Cable Matters 40Gb OM4 LC to LC Fiber Cable - 98.4ft Plenum

In this review of the Cable Matters 40Gb OM4 LC to LC fiber cable, the bottom line is simple: it is aimed at IT professionals and data center technicians who need a future-ready multimode link with plenum safety. The reviewer found the 98.4ft OM4 duplex zipcord delivers consistent performance for 10G, 40G and 100G short-reach applications while offering a bend-insensitive build and OFNP plenum rating that simplifies deployment in air-handling spaces. If you need a lightweight, high-density LC solution for SANs or patching in cabinets, this cable offers a practical balance of performance and installation flexibility.

Key Features

• OM4 multimode fiber: Provides higher bandwidth and longer reach for 10G, 40G and 100G short-range links, reducing the need to replace cabling when upgrading speeds.
• LC to LC duplex: Small form factor connectors make the cable well suited for high-density panels and SAN network cabinets where space is limited.
• Bend insensitive design: Allows a tight 7.5mm bending radius so the cable can be routed through crowded cabinets without introducing macro-bend loss.
• OFNP plenum rating: Meets UL 910 regulations for plenum spaces, allowing safe installation in air-handling areas where fire safety matters.
• Adjustable connector clips: Individual fiber access enables quick polarity reversal and easier reconfiguration during maintenance.

Who It's For

This cable is best for data center technicians, storage administrators and network engineers who manage Storage Area Networks, switch-to-switch links or short-reach SFP+ and QSFP optics. The OM4 rating and LC duplex design are targeted at environments where higher loss-budget margins and density are important.

Those who should look elsewhere include installers needing single-mode long-haul fiber or users who require ruggedized armored outdoor cables. For very short patch cords inside a single rack where plenum rating is unnecessary, a cheaper OFNR riser cable may suffice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High bandwidth OM4 fiber supports 10GBASE, 40GBASE and 100GBASE short-reach standards for future upgrades.
• Plenum OFNP rating adds safety for installations in air-handling spaces and meets stricter fire codes.
• Lightweight, zipcord duplex with LC connectors is suited to high-density panels and easy handling in cabinets.
• Customers report reliable compatibility with common optics such as Cisco MGBSX1 SFP modules.

Cons

• Not suitable for long-distance single-mode runs; it is built for multimode short-reach applications.
• The 98.4ft length may be more than needed for some rack-to-rack patching, where a shorter cord would be neater.

Specifications

Fiber type	Multimode OM4 50/125 micron
Connectors	LC to LC duplex
Length	98.4ft / 30m
Bend radius	7.5mm (bend insensitive)
Safety rating	OFNP (plenum)
Wavelength	Optimized for 850nm and 1350nm VCSEL equipment
Wiring	Straight-thru A to B with aqua jacket

Our Verdict

The Cable Matters 40Gb OM4 LC to LC plenum cable is a practical choice for professionals who need a reliable, high-density multimode patch cord that will handle current 10G/40G/100G short-reach links and future upgrades. Its OFNP rating and bend-insensitive construction add real installation advantages in cabinets and plenum spaces, making it good value for network environments that require both safety and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable compatible with common SFP and QSFP optics?
The OM4 duplex LC design is compatible with standard multimode SFP and QSFP optics that accept LC connections, and customers report success with common modules.

Can this cable be used in plenum air-handling spaces?
Yes, the OFNP plenum rating meets UL 910 requirements so it is suitable for installation in plenum spaces.

Will it work for long-distance links?
No, OM4 multimode is optimized for short to moderate reach with VCSELs; single-mode fiber is required for long-haul runs.