OM1 fiber “In the multimode fiber sales in North America and around the world are occupied by more than 25% and more than 30%.” Now the question is, why users are suggested to not install 62.5 μm (OM1) fiber in their networks?

The five common reasons that users do not install OM1 fiber:

1. This is just a low-speed network cable extension. If it is more installation is only passive connection (for example, if the new OM1 cable is actually connect to any active devices), using OM3 or OM4 cable. When it comes to upgrade a low-speed link, the new OM3/OM4 fiber can remain in place, but may need to replace the old OM1 cable.

2. OM1 works well in today’s installing speed. Cabling installation means – and it is expected – will last 10 to 25 years. From now on, you will be still running the same speed of 10 to 25 years? The typical network equipment replacement cycle is five years, during the lifetime of optical cable your newly installed, you can expect 2 to 5 times equipment renewal.

3. OM1 is currently assigned. General specification provides a guide for suppliers, but if they do not update, including the recent improvements in technology, they are of limited value. If the current specification has not been updated recently, it can not work well for users.

4. OM1 is cheaper than OM3 cable or om4 cable. Based on the cost first on this is true. But the installation costs are almost the same, sometimes OM1 is higher. And if (or when) for equipments support higher speed must replace OM1, the initial savings are gone.

5. OM1 fiber has a better macrobend performance than 50 μm. Historically, in many cases it is correct for the fiber itself and fiber optic cabling. However, 50 μm fiber cabling attenuation is better than that of 62.5 μm OM1. In addition, the launched bending optimization or bend insensitive multimode fiber making the 50 μm macrobend performance is far superior to 62.5 μm OM1.