Single-mode fiber (SMF) cables support advanced network applications required in data centers, enabling guaranteed performance for Gigabit applications. SMF can be categorized into OS1 and OS2. That is, OS1 and OS2 are cabled SMF specifications. For many people, one of the confusing aspects in fiber optics industry may contribute to the standardization, since several standards may be specified under one fiber cable type, just as SMF. Actually, the differences between OS1 and OS2 specifications are a little obvious. This text will explain the differences between OS1 and OS2.

The table listed below is about OS1 and OS2 specification differences.

First introduced in the year 2002, OS1 refers to a very old specification for SMF. The mechanical, optical and environmental characteristics of OS1 are compliant with ITU-T G.652A or ITU-T G.652B (IEC 60793-2-50 Type B1.1). Additionally, the low water peak fibers categorized in ITU-T recommendations as G.652C and G.652D also come under OS1 fibers. To put it simply, OS1 is a general term used to specify SMF that comes under the ITU-T G.652. Or in another way, OS1 covers all the SMFs that comply with ITU-T G.652 characteristics. In contrast, OS2 was introduced in the year 2006. Only G.652C and G.652D come under OS2, meaning that OS2 SMFs are low water peak fibers only.

OS1 is tight-buffered cable construction, appropriate for indoor applications, such as campus or data centers. On the contrary, OS2 is loose-tube cable construction, suitable for outdoor applications, including street or underground.

OS1 or OS2 fiber optical performance is discussed mainly from their attenuation and transmission distance. As for OS1 operating between 1310 nm and 1550 nm, its maximum attenuation allowed per km for an installed cable is 1.0 db, with the maximum transmission distance reaching 2 km at 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) transmission. When concerning about OS2, maximum attenuation allowed per kilometer is 0.4db between 1310 nm and 1550 nm, allowing the maximum transmission distance of 10 km at 10GbE. As far as 40GbE transmission is concerned, the maximum distance of SMF is 40 km. For example, QSFP-40G-ER4, a Cisco 40GBASE-ER4 transceiver, takes SMF as its transmission medium for 40G links. The image below shows this Cisco QSFP-40G-ER4 module listed on Fiberstore.

OS2 SMFs can’t be connected with OS1 SMFs. If they are connected, unpredicted signal performance at water peak region would occur. So, it you want to use SMFs for your indoor applications, then choose OS1. For outdoor cases, OS2 is optimized. Besides, when the required transmission distance is less than 2 km, it’s wise to choose OS1 SMF, since OS1 is able to meet this requirement while costing less than OS2 SMF.

According to what have been discussed above, the confusion between these OS1 and OS2 specifications has been cleared off. Fiberstore offers various fiber optical products, including these OS1 and OS2 SMFs of high quality. In addition, Fiberstore also supplies fiber optic transceivers which are fully compatible with some major brands, such as Brocade QSFP+. You can visit Fiberstore for more information about OS1 and OS2 SMFs as well as the related fiber optic transceivers.

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