WBMMF (Wideband Multimode Fiber)

What Is WBMMF?

Wideband Multimode Fiber is a type of multimode optical fiber designed to support data transmission across multiple wavelengths within the range of 850 nm to 950 nm. This makes it ideal for Shortwave Wavelength Division Multiplexing (SWDM) technology, where multiple signals can be transmitted simultaneously over a single fiber. WBMMF is commonly associated with the OM5 fiber standard and offers significant advantages in maximizing bandwidth efficiency and enabling higher data rates.

Why WBMMF Was Developed

WBMMF emerged as a solution to address the limitations of traditional multimode fibers (OM3 and OM4), which primarily operate at a single wavelength (850 nm). With the increasing demand for higher bandwidth and more efficient utilization of optical fiber, WBMMF was developed to enable Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) over multiple wavelengths, significantly increasing the capacity of multimode fiber systems.

Features of WBMMF

Extended Bandwidth

Unlike traditional multimode fibers (OM3 and OM4), which are optimized for a single wavelength (850 nm), WBMMF performs across a broader wavelength range (approximately 850–950 nm). This broader range allows WBMMF to achieve a high Effective Modal Bandwidth (EMB) across multiple wavelengths, making it ideal for short-reach data center applications and future WDM-based technologies.

Backward Compatibility

WBMMF maintains the same geometry as OM3 and OM4 fibers, with a 50 µm core and 125 µm cladding. This ensures full backward compatibility with legacy multimode fiber systems and existing multimode transceivers. Data centers can integrate WBMMF seamlessly without requiring significant upgrades to their current infrastructure.

Improved Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to single-mode fiber solutions, WBMMF offers a more cost-effective path to scaling up bandwidth. WBMMF transceivers and systems are typically less expensive than those required for SMF, making it an attractive choice for data centers and enterprises aiming to increase capacity while controlling costs.