Cable & Wire | High quality and excellent service at reasonable prices.
info@zion-communication.com
Author: James Publish Time: 15-07-2025 Origin: Site
Fiber optic cables are the ultimate technology used in data transfer using light waves. They are classified based on wavelength band, core/cladding size, application, and compliance with international standards such as IEC, ITU-T, and TIE/EIA. In the next sections, the real artwork is putting on the table a rundown on different classifications of fiber optic cables.
This section introduces the five wavelength bands used in fiber optic transmission and their typical applications.
Band | Wavelength (nm) | Description | Generally used |
O | 1260–1360 | Original band | In early single-mode fiber systems. Here the zone of zero dispersion is around 1310 nm for G.652 fiber. |
E | 1360–1460 | Extended band | Previously, moon beaming out from the audio range due to the water peak absorption, but today these are perfect with regular low water peak fibers (G.652C/D), especially in CWDM systems. |
S | 1460–1530 | Short wavelength | A mid-range CWDM for GCWDM wavelengths is used now. |
C | 1530–1565 | Conventional band | In terms of lost strength on fiber lines (deterring fiber losses) and a large-grade compatibility factor (e.g., EDFA). |
L | 1565–1625 | Long wavelength | capacity of wavelength-division multiplexing deployed; on long-haul, high-capacity interconnections, rather, with 141–1625 nm (equivalent bandwidths available) 8–50 km from C band. |
Fiber optic cables are available in different core and cladding sizes depending on their application and transmission mode.
Fiber Type | Core/Cladding Size | Typical Application |
Single Mode Fiber (SMF) | 8/125 μm | Long-distance transmission, high-bandwidth backbone networks |
9/125 μm (standard) | ||
10/125 μm | ||
Multimode Fiber (MMF) | 50/125 μm (European standard) | LAN, data centers, short-distance transmission |
62.5/125 μm (US standard) | ||
Specialty Fibers | 100/140 μm, 200/230 μm | Industrial, medical, low-speed networks |
98/1000 μm (Plastic Optical Fiber, POF) | Automotive control applications |
■ 3. Transmission Distance Overview
Transmission distance varies by fiber type and wavelength.
Fiber Type | Wavelength | Typical Max Distance |
Multimode | 850nm | ≤ 2.5 km |
Multimode | 1300nm | ≤ 6 km |
Single Mode | 1310nm | ≤ 16 km |
Single Mode | 1550nm | ≤ 25 km |
■ 4. Multimode Fiber Standards (TIA/EIA/IEC/OM)
OM standards define performance for multimode fibers, especially for LAN and data center use.
Type | Core Size | Bandwidth (MHz·km) | Gigabit Distance | Description |
OM1 (A1b) | 62.5μm | 200/500 @850/1300nm | 275m | US standard multimode |
OM2 (A1a) | 50μm | 500/500 @850/1300nm | 550m | EU standard multimode |
OM3 | 50μm | Laser-optimized | 300m @10GbE | For VCSEL @850nm |
OM4 | 50μm | Laser-optimized | 550m @10GbE | Enhanced OM3 |
■ 5. IEC Fiber Classification (International Electrotechnical Commission)
IEC 60793/60794 defines multimode and single-mode classes for standardized testing and deployment.
Class A: Multimode
A1a: 50/125μm (OM2)
A1b: 62.5/125μm (OM1)
A1d: 100/140μm
Class B: Single Mode
Code | ITU-T Equivalent | Description |
B1.1 | G.652A/B | Standard SMF @1310nm |
B1.3 | G.652C/D | Low water peak, extended window |
B2a | G.653.A | Dispersion-shifted fiber (legacy) |
B4c-e | G.655.A–E | Non-zero dispersion-shifted fiber |
B5 | G.656 | Wideband fiber (1460–1625nm) |
B6a1 | G.657.A1 | Bend-insensitive, 10mm radius |
B6a2 | G.657.A2 | 7.5mm radius, G.652 compatible |
B6b2 | G.657.B2 | 7.5mm radius, not G.652 compatible |
B6b3 | G.657.B3 | 5mm radius, ultra-flexible |
ITU-T standards specify SMF characteristics for long-haul, metro, and FTTH networks.
