Model and Specification Table of Telecommunication Optical Cables

Telecommunication optical cables are classified by fiber type, core/cladding size, wavelength, and compliance with ITU-T and IEC standards, with models including G. 652, G. 657, OM1–OM4, and G.

654–G. 656 for various applications. Fiber Types and ModelsSingle-mode fibers (SMF) are primarily used for long-distance and high-speed transmission.

Common ITU-T models include: G. 652 (Standard SMF): Optimized for 1310 nm, low water peak, suitable for metropolitan and access networks. G.

652C/D: Low water peak fibers for CWDM systems, supporting 1310–1625 nm. G. 657 (Bending-resistant SMF): Designed for FTTH and optical distribution networks, minimizing macro-bending losses.

G. 654, G. 655, G.

656: Specialized fibers for long-haul, high-capacity, or dispersion-managed networks. Multimode fibers (MMF) are used for shorter distances, such as LANs and data centers: OM1 (62. 5/125 µm): Legacy applications, LED sources, 850/1300 nm.

OM2 (50/125 µm): Supports higher bandwidth, LED or VCSEL sources. OM3/OM4/OM5 (50/125 µm, laser-optimized): High-speed data, 10–400 Gbps, suitable for VCSEL and laser sources. Core and Cladding DimensionsSingle-mode fibers: Core ~8–10 µm, cladding 125 µm.

Multimode fibers: Core 50–62. 5 µm, cladding 125 µm. Outer coatings vary by cable type and environmental requirements.

Wavelength and TransmissionSingle-mode: 1310 nm (low dispersion), 1550 nm (long-haul, low attenuation), 1625 nm (CWDM). Multimode: 850 nm and 1300 nm for LED/VCSEL sources.

Cable Specifications

Mechanical and environmental performance: Tensile strength, crush resistance, temperature range, water-blocking, and UV resistance. Attenuation: Typically measured at 1310 nm and 1550 nm for SMF; 850 nm and 1300 nm for MMF. Chromatic dispersion: Specified per ITU-T G.

65x series, critical for high-speed transmission. Standards compliance: ITU-T (G. 65x series), IEC 60793, ISO/IEC 11801, TIA/EIA-492, Telcordia GR-20/GR-409.

ApplicationsFTTH and access networks: G. 657 fibers, bend-insensitive SMF. Metropolitan and long-haul networks: G.

652, G. 654, G. 655 fibers.

Data centers and LANs: OM3/OM4 multimode fibers for high-speed interconnects.

Summary

Telecommunication optical cables are selected based on fiber type, transmission distance, wavelength, and environmental conditions. Single-mode fibers dominate long-distance and high-speed networks, while multimode fibers are used for shorter, high-bandwidth applications. Compliance with ITU-T, IEC, and Telcordia standards ensures interoperability, reliability, and performance across global networks.