The Corning SMF-28 is a single-mode optical fiber engineered for telecommunications and data network applications requiring low attenuation and minimal dispersion. This ITU-T G.652–compliant fiber operates across the 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelength windows, delivering exceptional performance for voice, data, and video transmission over short to medium distances. Manufactured using Outside Vapor Deposition (OVD), the SMF-28 features a uniform step-index core with matched cladding, yielding predictable optical characteristics across multiple standards including IEC 60793-2-50 Type B1.3, TIA/EIA 492-CAAB, and Telcordia GR-20.
## Technical Specifications
**Optical Performance**
• Operating wavelengths: 1310 nm and 1550 nm
• Maximum attenuation at 1310 nm: ≤ 0.32 dB/km; at 1550 nm: ≤ 0.18 dB/km
• Zero dispersion wavelength (λ₀): 1300 nm to 1324 nm (typical 1313 nm)
• Dispersion slope (S₀): ≤ 0.092 ps/(nm²•km)
• Dispersion at 1550 nm: ≤ 18.0 ps/(nm•km)
• PMD link design value: ≤ 0.04 ps/√km; maximum individual fiber PMD: ≤ 0.1 ps/√km
• Cable cutoff wavelength (λcc): ≤ 1260 nm
• Macrobend loss (100 turns, 50 mm diameter at 1550 nm): < 0.03 dB
**Physical Characteristics**
• Core diameter: 8.2 µm
• Mode field diameter at 1310 nm: 9.2 µm ± 0.4 µm
• Mode field diameter at 1550 nm: 10.4 µm ± 0.5 µm
• Cladding diameter: 125 µm ± 1 µm
• Numerical aperture: 0.14 NA
## Key Features
• Compliant with ITU-T G.652 categories A, B, C, and D
• Step-index profile with matched cladding for modal stability
• Low attenuation: typical 0.20–0.25 dB/km at 1550 nm (cabled)
• Low PMD: typical < 0.1 ps/√km
• Hydrogen-aged performance: ≤ 0.32 dB/km at 1383 nm ± 3 nm
• Bend-resistant design
## Typical Applications
• Long-haul telecommunications networks
• Cable television (CATV) systems
• Enterprise and metro data networks
• Traditional telephony infrastructure
• Multiwavelength systems utilizing C-band and L-band windows
## Compatibility & Integration
The SMF-28 integrates with standard telecommunications equipment designed for ITU-T G.652 fiber. Its 125 µm cladding diameter and standardized MFD values ensure compatibility with industry-standard connectors, couplers, and splitters. The matched-clad design minimizes splice loss when interfacing with complementary single-mode systems.
