This part of IEC 60793 is applicable to optical fibre sub-categories A1a, A1b, and A1d. These fibres are used or can be incorporated in information transmission equipment and optical fibre cables. Sub-category A1a applies to 50/125 µm graded index fibre. Three bandwidth grades are defined as A1a.1, A1a.2 and A1a.3. Each of these bandwidth grades is defined for two levels of macrobend loss performance that are distinguished by "a" or "b" suffix. Those models with suffix "a" are specified to meet traditional macrobend loss performance levels. Those models with suffix "b" are specified to meet enhanced macrobend loss (i.e. lower loss) performance levels. There is also a sub-category A1a.TBD which supports single wavelength or multi wavelength transmission systems in the wavelength range from 846 nm to 953 nm and meets enhanced macrobend loss performance levels.
Sub-category A1b applies to 62,5/125 graded index fibre and sub-category A1d applies to 100/140 µm graded index fibre. Other applications include, but are not restricted to, the following: short reach, high bit-rate systems in telephony, distribution and local networks carrying data, voice and/or video services; on-premises intra-building and inter-building fibre installations including data centres, local area networks (LANs), storage area networks (SANs), private branch exchanges (PBXs), video, various multiplexing uses, outside telephone cable plant use, and miscellaneous related uses.
Three types of requirements apply to these fibres:
- general requirements, as defined in IEC 60793-2;
- specific requirements common to the category A1 multimode fibres covered in this standard and which are given in Clause 3;
- particular requirements applicable to individual fibre sub-categories and models, or specific applications, which are defined in the normative specification annexes.