As businesses continue to demand faster networks, higher bandwidth, and greater reliability, fibre optic cabling has become the preferred choice for modern network infrastructure. Whether you’re connecting network cabinets, linking buildings, supporting WiFi deployments, or preparing for future growth, selecting the right fibre cable is essential.
At Morecom Ltd, we design and install fibre optic infrastructure for commercial, industrial, educational, and public sector environments, helping customers choose the right cable specification for both current and future network requirements.
Unlike traditional copper cabling that transmits electrical signals, fibre optic cable uses pulses of light to transmit data through glass fibres. This allows significantly higher speeds, longer transmission distances, and improved reliability.
Common fibre applications include:
Multi-mode fibre is classified into several categories, with each offering different speed and distance capabilities.
OM1 fibre uses a larger 62.5-micron core and is typically identified by its orange outer jacket.
Typical capabilities
Best suited for
Today, OM1 is largely considered obsolete for new installations due to its limited bandwidth capabilities.
OM2 uses a 50-micron core and also typically features an orange sheath.
Typical capabilities
Best suited for
While an improvement over OM1, OM2 is rarely specified for modern installations.
OM3 fibre is laser-optimised and typically uses an aqua-coloured sheath.
Typical capabilities
Best suited for
OM3 remains one of the most commonly deployed fibres today.
OM4 is an enhanced version of OM3 that supports longer distances and higher performance.
Typical capabilities
Best suited for
OM4 is typically the preferred choice when businesses want a network infrastructure that can accommodate future speed requirements without replacing cabling.
Core Size: 62.5, 10GB Distance: 33m, Uses: Legacy
Core Size: 50, 10GB Distance: 82m, Uses: Older Business Networks
Core Size: 50, 10GB Distance: 300m, Uses: Modern Commercial Networks
Core Size: 50, 10GB Distance: 550m, Uses: Enterprise & Future Proofing
For almost all new installations:
The connector is as important as the cable itself.
LC connectors are currently the most widely used connector in modern networking equipment.
Benefits
Best used for
LC-LC is now the most common configuration for business fibre installations.
SC connectors are larger and were widely used before LC became popular.
Benefits
Best used for
An LC-SC patch lead is often used when connecting new equipment to older fibre cabinets.
SC connectors remain common in older installations and telecoms environments.
Benefits
Best suited for
Choose LC-LC if:
Choose LC-SC if:
Choose SC-SC if:
Another important consideration is cable construction.
Tight buffered fibre surrounds each fibre strand with additional protective material.
Benefits
Best applications
Most internal fibre installations use tight buffered cabling.
Loose tube fibre protects the fibres inside water-resistant tubes.
Benefits
Best applications
Loose tube fibre is generally preferred for outdoor work.
Although Cat5e and Cat6 remain popular for desktop connectivity, fibre offers several significant advantages.
Cat5e
✓ Maximum 100 metres
Cat6
✓ Maximum 100 metres
Fibre
✓ Hundreds of metres to several kilometres
This makes fibre ideal for connecting separate buildings or large sites.
Cat5e
✓ Up to 1Gbps
Cat6
✓ Up to 10Gbps (short distances)
Fibre
✓ 10Gbps
✓ 25Gbps
✓ 40Gbps
✓ 100Gbps+
✓ Future upgrades possible without removing cabling
Copper cabling can be affected by:
✓ Electrical interference
✓ Machinery
✓ Power cables
✓ Lightning
Fibre is completely immune to electromagnetic interference.
This makes it ideal for:
✓ Factories
✓ Warehouses
✓ Industrial sites
✓ External installations
Unlike copper cabling, fibre does not radiate electrical signals.
Benefits include:
✓ More secure transmissions
✓ Difficult to intercept
✓ Reduced risk of data leakage
A correctly installed OM4 fibre backbone can support multiple generations of networking technology without replacing the cable itself.
While switches and transceivers may change, the fibre infrastructure often remains in service for decades.
For most businesses, Morecom Ltd recommends:
Internal Building Links
Building-to-Building Links
Data Centres & High-Speed Networks
Choosing the correct fibre optic infrastructure is one of the most important decisions in any network deployment. While OM1 and OM2 still exist in legacy environments, OM3 and especially OM4 provide the performance, scalability, and future-proofing required by modern organisations.
Combined with the correct connector type, cable construction, and professional installation, fibre optic cabling delivers superior speed, reliability, security, and longevity compared to traditional Cat5e and Cat6 cabling.
Morecom Ltd provides complete fibre optic solutions including design, installation, testing, fusion splicing, fibre certification, and ongoing support, helping businesses build network infrastructure that is ready for today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth.