Nippon Labs OM3 ST to ST Fiber Patch Cable, Duplex Multimode 50/125 10Gb, 1–5 m

This is a two fiber OM3 multimode patch cord with ST bayonet connectors at both ends, for linking multimode switch ports, transceivers and patch panels that were built out in the older ST format. It carries 10Gb to 300 meters, and 40Gb or 100Gb to 100 meters. What sets it apart in this range is the connector: the ST twists and locks with a bayonet collar instead of latching or pushing straight in.

Specifications

• Fiber type: OM3 multimode, 50/125 micron
• Fiber mode: Duplex, 2 strands
• Connectors: ST to ST, bayonet mount with locking system
• Polish type: UPC to UPC
• Data rates: 10Gb to 300 meters, 40Gb and 100Gb to 100 meters
• Insertion loss: under 0.3 dB
• Return loss: over 35 dB
• Jacket material: LSZH and OFNR riser rated
• Jacket color: Aqua
• Jacket outside diameter: 2.0 mm
• Glass: Corning 50 micron core, 125 micron cladding
• Light sources: LED and VCSEL laser
• Compatibility: backward compatible with LED based 50/125 multimode applications
• Certification: UL listed
• Lengths available: 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m
• Included: test report in each cable package

Good for

• Patching 10 Gigabit multimode switch or server ports into an existing ST terminated patch panel without replacing the panel
• Extending or repairing legacy ST multimode links in industrial and campus buildings where the field hardware is already ST
• Riser runs between floors where an LSZH and OFNR rated jacket is required, on 40Gb or 100Gb links inside 100 meters

Choosing the right fiber

• Singlemode (OS2): a 9 micron core for long distance, from a few hundred meters up to tens of kilometers. Yellow jacket by convention
• OM3 multimode: a 50 micron core rated for 10 Gigabit to 300 meters. Aqua jacket by convention
• OM4 multimode: a 50 micron core rated for 10 Gigabit to 550 meters, and 40 or 100 Gigabit over shorter distances. Aqua or violet jacket
• OM5 multimode: wideband multimode for short reach 40 and 100 Gigabit over fewer fibers. Lime green jacket

This product is OM3 multimode with a 50/125 core and an aqua jacket, so it is suited to in building and campus links up to 300 meters at 10 Gigabit, with 40Gb and 100Gb inside 100 meters. It needs multimode transceivers at both ends.

FAQ

Can I mix singlemode and multimode? No. The transceivers on each end have to match the fiber type, and mixing them will not pass a link. Check what the SFP or transceiver in your switch is rated for before ordering.

Duplex or simplex? Duplex is two fibers in one jacket, one to transmit and one to receive, which is what most switch and transceiver pairs need. Simplex is a single fiber, used with bidirectional transceivers that send and receive over one strand.

How should I handle the connectors? Leave the dust caps on until the moment you plug in, and never touch the end face. A fingerprint on the ferrule is one of the most common causes of a link that will not come up. Clean with a proper fiber cleaner, not with a cloth.

How does an ST connector go in? The ST uses a bayonet mount with a locking system: push it in and twist the collar a quarter turn to lock. If a link is intermittent, check the collar is fully turned and seated rather than assuming the cord is faulty.

Will this work on older LED based multimode gear? Yes. The listing states it is for use with both LED and VCSEL laser light sources and is backward compatible with LED based 50/125 multimode applications, so it serves both an older Fast Ethernet or Gigabit link and a modern 10 Gigabit one.

Often bought with

• OM3 LC to ST Fiber Patch Cable, Duplex Multimode 50/125 10Gb, 1–20 m: same OM3 duplex cable with ST on one end and LC on the other
• OM4 LC to ST Fiber Patch Cable, Duplex Multimode 50/125 10Gb, 1–15 m: ST on one end and LC on the other in OM4 for 550 m at 10G