Single-mode and multimode fiber, by the container
OS2, OM3, and OM4 in 6 to 96 strands, with OFNR, OFNP, LSZH, or direct-burial jackets — bulk, cut to length, or pre-terminated.
- Factory direct
- LC, SC, ST, and MTP/MPO
- Full or mixed container
Fiber optic cable at a glance
OS2 vs OM3 vs OM4
Pick the fiber type by link distance and target speed.
| Type | Color | Core | Bandwidth | Max distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OM3 | Aqua | 50/125 µm | 2,000 MHz·km | 300m at 10G |
| OM4 | Aqua / Violet | 50/125 µm | 4,700 MHz·km | 400m at 10G · 150m at 40/100G |
| OS2 | Yellow | 9/125 µm | Unlimited (single-mode) | 10km+ at 10G |
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Send us the fiber type, strand count, jacket, and quantities. We reply with a firm quote and incoterms.
Buying Fiber Optic Cable Wholesale — FAQ
What is fiber optic cable and where is it used?
Fiber optic cable transmits data as pulses of light through a glass core instead of copper. The result is much higher bandwidth and far longer reach without meaningful signal loss. It is the standard for campus backbone, data centers, ISP networks, telecommunications, industrial infrastructure, and building-to-building links. Compliant with TIA-568.C.3, IEC 60793, and ISO 11801.
Single-mode vs multimode fiber — which one do you actually need?
Single-mode (OS2) has a 9 µm core, propagates one light mode, and runs tens of kilometers with minimal loss — laser-driven, used for ISP backbone, FTTH, building-to-building links, and any long-haul application. Multimode (OM3/OM4) has a 50 µm core, propagates multiple modes, and is the cost-effective choice inside the data center and across campus where runs are typically under 500 m.
OM3 vs OM4 — does the upgrade actually pay off?
Both are 50/125 µm laser-optimized multimode, but OM4 has the wider bandwidth window. OM3 hits 10GBASE-SR to 300 m; OM4 extends that to 400 m and supports 40G/100G at greater distances over MPO. On a container, the unit-cost gap between OM3 and OM4 is small — pay for the spec the building will need in five years, not the one it needs today. New data center builds default to OM4.
How far can fiber run at 10G, 40G, and 100G?
OS2 single-mode runs 10GBASE-LR up to 10 km, with extended-reach variants going further. OM4 multimode runs 10GBASE-SR to 400 m and 40GBASE-SR4 to 150 m over MPO. OM3 runs 10GBASE-SR to 300 m. For any link past about 500 m, single-mode is the right call regardless of speed.
Which jacket type — OFNR, OFNP, LSZH, or direct burial?
OFNR (riser) for vertical runs inside buildings — the most common. OFNP (plenum) where the local code requires low smoke generation in plenum return-air spaces. LSZH for tunnels, sealed rooms, marine, or any environment where halogen and smoke emissions matter. Direct-burial variants for outdoor underground runs without conduit. The local code dictates which one is allowed; specify the environment in the RFQ.
How many strands — 6, 12, 24, 48, or 96?
It depends on the project. Point-to-point links between buildings: 12 strands usually covers it with growth headroom. Data center backbone or campus horizontal: 24 to 48. ISP trunk and large-campus distribution: 48 to 96. We carry all five standard strand counts and they mix in a single container without a per-SKU minimum.
Pre-terminated assemblies or bulk for field termination?
Pre-terminated MTP/MPO trunks, LC harnesses, and patch cassettes ship factory-tested with insertion-loss reports — the right call for high-density data center spines, hyperscale, and tight build schedules. Bulk reels for field termination give more flexibility on length and on-site routing but add splice and termination labor. Tell us the connector mix (LC, SC, ST, MTP/MPO) and the application.
What is the minimum order to buy fiber optic cable wholesale by the container?
No fixed minimum. The honest question is whether the math works for a full container of fiber or whether a mixed container with Cat6, Cat6A, conduit, or other electrical materials gets to a better landed cost. Send the fiber type, strand count, jacket, and destination — we put together the configuration that gives the best total cost.
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Fiber photo: Brett Sayles via Pexels
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