Corning Bare Optical Fiber

28 fiber types in stock. Single-mode G.652–G.657, ultra-low-loss G.654, submarine, and multimode OM2–OM5. Custom lengths 0.5–1,000 km, any spool count. FC, SC, and LC connectors on request.

Corning bare optical fiber spool

Single-Mode Standard (ITU-T G.652)

Ultra-Low-Loss Single-Mode (ITU-T G.654)

Submarine Fiber

Non-Zero Dispersion-Shifted (ITU-T G.655)

Dispersion-Shifted (ITU-T G.653)

Bend-Insensitive Single-Mode (ITU-T G.657)

Multimode 50/125 µm (OM2–OM5)

Multimode 62.5/125 µm (OM1)

Specialty and Short-Reach

How to Choose the Right Corning Fiber

The right fiber depends on the operating wavelength, the distance between amplifiers or regenerators, the bending conditions in the installation, and whether the fiber needs to be spliced into existing plant. The table below maps the most common applications to the correct ITU standard and Corning product.

Application ITU standard Corning product
New carrier OSP, metro, FTTH G.652.D + G.657.A1 SMF-28 Ultra
High fiber count cable (tight space) G.652.D + G.657.A1 SMF-28 Ultra 200
Long-haul terrestrial DWDM (>80 km spans) G.654.C SMF-28 ULL
Longest-reach terrestrial backbone G.654.E TXF
Submarine SDM G.654.C/D/E Vascade EX2000 / EX2500
Legacy DWDM long-haul matching G.655.C LEAF
Legacy metro matching (negative dispersion) G.655.B MetroCor
Legacy DSF matching (1550 nm ZDW) G.653.A SMF/DS
Extreme-bend FTTH drop (5 mm radius) G.657.B3 ClearCurve ZBL
Standard-bend FTTH drop (7.5 mm radius) G.657.A2/B2 ClearCurve LBL
Data center 10G, 40G, 100G IEC A1-OM3 or OM4 ClearCurve OM3 / OM4
AI data center 400G, 800G (SWDM) IEC A1-OM5 ClearCurve OM5
62.5/125 µm legacy matching IEC A1-OM1 InfiniCor 300 / CL 1000

Custom Lengths and Connectors

Every product page on this site includes a configurator where you can specify the number of spools, the length of each spool (0.001 to 1,000 km in any increment), and the connector type for each spool end. Start and end connectors can be different — a spool can have FC/APC on one end and SC/UPC on the other. Both ends can be bare if no connector is needed.

Spool counts are unlimited per order. Add as many spools as the project requires. Each spool is configured independently.

Documentation and Traceability

Standard deliverables include a certificate of compliance for each spool identifying the fiber model, ITU standard, Corning reel ID, and manufacturing lot number. OTDR characterization at 1310 nm and 1550 nm is available on request. For carrier procurement and network documentation, these records are used in the fiber plant as-built database and referenced in acceptance testing procedures.

NIST-traceable OTDR documentation is available at additional cost. Contact us with the specific traceability requirements for your project and we will confirm what is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What lengths of bare optical fiber do you supply? +

We supply bare fiber from 0.5 km to 1,000 km. Any length is available. Lengths over 25 km are typically delivered on multiple standard spools unless a custom reel is specified. Orders over 100 km should include a lead-time check — contact us before submitting.

Can I order different lengths on the same order? +

Yes. Each spool is configured independently. You can order a 5 km spool of SMF-28 Ultra and a 25 km spool of ClearCurve OM4 on the same request. Each spool can also have different connectors on each end.

What connector types are available? +

FC/APC, FC/UPC, SC/UPC, SC/APC, LC/UPC, and LC/APC. Each end of each spool can have a different connector. Both ends can be bare (no connector). We specify the connector on the order and confirm termination before shipment.

What is the difference between G.652.D and G.657.A1? +

G.652.D defines standard single-mode fiber optical performance: attenuation, mode field diameter, PMD, and zero water peak. G.657.A1 is a supplemental bend performance standard: it specifies the fiber must not add more than 0.25 dB at 1550 nm when bent 10 turns at a 15 mm radius. Corning SMF-28 Ultra meets both. For installations in closures or MDUs where tight bends occur, G.657 compliance provides a quantified safety margin.

Do I need G.654 ultra-low-loss fiber or is G.652.D sufficient? +

For most installations — enterprise, campus, metro, data center, short-haul carrier — G.652.D is the correct choice. G.654 (SMF-28 ULL, TXF) is warranted for long-haul terrestrial routes above 80 km between amplifiers where the 0.18 dB/km attenuation of G.652.D accumulates to a system-limiting loss. The cost of G.654 fiber is higher, and it does not support O-band wavelengths, so it is only the right choice when the span length and capacity justify it.

What documentation comes with the fiber? +

Every shipment includes a certificate of compliance identifying the fiber model, ITU standard, reel ID, and manufacturing lot. OTDR test data at 1310 nm and 1550 nm is available on request. Corning factory test data is available for some product lines. Contact us with your documentation requirements when placing the order.

Can you supply NIST-traceable calibration documentation? +

Yes. NIST-traceable OTDR characterization of the delivered spool is available at additional cost. This is typically required for carrier acceptance testing and for research or metrology applications where the exact attenuation per kilometer of the specific spool must be traceable to a national standard.

Is Corning SMF-28 Ultra backward compatible with installed SMF-28e+ plant? +

Yes. Both fibers have a 9.2 µm mode field diameter at 1310 nm and a 125 µm cladding. Fusion splices between them are indistinguishable in performance from same-type splices. SMF-28 Ultra is the current product for new extensions of existing SMF-28e+ installed plant.

Ready to order or need a specific fiber type?

Tell us the fiber, the lengths, and your timeline. We will confirm availability and quote within one business day.

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