Color of multimode MPO fiber

Multimode MPO fibers typically use aqua-colored jackets for OM3 and OM4, orange for OM1, and gray for OM2, with some manufacturers using violet to distinguish OM4.

Standard Multimode Fiber Colors

• OM1 (62.5/125 µm): Orange jacket, often paired with beige connectors .
• OM2 (50/125 µm): Gray jacket, sometimes legacy orange; check markings for confirmation .
• OM3 (50/125 µm, laser-optimized): Aqua jacket, designed for 10 Gigabit Ethernet and higher-speed applications .
• OM4 (50/125 µm, laser-optimized): Aqua jacket by standard, but some manufacturers use violet to differentiate from OM3 in high-density data centers .
• OM5 (50/125 µm, wideband multimode): Lime green jacket, designed for Short Wave Division Multiplexing (SWDM) applications .

MPO Connector Considerations

MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) connectors house multiple fibers (commonly 12 or 24) in a single connector. The individual fiber strands inside the MPO follow the TIA-598-C color code for identification: Blue, Orange, Green, Brown, Slate, White, Red, Black, Yellow, Violet, Rose, and Aqua, repeating for higher fiber counts . The connector shell color often reflects the fiber type: yellow for single-mode, aqua for multimode OM3/OM4, and beige for OM1/OM2 .

Practical Notes

• Always verify the printed markings on the cable jacket to confirm the fiber type, especially in high-density or mixed networks.
• Aqua is the most common color for modern laser-optimized multimode fibers (OM3/OM4), while legacy networks may still use orange or gray.
• Connector color and fiber jacket color together help prevent miswiring and ensure proper network performance . By following these color standards, technicians can quickly identify multimode MPO fibers and maintain proper network organization and polarity.