Multi-mode - ITPLUS

Multi-mode fibre (MMF) is a type of optical cable featuring a larger core diameter (typically 50 or 62.5 microns) that allows multiple light signals or “modes” to travel down the line simultaneously. It is highly cost-effective and used primarily for high-speed, short-distance data transmission.

How it Works

Unlike single-mode fibre, which relies on a tiny core that forces light to travel in a single, straight path, multi-mode fibre’s wider core allows light to bounce and travel at various angles.

Light Source: It typically uses cost-effective, easily aligned Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs).
Benefits: The larger core size means connectors are easier and cheaper to terminate in the field, making it the most affordable choice for local setups.
Limitations: Because different light rays take different paths, they arrive at the end at slightly varying times. This causes the light signal to spread out (known as modal dispersion), meaning multi-mode fibre is generally limited to shorter distances.

Common Applications

Due to its distance limits, multi-mode fibre is rarely used for long-haul internet cables, but instead dominates localized environments.

Data Centers: Used for dense, high-bandwidth connections between servers and switches.
Local Area Networks (LANs): Used to wire campus environments, office buildings, or audio/visual setups.

Popular Types

There are several standard classifications of multi-mode fibre, categorized by their bandwidth and performance (often categorized by standards like OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5).

OM1/OM2: Older, typically orange jacketed fibres, usually featuring a 62.5 μ m core, best suited for slower speeds or very short runs.
OM3/OM4: High-bandwidth, laser-optimized fibres with a 50 μ m core. Commonly used in data centers to support 10 Gbps up to 400 Gbps, depending on distance.
OM5: Wideband multi-mode fibre (often lime-green) designed to carry multiple wavelengths simultaneously to boost capacity.

Cables & Accessories
ETU-Link FD50125MMOM3-A-3M

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ETU-Link FD50125MMOM3-A-3M Fibre Optic Duplex Patch Cord – 50/125µm – Multi-mode – OM3-300 – LC-LC – 3M Length – Aqua Colour – Supports 10Gbps
Fibre Ethernet Media Converters
Omada Networks MC200CM

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Omada Networks MC200CM Gigabit Multi-Mode Media Converter – Supports 2* Gigabit SC/UPS Slots – 1 * Gigabit RJ45 Ports – Fibre Distance Up To 550m
Cables & Accessories
ETU-Link FD50125MMOM3-A-2M

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ETU-Link FD50125MMOM3-A-2M Fibre Optic Duplex Patch Cord – 50/125µm – Multi-mode – OM3-300 – LC-LC – 2m Length – Aqua Colour – Supports 10Gbps
Cables & Accessories
ETU-Link FD50125MMOM3-A-1M

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ETU-Link FD50125MMOM3-A-1M Fibre Optic Duplex Patch Cord – 50/125µm – Multi-mode – OM3-300 – LC-LC – 1m Length – Aqua Colour – Supports 10Gbps
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D-Tech PFT3950

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D-Tech PFT3950 SFP Fibre Module – 1.25Gbps – Multi-Mode Dual Fibre – LC Connection – 500m Distance – 850nm Wavelength

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Utepo Stock Clearance

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Utepo SFP-1.25G-550M

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Utepo SFP-1.25G-550M 1.25Gbps Duplex-LC Multi-mode SFP Optical Module – Multi-Mode – Dual Fibre – 550m Distance

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Multi Mode SFP Modules
Utepo SFP-10G-300M

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Utepo SFP-10G-300M 10Gbps Multi-mode Dual Fibers (Duplex-LC) SFP Optical Module – Up to 300m Distance – Hot Pluggable