Data centers are always moving towards higher densities and higher speeds. 25G and 100G Ethernet already exist, and the industry is working on next-generation technologies like 200G and 400G. Currently, multimode fiber is considered one of the most cost-effective solutions available. For short distance interconnects, it is ideal to couple multimode fibers with VCSELs and LEDs.
In the current situation, multimode routing options are much better than singlemode routing options. However, it is often said that future standards will apply to single-mode fiber. Let's move on to a brief discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the newly introduced OM5 fiber optic cabling technology.
Background and development of OM5
OM5 is the latest multimode fiber designed to support four low-cost wavelengths in the 850 nm-950 nm range. Back in October 2014, the Telecommunications Industry Association launched a specific working group tasked with developing guidelines for the OM5 fiber optic standard to support the rapidly emerging SWDM transport. After nearly two years of research and experimentation, in June 2016, the TIA-492AAAE standard [providing guidance on OM5] was approved. The table below contains the necessary information to explain the advantages of OM5 compared to other multimode fiber cabling solutions.
Can OM5 benefit data centers?
OM5 fiber is regarded as a new generation of multimode fiber. Standardization hasn't been around for long. Unlike previous products [OM1 to OM4], OM5 fiber is designed to operate over a wide range of wavelengths. Also, it supports a technology called Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing or SWDM. Therefore, the optical transmission OM5 can help by reducing the number of fibers. Next, you'll discover some of the specific advantages and disadvantages of this newly introduced fiber in a data center environment.
Advantages of OM5
First, we must understand that OM5 emerged to address high bandwidth challenges. In this regard, this fiber will definitely bring benefits to the data center. Its main advantages can be found in the following sections:
compatibility
Regarding fiber size, OM5 fiber is similar to OM3 and OM4. Therefore, the OM5 is fully compatible with its two predecessors. Let's put it another way. In existing data center network infrastructure, OM5 fiber supports all legacy hardware. Upgrading to OM5 does not require major changes.
distance
For short distance connections, multimode patch cords are considered to be preferred. OM4 patch cables are designed to support link lengths up to 100m with 100G-SWDM optical modules. For OM5, the range can be extended to 150m using a similar type of optical module. Therefore, OM5 is an excellent choice for data center optimization.
cost
Data center construction largely depends on value. Here, a comparison should be made between single mode fiber and multimode fiber. We know that the price of single-mode fiber keeps dropping. However, since short-distance connections can be found in most data centers, multimode fiber is more efficient overall. Among these multimode fibers, OM5 will be the best choice because it supports SWDM applications.
Disadvantages of OM5
There is no doubt that OM5 can be a very economical and cost-effective solution in the long run. However, its initial setup cost is much higher than other wiring options like OM4. Also, OM5 doesn't have many benefits over OM4. Therefore, upgrading to OM5 is not a smart choice for data centers using OM4 cabling.
limited use cases
Currently, there are limited clear use cases for OM5 technology. Also, its advantages over predecessors like the OM4 are mundane, not revolutionary. In most cases, OM4 can give you the performance you need. As mentioned above, the OM5 patch cord will only extend you 50 meters.
in conclusion
Well, OM5 has certain advantages over OM3 and OM4. However, it is still a new technology. Even some well-known vendors are confused about OM5. We believe that large data center operators should retain their current infrastructure. According to some reports, single-mode fiber will dominate the data center industry in the next few years. With the available standards, the optical modules and resource OM5 are not going to create anything revolutionary. Currently, OM5 can be recommended for 40G SWDM applications, enabling scaling from 150m to 450m.
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