Description
Why OM3 still dominates enterprise fiber
| Fiber Grade | Color | Typical Data Rate |
|---|---|---|
| OM2 | Orange | 1G–10G |
| OM3 | Aqua Green | 10G–100G (short reach) |
| OM4 | Rose-red / violet | Higher distance at 40G/100G |
| OM5 | Lime green | SWDM & advanced links |
OM3 is widely used because it provides excellent performance with lower cost than OM4 or OM5.
Optical performance
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Fiber Type | Multimode OM3 (50/125 µm) |
| Polish Type | UPC |
| Insertion Loss | ≤ 0.30 dB |
| Return Loss | ≥ 35 dB |
| Wavelengths | 850 nm / 1300 nm |
| Modal Bandwidth | Optimized for high-speed LAN |
| Durability | ≥ 1000 mating cycles |
This performance easily supports 10G, 40G and short-reach 100G Ethernet.
Connector structure
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Connector Type | LC Simplex |
| Cable Diameter | 0.9mm |
| Ferrule | 1.25mm zirconia ceramic |
| Housing Color | Aqua Green (OM3 code) |
| Latching Mechanism | LC push-pull |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +75°C |
The 0.9mm design allows easy routing inside fiber trays, optical modules, and high-density patch panels.
Typical applications
This LC OM3 connector is widely used in:
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Multimode fiber pigtails
-
Data center patch panels
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Optical transceivers (SFP+, QSFP)
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Enterprise LAN & SAN systems
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Optical test leads
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Equipment internal wiring
Professional Q&A
Q1: What does aqua green indicate?
Aqua green is the international color for OM3 multimode fiber, used for 10G to 100G short-reach links.
Q2: Can OM3 LC connectors be used in OM4 systems?
Yes. OM3 connectors are fully compatible with OM4 fiber; OM4 simply offers longer distance and higher bandwidth.
Q3: Why use 0.9mm instead of 2.0mm?
0.9mm connectors are used for pigtails and internal fiber routing, while 2.0mm is used for patch cords.
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