Corning ClearCurve OM3 Multimode Bare Optical Fiber
ClearCurve OM3 is the aqua-colored 50/125 µm fiber that became the standard for 10G enterprise and data center cabling and supports 40G and 100G parallel optic applications. It meets IEC 60793-2-10 A1-OM3 with a laser-optimized bandwidth of at least 2000 MHz·km at 850 nm.
- Standard
- IEC A1-OM3 (50/125 µm)
- Core diameter
- 50 µm
- EMB @ 850 nm
- ≥ 2000 MHz·km (laser bandwidth)
- OFL bandwidth @ 850 nm
- 1500 MHz·km
OM3 defines the effective modal bandwidth (EMB) minimum at 2000 MHz·km at 850 nm, measured using a laser-optimized method (ISO/IEC 11801 OM3). This laser bandwidth figure is the relevant one for VCSELs used in 10GBASE-SR, 40GBASE-SR4, and 100GBASE-SR4 transceivers. 10G reaches 300 m, 40G reaches 100 m (parallel, 10G per lane), and 100G reaches 100 m on OM3.
ClearCurve OM3 adds the macrobend-insensitive design of the ClearCurve product line, which reduces attenuation from cabinet-level fiber management, panel routing, and tight conduit runs. The ClearCurve multimode design is backward compatible with standard OM3 transceivers and patch cables.
Specifications
| Standard | IEC A1-OM3 (50/125 µm) |
|---|---|
| Core diameter | 50 µm |
| EMB @ 850 nm | ≥ 2000 MHz·km (laser bandwidth) |
| OFL bandwidth @ 850 nm | 1500 MHz·km |
| 10G reach @ 850 nm (10GBASE-SR) | 300 m |
| 40G reach (40GBASE-SR4) | 100 m |
| 100G reach (100GBASE-SR4) | 100 m |
| Attenuation @ 850 nm | ≤ 3.0 dB/km |
Typical Applications
- Data center horizontal and backbone cabling at 10G, 40G, and 100G
- Enterprise campus backbone and structured cabling
- SAN connectivity up to 300 m at 8G and 16G Fibre Channel
Why Order Corning Fiber from Aumictech?
We source directly from the Corning authorized channel. Every spool ships with documentation, including reel ID and fiber code.
0.5 km to 1,000 km on a single order. Mix lengths across spools. Choose FC, SC, or LC connectors per spool end, or leave ends bare.
Certificate of compliance and OTDR test data available on request. Required for carrier acceptance testing and network documentation.
Continental US next-day and two-day air available. International shipping on request. Most orders confirmed within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OFL bandwidth and EMB for OM3?
OFL (overfilled launch) bandwidth measures fiber performance with an incoherent source that excites all modes. EMB (effective modal bandwidth) is measured with a single-mode laser source (like a VCSEL) and restricted launch conditions. IEEE 802.3 and the OM standards use EMB as the governing specification for laser-based links. OM3 requires 2000 MHz·km EMB. A fiber might exceed OFL bandwidth specs but fail EMB — the VCSEL-based link budget is what matters for 10GBASE-SR.
Is OM3 still the right choice for new data center cabling?
OM3 is appropriate when 100G is the maximum application and distances are within 100 m. For new builds targeting 400G or 800G capability, OM4 or OM5 is the better choice. The cost premium for OM4 over OM3 is small, and it provides 150 m reach at 100G versus 100 m on OM3. OM5 adds SWDM capability for 400G and 800G on a single fiber pair, which is where AI data center interconnect is moving.