Corning MetroCor Bare Optical Fiber
MetroCor is a non-zero dispersion-shifted fiber with negative dispersion across the EDFA amplification bands — approximately -10 ps/nm/km between 1530 and 1605 nm. That negative dispersion was specifically designed to extend the reach of chirped and directly modulated laser transmitters in metro networks.
- ITU-T standard
- G.655.B
- Fiber type
- NZ-DSF with negative dispersion
- Dispersion @ 1550 nm
- approx. -10 ps/nm/km
- Dispersion range
- Negative across 1530-1605 nm
Directly modulated lasers (DMLs) produce a positive chirp on their output, meaning the leading edge of each bit is blue-shifted and the trailing edge is red-shifted. Positive dispersion in the fiber stretches these chirped pulses. Negative dispersion in MetroCor compresses them, extending the distance at which a directly modulated signal can be received without a regenerator or expensive dispersion-compensated coherent transceiver.
This made MetroCor the economical choice for metro ring and regional networks in the early 2000s where directly modulated 10G transmitters were the cost-effective option. The same fiber design principle applies to test setups where a calibrated negative dispersion spool is needed to characterize DML performance or to build a controlled-dispersion test path.
MetroCor is a legacy product. It is not appropriate for new-build metro networks, which today use G.652.D or G.654 fiber with coherent transceivers. It is needed specifically when working on installed MetroCor plant or when a negative dispersion spool is required for testing.
Specifications
| ITU-T standard | G.655.B |
|---|---|
| Fiber type | NZ-DSF with negative dispersion |
| Dispersion @ 1550 nm | approx. -10 ps/nm/km |
| Dispersion range | Negative across 1530-1605 nm |
| Effective area (Aeff) | ~52 µm² |
| Attenuation @ 1550 nm | ≤ 0.20 dB/km |
Typical Applications
- Legacy matching for installed MetroCor metro ring networks
- Negative dispersion test spools for characterizing DML transmitters
- Test paths requiring a specific negative dispersion value per kilometer
- Research into chirp and dispersion interactions in optical systems
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 practical difference between MetroCor and LEAF?
LEAF has positive dispersion of +2 to +6 ps/nm/km — it is a long-haul NZ-DSF designed for multi-channel DWDM with dispersion compensation at amplifier sites. MetroCor has negative dispersion of approximately -10 ps/nm/km — it is a metro NZ-DSF designed so that directly modulated chirped transmitters do not need dispersion compensation for typical metro span lengths. They are not interchangeable, and splicing MetroCor into a LEAF system or vice versa produces a dispersion discontinuity that must be modeled.
Is MetroCor still available?
MetroCor is a legacy product. It is not in current Corning production, but it remains available through channel stock in limited quantities. Tell us the required length and we will confirm availability before you build it into a specification.