4.4. TYPES OF CABLE FAMILIES

There are many types of cable families, and we will briefly consider a few.

4.4.1. The Multimodes: OM1 and OM2

There are three kinds of optical modes (OMs) utilized in an all-fiber network:OM1 (62.5/125 μm), OM2 (50/125 μm), and OM3 (50/125 μm, a high bandwidth) [1].

4.4.2. Multimode: OM3

OM3 is a newer multimode fiber, which is the highest bandwidth, can handle emerging technologies, and utilizes lower-cost light sources such as the vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL) and the LEDs. In new installations, using OM3 multimode fiber will extend drive distances with lower-cost 850-nm optical transceivers, instead of the expensive high-end lasers associated with single-mode fiber solutions. The quality of the glass utilized in the OM3 is different from other multimode fibers. The small imperfections, such as index depressions, which alter the refractive index, do not affect the LED systems due to increased technological advances, whereby the parabolic profile across the full diameter of the glass is utilized [1].

4.4.3. Single Mode: VCSEL

In contrast, vertical cavity surface-emitting laser technology, whereby light is guided into the central region of the fiber, is negatively affected by index depressions. For optical multiservice edge (OME) fiber, a refined manufacturing process called modified chemical vapor deposition is used to eliminate index depressions, creating a perfect circumference in the radial position of the glass. Modal dispersion ...

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