OM2 Vs. OM3 FC Cables

[SAKET_5]

Hi Guys,

We are looking at deploying a Panduit offered QuickNet Fibre Solution (basically acts like a FC patch panel - servers connects to the pre-terminated cassettes with each of these cassettes connecting to another cassette via two MTP interconnect cords) which brings a question of selecting between OM2 or OM3 FC Cables. To get a definitive guidance on the topic, I thought its best to ask the forum. Can anyone provide any thoughts to the following:

- I know they (OM2/OM3) support different cable length and also different core diameter 50/62.5 micron, what is this distance limitation? Any performance positives/negatives that might favour one type of cable over the other?
- We have been using OM2 FC Cables so far, although it seems OM3 is the way to go and is apparently being used in many large data centers. Any performance (signal loss/return loss/signal attenuation/distortion) considerations when mixing OM2 and OM3 cables together - as in a server connects to a Fibre Patch Panel (Fobot/QuickNet Pre-terminated Cassette) via a OM2 cable while the Fobots/MTPs (Multiple Fibre Mechanical Transfer Plug) are interconnected via OM3 MTP cables.

Thanks,
Saket.

[Ruslan]

All distance refer 1Gb speed
500 meters maximum using 50 micronfiber
300 meters maximum using 62.5 micron fiber
I advise you DON'T MIX different types of cable.

[Stuart Whitby]

Mixing cables is fine, as long as it's not on a mechanical join. There's no issue with having 50u on one side of a switch and 62.5u on the other. The signal is forwarded via the hardware between these. When you try to mix these through a mechanical join, it's like pointing 2 different diameter water pipes at each other and turning on the tap - it's going to get messy....