Fiber Bandwidth-Distance Calculator

Determine maximum fiber optic cable distance for a target data rate by fiber type (OS2, OM1-OM5). Based on IEEE 802.3 standards.

Data Rate

Mbps

Fiber Type

Wavelength

Tab to move between fields

Maximum Distance

10,000 m

Maximum Distance

10 km

Data Rate10 Gbps

Bandwidth Limited (1=Yes)0

How to Use This Calculator

Select Data Rate (Mbps) and Fiber Type (OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OS1, OS2) for your application.
Choose Wavelength (850 nm, 1310 nm, or 1550 nm) — multimode uses 850/1300 nm, single-mode uses 1310/1550 nm.
Review Maximum Distance (m and km) — this is the link length limit for that fiber type and data rate.
If the link is bandwidth-limited rather than attenuation-limited, Bandwidth Limited will show 1.
Compare your planned cable run against the Maximum Distance — if too long, upgrade to single-mode or add a repeater.

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Formula

Based on IEEE 802.3 standard distances per fiber type and data rate

Calculate total fiber link loss from cable length, connectors, splices, and splitter losses. Includes safety margin for reliable link design.

Calculate optical link power budget from transmitter power, receiver sensitivity, link loss, and safety margin. Includes overload check.

Determine required fiber count for current and future capacity, including growth projection and standard cable size recommendation.

Calculate wavelength division multiplexing channel count, spacing, and aggregate bandwidth for CWDM and DWDM systems.

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