What an MTP OM4 patch cord is
An MTP OM4 patch cord carries multiple fibres through MTP connectors, each built around an MT ferrule that holds the fibres in precise alignment. Good alignment keeps loss low. The cords are pre-terminated, so they plug straight into panels and transceivers without field work.
OM4 is a 50/125 micron multimode fibre with more bandwidth than OM3, which extends reach at 10G, 40G and 100G. The same assemblies are also available in single-mode.
Options
Polarity sets which fibre at one end meets which at the other. In general terms, method A runs straight through, method B reverses the fibre order, and method C flips adjacent pairs. The MPO polarity guide explains how to choose.
OM4 reach by application
The figures below are published IEEE 802.3 reaches for OM4, not Radix test values.
| Application | OM4 reach |
|---|---|
| 10GBASE-SR | 400 m |
| 40GBASE-SR4 | 150 m |
| 100GBASE-SR4 | 100 m |
For grade selection, see OM3 vs OM4 vs OM5.
What to specify in your quote
- Fibre count, fibre type and length.
- Polarity method and connector gender (pinned or unpinned) at each end.
- Round or flat cable, and 3.0 mm or 4.5 mm diameter.
- Labelling and any breakout to LC at one end.
Users include telecom companies, data centre operators and installers, and enterprises with fast internal networks. Send your list or drawing through the request a quote form.
Questions buyers ask
What are polarity A, B and C on MTP cords?
They are standard ways of mapping fibre positions from one connector to the other so that each transmitter reaches the correct receiver. A is straight through, B reverses the order, and C flips adjacent pairs. The whole channel must use a consistent method.
Can MTP OM4 cords be customised?
Yes. Radix customises polarity, fibre count, length, cable type (round or flat) and connector style to the customer's requirement.
Are MTP OM4 cords durable for repeated use?
They are built to be connected and disconnected repeatedly. Keep the end faces capped and clean them before mating, as dirt on an MT ferrule affects every fibre at once.
Should I choose OM4 or single-mode MTP cords?
OM4 suits short links inside a data centre with lower-cost multimode transceivers. Single-mode suits longer links and some parallel single-mode transceivers. Match the fibre type to the transceivers already chosen for the link.
What speeds do OM4 MTP cords support?
They are used for 10G, 40G and 100G links. Reach depends on the application, for example 100 m for 100GBASE-SR4 on OM4.