Multi-wavelength multimode fiber (OM5) typically costs between $0.50 and $1.00 per foot, depending on strand count and cable construction.

Pricing Overview

The cost of multi-wavelength optical fiber, such as OM5 multimode fiber, depends on several factors:

• Fiber Type and Strand Count: OM5 fiber, designed for short-wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM), is priced higher than legacy OM3 or OM4 fibers. A 12-strand OM5 cable generally costs around $0.50 per foot, while a 24-strand cable can reach $1.00 per foot. Lower strand counts (2 or 6 strands) are proportionally cheaper .
• Cable Construction: Indoor riser-rated cables are less expensive, while plenum-rated or armored cables for harsh environments can cost $0.50 to $5 per foot . Outdoor or gel-filled cables suitable for direct burial are at the higher end of this range.
• Bulk Purchases: Buying in bulk can reduce per-foot costs by 20–40% compared to retail quantities .

Technical Considerations

OM5 fiber supports multi-wavelength transmission from 850 nm to 940 nm, making it ideal for 40G, 100G, and 400G SWDM networks . It is backward compatible with OM3 and OM4, so it can be used in existing multimode setups while providing future-proofing for high-speed data centers.

• Core Size: 50 µm core diameter
• Jacket Color: Lime green for OM5
• Applications: Data centers, enterprise LANs, and high-bandwidth short-range connections

Summary

For multi-wavelength OM5 multimode fiber, expect prices roughly as follows:

• 2–6 strands: $0.30–$0.60 per foot
• 12 strands: ~$0.50 per foot
• 24 strands: ~$1.00 per foot
• Specialized armored or outdoor cables: $0.50–$5 per foot These prices vary based on cable type, environment rating, and purchase volume, making it important to select the right combination for your network needs .