Complete List and Introduction of Optical Cable Models

Fiber optic cables are categorized by mode, core size, fiber count, and jacket type, with common models including OS1, OS2, OM1–OM5, simplex, duplex, and multi-fiber round cables.

Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)

• OS1: Indoor applications, low attenuation, suitable for short to medium distances.
• OS2: Outdoor and long-haul applications, optimized for distances up to 100 km or more, low water-peak loss, adheres to ITU-T G.652C/D standards .

Multimode Fiber (MMF)

• OM1: 62.5 µm core, supports 10 Gbps up to ~100 ft, cost-effective for short distances .
• OM2: 50 µm core, supports 10 Gbps up to ~260 ft, improved performance over OM1 .
• OM3: 50 µm core, laser-optimized, supports 10 Gbps up to 1000 ft, 40/100 Gbps up to 100 m, aqua jacket .
• OM4: 50 µm core, enhanced laser-optimized, supports 10 Gbps up to 1300 ft, 40/100 Gbps up to 150 m, violet/pink jacket .
• OM5 (WBMMF): 50 µm core, wideband multimode, supports short-wavelength division multiplexing, lime green jacket, backward compatible with OM3/OM4 .

Fiber Count and Configuration

• Simplex: Single fiber strand, used for one-way transmission or BiDi modules .
• Duplex: Two fiber strands, standard for full-duplex communication .
• 8 Fiber Round Cable: Designed for MPO connectors, high-density applications .
• 12 Fiber Round Cable: Tight-buffered, used in networking and telecom for multiple connections .
• 16 Fiber Round Cable: Supports 400G SR8 modules with MPO-16 connectors .
• 24 Fiber Round Cable: High-density applications in data centers and telecom networks .

Jacket Types

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Common, cost-effective, indoor use, soft and oxidation-resistant .
• LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen): Minimal smoke and toxic gas, ideal for indoor areas with safety requirements .
• Plenum-Rated: High fire-resistance, low smoke emission, required for air-handling spaces like ceilings or ducts .

Specialized Cables

• Aerial Cables: Self-supporting or messenger-supported, exposed to wind, ice, and UV .
• Direct Burial Cables: Heavy-duty jackets and armor for underground installation .
• Duct/Pipe Cables: Flexible for conduit installation .
• Submarine Cables: Designed for underwater use on ocean floors . This list covers the most common optical cable models used in modern networking, data centers, and telecommunications, providing a reference for selecting the appropriate fiber type, configuration, and jacket for specific applications.