What are fiber optic patch cables?
Fiber patch cord is a cable terminated with optical connectors at both ends. It has two main application areas: computer workstation to outlet and fiber optic patch panels or optical cross connect distribution center.
common types
Fiber patch cords can be classified into different groups based on fiber optic mode, fiber cable type, termination types, connector polish styles, and fiber cable sizes.
fiber optic mode
1. Single mode
Single mode fiber patch cables use 9/125 micron bulk single mode cable and single mode connectors on both ends. The jacket color of single mode fiber cable is usually yellow.
2. Multimode
Multimode fiber patch cables use 62.5/125 micron or 50/125 micron cable and are terminated with multimode optical connectors at both ends. The cable jacket is usually orange.
3. 10 Gig Multimode Fiber Patch Cords
10 Gig multimode fibers are 50/125 micron fibers specially designed and optimized for 10 Gig Ethernet based on 850 nm VCSEL lasers. They are backward compatible with existing network equipment and provide nearly three times the bandwidth of traditional 62.5/125 multimode fiber. 10 Gigabit is rated for distances up to 300 meters using 850 nm Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs). The cable jacket is usually aquamarine.
fiber cable type
1. Simplex
The single fiber patch cord has one fiber and one connector at each end.
2. Duplex
The duplex fiber patch cable has two fibers and two connectors on each end. Each fiber is marked “A” or “B” or different colored connectors are used to mark polarity.
3. Ribbon distribution cable assembly
For ribbon distribution cable assembly, one end is ribbon fiber with multiple fibers and ribbon fiber connector as MTP (12 fiber) connector, the other end is multiple simplex fiber cable with connectors as ST, SC , LC, etc.
termination types
1. Same types of connectors
This fiber patch cord has the same type of connector at both ends, such as ST, SC, LC, FC, etc.
2. Types of hybrid connectors
This fiber patch cord has different connectors on each end. One end can be SC and the other end can be LC, ST, FC, etc.
Connector Polish Styles
Fiber optic connectors are designed and polished in various ways to minimize back reflection. This is particularly important in single mode applications. Typical degrees of retroreflection are -30dB, -40dB, -50dB, and -60dB.
1. PC (Physical contact)
Typical Retroreflective Fiber Cable Sizes
You can choose the size of the fiber cable jacket for your particular application.
1. 250um bare fiber
2. 900um tight buffer fiber
3. 1.6mm fiber cable
4. 2.0mm fiber cable
5. 3.0mm fiber cable
Popular fiber patch cables on the market
1.LC
2.ST
3.SC and SC/APC
4. HR and HR/APC
5.MTRJ
6.E2000
7 VF-45
special types
1. Polarization Maintaining Fiber Patch Cords
2. Mode conditioning fiber patch cords (also called mode conditioning patch cord, mode conditioning cables)
3. Pre-finished ponytail
cleaning methods
1. Spool Connector Cleaner
2. Isopropyl alcohol and lint-free wipes
3. Duster
4. Swab Cleaner
Precautions for handling fiber optic cables
1. Radius of curvature:
2.Kink
3. Tie Wrap