Contains the general requirements for both multimode and single mode optical fibres. Sectional specifications for each of the four multimode categories: A1, A2, A3, and A4 contain requirements specific to each category. The requirements of this standard apply to all categories. Each sectional specification contains the requirements that are common to all family specifications that are within it. Tests or measurement methods are defined for each specific attribute. This sixth edition cancels and replaces the fifth edition published in 2003. This modification has been necessary because of the addition of new fibre categories to IEC 60793-2-40, IEC 60793-2-50 and IEC 60793-2-60.