Differences Between OS1 And OS2 Single-Mode Fibers

• Overview of OS1 & OS2 Single-Mode Fibers

Both OS1 and OS2 are single-mode fibers standardized by ITU-T recommendations, which specify the geometric and transmission characteristics of single-mode and multimode fibers.

• OS1: A traditional single-mode fiber compliant with the ITU-T G.652.A and G.652.B standards (conventional single-mode fiber specifications).

• OS2: A single-mode fiber meeting the ITU-T G.652.C and G.652.D standards, also known as low water-peak or zero water-peak fiber, and is commonly used in CWDM networks.

Additionally, the latest ITU-T G.657A1 standard defines a bend-insensitive single-mode fiber with excellent bending resistance, which is categorized under OS2.

• Key Differences Between OS1 and OS2

Attenuation

OS1 has higher attenuation than OS2. Specifically:

• OS1: Maximum attenuation is 1.0 dB/km at both 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelength bands.

• OS2: Maximum attenuation is 0.4 dB/km at the same 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelength bands.

Transmission Distance & Data Rate

• Transmission Distance: OS1 supports a maximum transmission distance of 10 km, while OS2 can reach up to 200 km.

• Data Rate: Both OS1 and OS2 can achieve 1G to 10G transmission rates at different distances. The key difference is that OS2 can also support 40G/100G Ethernet transmission, which OS1 cannot.

Table 1 Comparison of OS1 and OS2 Single-Mode Fibers

Singlemode Fiber	ITU-T Standard	Max Attenuation	Max Transmission Distance	Price
OS1	G.652A, G.652B	1.0dB/Km	10km	Low
OS2	G.652C, G.652D, G657A1	0.4dB/Km	200Km	Relatively high

• How to Choose Between OS1 and OS2

Compared with OS1, OS2 single-mode fiber has better performance, lower link loss, and is more suitable for long-distance transmission. In today’s high-speed network cabling systems, it can provide faster rates and more reliable performance.

Although OS1 was once a standard for single-mode fibers, its high attenuation can no longer meet the growing demands for network reliability and long-distance transmission. With the continuous maturity of fiber technology, OS2 single-mode fiber is gradually replacing OS1, becoming the ideal choice for connecting 1G/10G/40G/100G Ethernet, and fully satisfying people’s needs for high-performance, high-speed long-distance transmission.

Moduletek provides OS2 single-mode fiber patch cord products. Welcome to inquire and place orders.

For further inquiries about the above content, please contact us at: sales@moduletek.com

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Differences Between OS1 And OS2 Single-Mode Fibers