The bandwidth of an OM3 multimode fiber is _____ MHz-km at 1300 nm.

The bandwidth of OM3 multimode fiber at 1300 nm is specified as 500 MHz-km. This characteristic is crucial to understand as it defines the fiber's ability to support high-speed data transmission over distances. The OM3 grade is optimized for 10 Gb/s Ethernet applications, making its bandwidth specification essential for ensuring performance in modern networking environments.

OM3 fiber's ability to support 500 MHz-km means that it can transmit signals at a frequency of 500 megahertz across a kilometer of fiber. This capacity is a significant improvement over earlier multimode fiber grades, allowing for more data to be sent simultaneously and over longer distances without degrading signal quality.

In summary, the designation of 500 MHz-km for OM3 at 1300 nm accurately reflects its performance characteristics and suitability for high-speed network applications. Understanding fiber bandwidth is fundamental for network design and implementation, especially as demands for higher data rates continue to grow.