What are the differences between OM3 and OM4 patch cables?

OM3 and OM4 patch cables are both multimode optical fibers designed for high-speed data transmission in networking applications. However, there are some key differences between them in terms of performance, transmission distance, and compatibility. Here’s a detailed comparison:

1. Performance and Bandwidth

• OM3 Patch Cable: OM3 cables are optimized for laser-based equipment and have a bandwidth of 2000 MHz·km at 850 nm. This bandwidth is sufficient for supporting high-speed data rates such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) over relatively long distances.
• OM4 Patch Cable: OM4 cables are an upgrade to OM3 and offer even higher performance. They have a bandwidth of 4700 MHz·km at 850 nm, which allows for longer transmission distances at higher data rates. OM4 cables can support 10 GbE over distances of up to 550 meters, making them ideal for long-haul applications within a building or campus environment.

2. Transmission Distance

• OM3 Patch Cable: OM3 cables can support 10 GbE over distances of up to 300 meters. At lower data rates, such as 100 Mbps, they can support even longer distances.
• OM4 Patch Cable: OM4 cables extend the transmission distance for 10 GbE to 550 meters. They can also support higher data rates, such as 40 GbE and 100 GbE, over shorter distances. When using MPO connectors, OM4 cables can support 100 GbE over distances of up to 150 meters.

3. Compatibility and Applications

• OM3 Patch Cable: OM3 cables are widely used in data centers, local area networks (LANs), and storage area networks (SANs). They are compatible with existing multimode fiber infrastructure and can be integrated into existing networks without significant upgrades.
• OM4 Patch Cable: OM4 cables are fully backward-compatible with OM3 cables and share the same unique shallow green jacket. They are ideal for high-speed networks and data center environments, particularly where long-distance transmission of high-speed signals is required. OM4 cables are also suitable for applications that require high bandwidth and low latency, such as video streaming and cloud computing.

4. Additional Considerations

• Cost: OM4 cables are generally more expensive than OM3 cables due to their higher performance and longer transmission distances. However, the additional cost may be justified in applications that require high bandwidth and long-distance transmission.
• Availability: OM4 cables are relatively newer than OM3 cables and may not be as widely available in all regions. However, as demand for high-speed networking increases, OM4 cables are becoming more common and accessible.

In summary, OM3 and OM4 patch cables offer different performance levels and transmission distances. OM3 cables are suitable for most high-speed networking applications within a building or campus environment, while OM4 cables offer even higher performance and longer transmission distances for demanding applications. When choosing between OM3 and OM4 cables, consider your specific networking needs, budget, and availability in your region.