What Are The Most Common Fiber Optic Cables?

The most common types of fibre-optic cable are OM3 and OM4 multimode cables. Widely used in local area network, data centers and other short distance communication scenarios. However, single mode cable plays an important role in backbone networks and intercity communications because of its advantages of long-distance transmission. Here's a look at the most common types of fibre-optic cable:
I. By mode of transport: single mode of transport and Multimode
Single-mode cable
Features: Small fiber core diameter (about 8-10 microns), limited to single-mode light transmission, resulting in low signal attenuation and long transmission distances (dozens to hundreds of kilometres).
Applications: Intercity backbone networks, submarine cables, 5G base station interconnections and other remote communications.
Common types: G.652 (standard single-mode) and G.655 (low-dispersion single-mode).
Multimode Cable
Features: Large fiber core diameter (50 or 62.5 microns), suitable for multimode light transmission. However, transmission distance are shorter (typically a few hundred meters to 2 kilometres) and less costly. Application Scenario: Short-distance communication such as data center interconnection, area networks, campus network, etc.
Commonly used:
OM1: 62.5 micron core diameter, support 100Mbps to 1 Gbps transmission, phase-out.
OM2: Core diameter 50 microns, support 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps transmission, suitable for early LANs.
OM3: 50 micron core diameter with support for 10Gbps to 40 Gbps transmission (up to 100m) is the primary choice for data centers.
OM4: 50 micron core diameter, support 10Gbps to 100 Gbps transmission (up to 150m), suitable for high density data centres.
OM5: Core diameter of 50 micron with support for short-wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM) up to 400 Gbps transmission.
ii. By Structure: Stranded vs. Central Tube vs. Core Cable
Fibre optic cable
Structure: Multiple fibers are wrapped in loose tubes around the central strength member and then encased in an outer cover. Features: High tensile strength, excellent bending resistance, suitable for long-distance overhead or pipeline installation.
Applications: Telecoms, metro, rural communication networks.
Central Tube Optical Cable
Structure: Fiber bundles or ribbons are placed in the central tube and external reinforcement members placed in parallel.
Features: Simple structure, lightweight, suitable for short distance direct burial or duct installation.
Applications: Data centers, enterprise campuses, access networks.
Board-Type Optical Cable
Structure: Fiber fibers embedded in jacket spiral cable groove.
Features: High side pressure resistance, suitable for high-density cabling or complex environments.
Uses: Submarine optical cables, industrial control network.
III. By Application: Indoor vs. Outdoor vs. Professional staff
Indoor Optical Cable
Features: The shell is made of PVC or low-smoke, halogen-free material, with good flexibility but low tensile strength.
Purpose: Home broadband, office cabling, data center cabinet connection. Outdoor fiber optic cable
Features: Polyethylene or steel straps coating, waterproof, anti-rat, anti-UV.
Uses: City pipeline, overhead pipeline, direct burial pipeline.
Special Optical Cable
Type: Includes Air-blown Microcable (micro cables), power cables (OPGW/ADSS) and sensor cables.
Applications: HV transmission lines, oil pipeline monitoring, intelligent transportation systems, etc..