Difference Between Multimode Fiber OM3-150 And OM3-300

OM3 is a laser-optimized multimode fiber with a 50μm core diameter and aqua-colored jacket. It supports Ethernet transmission up to 100Gbps and is widely deployed in 10Gbps Ethernet networks. Compared with OM1 and OM2, OM3 offers higher transmission speed and bandwidth, so it is also known as optimized multimode fiber or 10Gbps-grade multimode fiber.

Two types of OM3-labeled fiber are available on the market: OM3‑150 and OM3‑300.

Only OM3‑300 fully complies with international standards.

OM3‑150 is a non-standard product positioned between OM2 and standard OM3, often referred to as OM2+. Optical module manufacturers generally do not specify transmission performance parameters for OM2+ / OM3‑150 fiber. Extra caution is recommended when selecting or using such non-standard products.

This article explains the key differences between OM3‑150 and OM3‑300 fiber to support your purchasing decisions.

1. Transmission Distance

The maximum supported transmission distance differs significantly at 10Gbps:

• OM3‑150: up to 150 meters in 10 Gigabit Ethernet

• OM3‑300: up to 300 meters in 10 Gigabit Ethernet

2. Effective Bandwidth & Optical Characteristics

OM3‑300 provides much higher effective bandwidth than OM3‑150, as shown in the table below:

Table 1 Optical Characteristics of OM3‑150 vs. OM3‑300

Optical Parameter	Wavelength	OM3-150	OM3-300
Attenuation	850nm	≤2.3dB/km	≤2.3dB/km
Attenuation	1300nm	≤0.8dB/km	≤0.8dB/km
Overfilled Launch (OFL) Bandwidth	850nm	≥700MHz·km	≥1500MHz·km
Overfilled Launch (OFL) Bandwidth	1300nm	≥500MHz·km	≥500MHz·km
Effective Bandwidth	850nm	≥950MHz·km	≥2000MHz·km
Max 10G Transmission Link	-	≤150m	≤300m

3. Cable Marking & Printing

OM3‑150 and OM3‑300 fiber cables use different printed markings on the outer jacket.

Optical cable printing for OM3-150 and OM3-300 optical fibers

Figure 1 Cable Printing for OM3‑150 and OM3‑300 Optical Fiber

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Difference Between Multimode Fiber OM3-150 And OM3-300