Short, Intermediate, and Long Reach Optics

These 3 categories are used to describe the distance that a signal must travel across a fiber link without encountering repeaters.  This allows the Engineer to decide what type of card to purchase for his optical transmitter.

• Short Reach - 2 kM (1.24 miles) max  - uses MM fiber, 1310 meters wavelength

• Intermediate Reach:   15 kM (9 miles) max  -  uses SM fiber, 1310 or 1550 meters wavelength

• Long Reach:  40 kM (25 miles)  -  uses SM fiber, 1310 or 1550 meters wavelength