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How far can OM3 100Gb go?
Knowledge Base + 2024.01.09

The maximum reach of OM3 (Optical Multimode 3) fiber for 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) depends on the optical transceivers used and the specific modulation scheme employed. OM3 fiber typically supports shorter distances compared to single-mode fiber. Here are some general guidelines for OM3 fiber with 100GbE:

  1. SR4 (Short Range 4) Transceivers:

    • OM3 fiber can support 100GbE connections using SR4 transceivers.

    • The typical reach for SR4 transceivers over OM3 fiber is up to 100 meters.

  2. eSR4 (Extended Short Range 4) Transceivers:

    • Some transceiver modules, labeled as eSR4, may offer an extended reach over standard SR4 transceivers.

    • The extended reach for eSR4 transceivers over OM3 fiber can be up to 150 meters.

  3. Parallel Single-Mode (PSM) Transceivers:

    • PSM transceivers use parallel single-mode fibers and can be used with OM3 for shorter-distance connections.

    • The reach can vary but is typically up to 150 meters.

It's important to note that the maximum reach is influenced by factors such as the quality of the fiber, connectors, splices, and the specific transceiver technology. Additionally, other transceiver options, such as CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) or SWDM (Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing), may be available to extend the reach over multimode fiber.

When planning a 100GbE deployment over OM3 fiber, it's recommended to refer to the specifications provided by the transceiver and cable manufacturers, as they will provide the most accurate information for your specific equipment and network configuration.


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