Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Singlemode vs Multimode Fibre

  3. OS1/OS2 Singlemode Fibre

  4. OM1/OM3/OM4/OM5 Multimode Fibre

  5. Fibre Connector Types (LC, SC, ST, MTP/MPO)

  6. Connector Polish Types (UPC vs APC)

  7. Fibre Cable Construction Types

  8. Fibre Applications in Australia

  9. Choosing the Right Fibre for Your Project

  10. Internal Links to Apollo Products

  11. FAQs

  12. Image Alt‑Text List

  13. Schema Markup (JSON‑LD)

 

1. Introduction

Fibre optic cabling is the backbone of modern Australian telecommunications. It powers the NBN, enterprise networks, data centres, mining operations, government infrastructure and long‑haul carrier networks. With so many fibre types, connector styles and performance categories available, choosing the right cable can be confusing — especially when different standards apply to different applications.

This guide breaks down every major fibre optic cable type used in Australia, explains how they differ, and shows you exactly which fibre type is best for your installation.

 

2. Singlemode vs Multimode Fibre

All fibre optic cables fall into two categories:

Singlemode Fibre (OS1/OS2)

  • Long‑distance transmission

  • Narrow core (9µm)

  • Used in NBN, FTTP, outdoor runs, long‑haul links

  • Supports extremely high bandwidth over kilometres

Multimode Fibre (OM1/OM3/OM4/OM5)

  • Short‑distance, high‑bandwidth transmission

  • Larger core (50µm or 62.5µm)

  • Used in data centres, enterprise networks, server rooms

  • Supports 10Gb, 40Gb, 100Gb at short distances

 

3. OS1/OS2 Singlemode Fibre (Australian Standard)

Singlemode fibre is the dominant fibre type in Australia due to the NBN rollout and long‑distance carrier networks.

OS1

  • Indoor use

  • Tight‑buffered

  • Legacy standard

OS2 (Most Common in Australia)

  • Outdoor loose‑tube

  • Long‑distance

  • Used in NBN, FTTP, backbone links

  • Yellow jacket

  • Supports 10Gb, 40Gb, 100Gb, 400Gb

Where OS2 is used:

  • NBN FTTP connections

  • Telstra and Vocus carrier networks

  • Outdoor pits and conduits

  • Long‑haul fibre runs

  • Data centre inter‑building links

 

4. OM1/OM3/OM4/OM5 Multimode Fibre

Multimode fibre is used for short‑range, high‑bandwidth links inside buildings.

OM1 (Legacy)

  • Orange jacket

  • 62.5µm core

  • Not recommended for modern networks

OM3 (Modern Standard)

  • Aqua jacket

  • 10Gb up to 300m

  • 40Gb/100Gb up to 100m

OM4 (High‑Performance Standard)

  • Erika Violet jacket

  • 10Gb up to 550m

  • 40Gb/100Gb up to 150m

  • Most common in Australian data centres

OM5 (Wideband Multimode Fibre)

  • Lime green jacket

  • Supports SWDM

  • Designed for 40Gb/100Gb/400Gb

  • Future‑proof for hyperscale data centres

 

5. Fibre Connector Types (LC, SC, ST, MTP/MPO)

LC Connectors

  • Most common connector in Australia

  • Used in NBN, enterprise, data centres

  • Small form factor

SC Connectors

  • Larger, older style

  • Still used in legacy networks

ST Connectors

  • Bayonet‑style

  • Rare today

MTP/MPO Connectors

  • High‑density multi‑fibre connectors

  • Used in 40Gb/100Gb/400Gb data centres

  • Supports parallel optics

 

6. Connector Polish Types (UPC vs APC)

UPC (Ultra Physical Contact)

  • Blue connector

  • Low insertion loss

  • Used in data centres and enterprise networks

APC (Angled Physical Contact)

  • Green connector

  • Angled 8° polish

  • Used in NBN and FTTP

  • Lower return loss

 

7. Fibre Cable Construction Types

Simplex

  • One fibre

  • Used for patch leads

Duplex

  • Two fibres

  • Most common patch lead type

Tight‑Buffered

  • Indoor use

  • Flexible

Loose‑Tube

  • Outdoor use

  • Water‑blocking gel

  • Used in pits and conduits

Armoured Fibre

  • Crush‑resistant

  • Used in harsh environments

MTP/MPO Trunks

  • High‑density

  • Used in data centres

 

8. Fibre Applications in Australia

NBN / FTTP

  • OS2 singlemode

  • LC/APC connectors

Enterprise Networks

  • OM3/OM4 multimode

  • LC/UPC connectors

Data Centres

  • OM4/OM5

  • MTP/MPO

  • High‑density cassettes

Outdoor Carrier Networks

  • OS2 loose‑tube

  • Armoured options

 

9. Choosing the Right Fibre for Your Project

Best for NBN / FTTP

→ OS2 LC/APC

Best for Data Centres

→ OM4 or OM5 → MTP/MPO for high‑density

Best for Enterprise Networks

→ OM3 or OM4

Best for Outdoor Runs

→ OS2 loose‑tube or armoured

 

10. Internal Links to Apollo Products

Fibre Patch Leads

Fibre Connectors

Fibre Test Equipment

MTP/MPO Solutions

 

11. FAQs

What is the difference between OS2 and OM4?

OS2 is singlemode for long‑distance. OM4 is multimode for short‑range high‑bandwidth.

Which fibre type does the NBN use?

OS2 singlemode with LC/APC connectors.

Is OM1 still used?

Rarely — OM3/OM4 have replaced it.

What fibre is best for data centres?

OM4 or OM5 with MTP/MPO.

 

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