Is OM2 (50 um core / 125 um cladding) multimode optical fiber recommended for new installations?

The correct choice indicates that OM2 multimode optical fiber is not recommended for new installations, which aligns with current industry standards and advancements in technology. OM2 fiber, with its 50-micron core and 125-micron cladding, has certain limitations in bandwidth and distance capabilities compared to more advanced multimode fibers like OM3 and OM4.

In light of evolving network demands, such as increased data rates and bandwidth requirements, newer multimode fibers provide greater capacity and support for faster network speeds. OM3 and OM4 fibers, for example, can handle higher data rates over longer distances due to their improved specifications.

The context of fiber deployment has shifted, and while OM2 may have been adequate for certain applications in the past, modern installation practices recommend using fibers that are more future-proof and can support higher bandwidth applications, such as video conferencing or high-speed data transfer, which are becoming standard.

Thus, for new installations, choosing OM3 or higher multimode fiber is advisable to ensure reliability and performance longevity in the rapidly advancing technology landscape.