A 12-core optical fiber cable typically costs between $0.30 and $6.50 per meter, depending on fiber type, jacket, and construction.

Price Range by Fiber Type and Construction

• Single-mode (OS2) 12-core cable: Approximately $0.30 to $2.80 per meter, with premium brands like Corning costing more due to lower attenuation and higher quality glass .
• Multimode (OM3/OM4) 12-core cable: Typically $1.50 to $6.00 per meter, suitable for high-speed data centers and short-distance high-bandwidth applications .
• Armored cables: If steel tape or other protective armor is added, prices increase to $1.15 to $6.50 per meter, providing protection against physical damage .
• Plenum-rated or LSZH jackets: Low Smoke Zero Halogen jackets, required for indoor safety, can increase the cost by 25–40% over standard PVC jackets .

Factors Affecting Price

1. Fiber Count: Higher strand counts increase cost proportionally; a 12-core cable is cheaper than 24-core or 96-core cables .
2. Brand and Quality: Premium glass and reputable brands ensure lower signal loss and durability, which increases price .
3. Cable Type: Indoor, outdoor, armored, or plenum-rated cables have different manufacturing costs .
4. Pre-Terminated vs. Bulk Cable: Pre-terminated cables cost 20–30% more but reduce installation labor costs .

Example Retail Options

• OM4 12-core plenum-rated cable: Available from suppliers like LanShack, suitable for indoor backbone and multi-floor deployment, typically priced in the $2–$5 per meter range depending on quantity and shipping .
• Wholesale 12-core fiber: Bulk purchases can reduce the per-meter cost to the lower end of the range, around $0.30–$1.50 per meter for single-mode cables . In summary, the cost of a 12-core optical fiber cable varies widely based on fiber type, jacket, armor, and brand, with typical prices ranging from $0.30 to $6.50 per meter. For large projects, contacting manufacturers directly can provide volume discounts and custom configurations.