Eaton N821-50M-AQ-AR 100 GbE OM4 Armored Duplex LC/LC Fiber Cable
Overview :
The Eaton N821-50M-AQ-AR is a 50-meter multimode fiber optic cable designed for high-bandwidth network interconnects in fiber-rich infrastructures. It is deployed by data center network engineers and structured cabling professionals where reliable, high-speed optical links are required between switches, patch panels, servers, and storage devices. The cable addresses distance, interference, and ruggedness challenges typical of demanding enterprise and carrier installations.
From a technical deployment perspective, the cable features OM4 50/125 µm multimode fiber with duplex LC male connectors on both ends. The OM4 rating supports up to 100 Gbps Ethernet applications at 850 nm over distances up to 50 m and is backward compatible with 10 Gb, 25 Gb and 40 Gb links. Its armored construction enhances durability while maintaining fiber integrity and low insertion loss.
In deployment, it fits fiber horizontal and inter-rack pathways in IDFs and main distribution frames (MDFs) where structured fiber must be routed through cabinets, under raised floors, or across ceiling plenums. The flexible stainless steel and aramid armor provides mechanical protection in areas subject to physical stress or incidental contact.
Integration is at the physical layer: the LC/LC duplex interfaces connect directly to compatible transceivers on switches, routers, and optical transport modules. The aqua, low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) jacket simplifies identification in dense fiber trunks and meets indoor plenum safety requirements in commercial buildings.
A practical deployment includes linking a top-of-rack (ToR) 100 GbE switch to an aggregation switch across a short rack-to-rack corridor in a data center, ensuring full 100 GbE throughput with minimal latency. Another example is connecting OM4-compliant fiber panels in enterprise backbones where space and mechanical robustness are constraints.
This cable should not be used for outdoor direct burial, long-haul links beyond its rated 50 m, or shielded environments requiring single-mode fiber, as those scenarios are better served by single-mode or specially ruggedized fiber solutions.
Key Features
OM4 duplex multimode fiber for 100 GbE applications
50 m length with LC male to LC male connectors
Rugged armored design with stainless steel/aramid
Aqua LSZH OFNR jacket for safety and identification
Backward compatible with 10/25/40 GbE networks
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | Eaton |
| Part Number | N821-50M-AQ-AR |
| Product Type | Armored Fiber Optic Cable |
| Fiber Type | Multimode OM4 (50/125 µm) |
| Max Data Rate | 100 Gbps |
| Supported Speeds | 10/25/40/100 GbE |
| Cable Length | 50 m (164 ft) |
| Connector A | LC Duplex Male |
| Connector B | LC Duplex Male |
| Duplex | Yes |
| Jacket Rating | LSZH (OFNR) |
| Jacket Color | Aqua |
| Armor | Flexible stainless steel + aramid |
| Core Diameter | 50 µm |
| Cladding Diameter | 125 µm |
| Insertion Loss | ≤ 0.20 dB |
| Wavelength | 850/1300 nm |
| Operating Temp | -20 °C to 60 °C |
| Storage Temp | -20 °C to 60 °C |
| Bend Radius | ≥ 30 mm |
| Compliance | RoHS, REACH |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
