A Fiber Optic Data Center is a modern data center that primarily uses fiber optic cables (instead of traditional copper cables) for high-speed, low-latency, and high-bandwidth connectivity between servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. These data centers leverage optical communication technologies to meet the demands of cloud computing, AI, big data, and 5G networks.

• Best for: Long-distance, high-bandwidth connections (e.g., DCI, core networking).
• Standards: OS1 (10km), OS2 (40-100km).
• Wavelengths: 1310nm, 1550nm (DWDM for higher capacity).

• Best for: Short-distance, cost-effective high-speed links (e.g., server-to-switch).
• Standards:
  • OM3 (10G up to 300m, 40/100G up to 100m)
  • OM4 (10G up to 550m, 40/100G up to 150m)
  • OM5 (Wideband MMF, supports SWDM for 40/100/400G)
• Wavelengths: 850nm (VCSEL-based optics).

Each rack has its own switch, connected via short fiber jumps (OM4/OM5).

Best for: Hyperscale, cloud, and HPC environments.

• Centralized switches at the end/middle of a row.
• Best for: Traditional enterprise data centers.