A four-core multimode fiber optic cable can typically transmit data up to 100–400 meters depending on fiber type and data rate.

Key Factors Affecting Distance

Multimode fiber (MMF) transmits multiple light modes simultaneously, which causes modal dispersion—the primary limitation on distance. The further the light travels, the more the modes spread out, eventually making it difficult for the receiver to distinguish individual bits. The fiber type, data rate, and light source (LED or VCSEL) determine the maximum effective transmission distance .

Typical Distances by Fiber Type and Data Rate

• OM1 (62.5 µm core): 1 Gbps up to 275 meters; 10 Gbps up to 33 meters .
• OM2 (50 µm core): 1 Gbps up to 550 meters; 10 Gbps up to 82 meters .
• OM3 (laser-optimized 50 µm): 10 Gbps up to 300 meters; 40 Gbps up to 100 meters; 100 Gbps up to 100–150 meters .
• OM4 (enhanced laser-optimized 50 µm): 10 Gbps up to 400 meters; 40 Gbps up to 150 meters; 100 Gbps up to 150 meters .
• OM5 (wideband multimode 50 µm): Supports multiple wavelengths using WDM, 40 Gbps up to 150 meters, 100 Gbps up to 100 meters, with potential for extended capacity in data centers .

Practical Considerations

• Data Rate Impact: Doubling the data rate roughly halves the maximum distance due to increased modal dispersion .
• Quality of Components: Factory-terminated connectors, high-quality transceivers, and bend-insensitive fibers help maintain signal integrity and maximize distance .
• Application Suitability: Multimode fiber is ideal for short-range, high-bandwidth applications like LANs and data centers. For distances beyond ~400 meters at high data rates, single-mode fiber is recommended . In summary, a four-core multimode fiber cable can reliably transmit data up to several hundred meters, with exact distance depending on the fiber grade, data rate, and network quality. For high-speed 100G applications, OM4 or OM5 fibers are preferred, while OM1 and OM2 are suitable for lower-speed, shorter links.