ITU-T Standard | Key Features | Typical Applications |
G.652(Conventional SMF) | - Zero dispersion at 1310 nm | Widely deployed in global telecom and backbone networks |
G.657(Bend-Insensitive Fiber) | - Designed for FTTH and tight bends | FTTH, FTTB, fiber-to-the-room, microduct and indoor use |
G.653(Dispersion-Shifted Fiber, DSF) | - Zero dispersion at 1550 nm | Previously used in early high-speed systems, replaced by G.655 |
G.654(Ultra Low Loss SMF) | - Pure silica core | Long-haul & submarine cables requiring ultra-low loss |
G.655(Non-Zero Dispersion-Shifted Fiber, NZDSF) | - Non-zero dispersion in C-band (1530–1565 nm) | Long-distance high-capacity DWDM systems |
G.656(Wideband NZDSF) | - Operates over 1460–1625 nm | CWDM/DWDM systems requiring wider wavelength range |
A guide for selecting the right fiber based on deployment environment.
Standard | Application | Dispersion @1550nm | Key Use Case |
G.652D | General-purpose SMF | ~18 ps/nm·km | Metro, trunk, access |
G.653 | Dispersion-shifted | ~0 ps/nm·km | Legacy only |
G.654 | Ultra low loss | <0.17 dB/km | Submarine links |
G.655 | NZDSF | 2–10 ps/nm·km | DWDM long-haul |
G.656 | Wideband NZDSF | Low, flat dispersion | CWDM/DWDM, S+C+L bands |
G.657 | Bend-insensitive | Compatible (A) or not (B) | FTTH, MDU, patch cabling |
■ 8. Fiber Testing Standards and Parameters
Ensures fiber quality and performance according to global test protocols.
Test Item | Standard | Typical Value / Notes |
Attenuation | IEC 60793 / TIA-455 | SM: 0.35 dB/km @1310nm; MM: 3.5 dB/km @850nm |
Return Loss | IEC / TIA | > 50 dB (APC), > 35 dB (UPC) |
Bandwidth | TIA-492AAAC (OM3) | 2000 MHz·km @850nm |
Bending Test | IEC 60794-1-2-E11 | No degradation under specified bend radius |
Temperature Cycle | IEC 60794-1-2-F1 | –40°C to +70°C |
Mechanical Strength | IEC 60794-1-2-E1 | Tensile and crush tested under load |
Environmental Test | IEC 60794-1-22 | UV, water, flame resistance based on application |
■ 9. Market Trends & Future Development
The fiber optic communication is renewing itself with different deployment needs by deploying advanced technologies. The key trends are:
FTTR - Fiber to the Room Technology – The fiber of G.657 indicating ultra-bend-insensitive has become the standard for Smart homes and offices.
OM5 fiber-compositions have recently been used in hyperscale data centers in an effort to push the wavelength flexibility owing to the WDM transmission technology.
Green Building Compliance: Demand for LSZH, halogen-free, and eco-friendly cable materials is rising.
POF: major role in networking in the automotive field, the industrial aspect, and the manpower for the latest technologies.
Cabling Medium Fiber: The wires, partly for power and partly for fiber, will be probably used for CCTV, FTTA for 5G small cells, IoT, etc.
DWDM and CWDM Grow rate, which was different for G.655 and G.656 important web space advantages, can become a great driving factor.
■ Conclusion
The knowledge of optical fiber categorization assists the choice of the right type for the designated scenarios among the network designers, integrators, and purchase entities. Whether you are building the long-haul telecom network, FTTH residential networks, or 100G-ready data centers, choosing the right standard/version could help increase the performance and assure full compatibility.
James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication.
Specializes in Optical Fiber communications, FTTH Solutions,
Fiber optic cables, ADSS cable, and ODN networks.
james@zion-communication.com
+86 13777460328
