/125 microns 3/1 dB/km 160/500 MHz-km Most common LAN fiber
100/140 microns 3/1 dB/km 150/300 MHz-km Obsolete
Singlemode

@1310/1550nm

8-9/125 microns 0.4/0.25 dB/km ~100 Terahertz Telco/CATV/long high speed LANs
Step-Index (Multimode)

@850nm @850nm
200/230 microns 4-6 dB/km 50 MHz-km Slow LANs & links
Plastc Optical Fiber

@650nm @650nm
980/1000 microns ~1 dB/m ~5 MHz-km Short optical links, vehicle displays
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