Cable Matters 40Gb OM3 LC to LC Fiber Cable 98.4ft - Plenum Rated

Our review of this Cable Matters 40Gb OM3 LC to LC fiber cable finds it best suited for data center and SAN cabinet use where 10 Gigabit performance and fire-safe routing are required. The single biggest reason to buy is reliable 10GigE and Fibre Channel connectivity combined with an OFNP plenum rating, which lets installers run the cable in air-handling spaces without choosing riser-only products. The cable's OM3 laser-optimized multimode construction and LC duplex terminations make it a practical choice when compatibility with SFP+ transceivers and compact port density matter.

Key Features

• OM3 multimode fiber: Provides laser-optimized performance suitable for 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel links in short to medium-reach installations.
• LC duplex connectors: Small form factor LC ends save panel space and work with common SFP+ and Gigabit transceiver modules.
• OFNP plenum rating: The plenum safety rating meets UL 910 so the cable can be run through air-handling spaces where stricter fire codes apply.
• Bend insensitive design: A 7.5mm minimum bend radius reduces macro-bending loss and helps routing in tight cabinet bends and high-density trays.
• Tight-buffered zipcord: The 2.0 x 4.2mm duplex construction with embossed A/B markers and removable dust caps simplifies identification and installation.
• Wide interoperability: Works with a broad set of SFP, SFP+ and media converters from common networking vendors for versatile use across equipment.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at network engineers, system administrators, and installers who need dependable 10GigE or Fibre Channel links inside data centers, SAN cabinets, or plenum-rated building spaces. Its combination of OM3 performance and LC terminations makes it useful for connecting SFP+ transceivers, switches, fiber NICs, and media converters where port density and fire safety matter.

It is less appropriate for very long-distance singlemode runs, as the OM3 multimode design targets shorter campus and data center links. Home users without dense patch panels or plenum routing requirements may find less expensive consumer-grade cables sufficient.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable 10 Gigabit and Fibre Channel operation with laser-optimized OM3 multimode fiber.
• Plenum OFNP rating allows routing in air-handling spaces to meet stricter fire codes.
• Compact LC duplex connectors and embossed A/B markers simplify high-density installations and troubleshooting.
• Bend-insensitive construction handles tight cabinet bends without significant loss.

Cons

• OM3 multimode is not suitable for long singlemode backbone links, so it is limited to short to medium distances.
• At 98.4ft the fixed length may be longer than needed for some patching tasks, requiring cable management to avoid slack.

Specifications

Brand	Cable Matters
Fiber type	Multimode OM3 50/125 micron
Length	98.4 ft / 30 m
Connectors	LC to LC duplex, PC polish, zirconia ferrules
Cable rating	OFNP (plenum)
Design	Tight-buffered 2.0 x 4.2 mm zipcord, bend insensitive
Compatibility	SFP+, SFP, media converters, optical NICs

Our Verdict

The Cable Matters 40Gb OM3 LC to LC 98.4 ft cable is a practical, cost-effective option for data centers and SAN cabinets that need reliable 10GigE or Fibre Channel links with a plenum safety rating. Its bend-insensitive OM3 fiber and compact LC duplex connectors simplify dense patching and tight routing, making it good value for network professionals who require predictable performance and code-compliant installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable compatible with SFP+ transceivers?
Yes. The OM3 multimode LC terminations are compatible with common SFP+ and Gigabit transceivers designed for multimode LC interfaces.

Can this be run in plenum spaces?
Yes. The OFNP plenum fire rating meets UL 910, so it is suitable for air-handling plenums where stricter fire codes apply.

How flexible is the cable for tight bends?
The bend-insensitive multimode design supports a 7.5mm bending radius, which is significantly more flexible than standard 50 micron cable and helps in high-density enclosures.