The use of fiber optic patch cables

Fiber optic patch cables (also is known as optial fiber jumer) are widely used for high speed communication needs and they can be found in routers, fiber patch panels, media converters and even in hubs and switches. Fiber optic patch cables are preferred over normal copper cables because use of fiber optic patch cables result in comparatively lower loss of signal and because they are highly reliable. The military prefers fiber optic patch cables because these cables are hundred percent immune to any electromagnetic interference.

The cost factor effects the choices of many people where the battle between copper cables and fiber optic patch cables are concerned. However, one prominent point to distinguish is that fiber optic patch cables are hundreds of times, if not thousands, faster than regular ones. A cleverly designed and planned out cabling network using fiber optic patch cables could actually end up being less expensive for you.

Also remember the faster the copper cable gets, the more it will cost you. So after all, maybe copper cables might not be as cheap as you think. If you think in terms of networks cost and not 
just of cabling component costs you might even find that fiber optic patch cables are comparatively cheaper.

If you are looking for quotes for fiber optic patch cabels then you might find thousands of quotes online. But don’t just think about the cost; remember that a cheaper product might end up costing you more in the long run as such a product will likely have a shorter lifetime. Always settle for fiber optic patch cables that come with a good warranty and after service facilites.

Fiber optic patch cables are used in a variety of conditions from local area network to airplanes. Especially with communication industry hiking up the list of importance, fiber optic patch cables have walked hand in hand in the journey, facilitating many a thousand requirements around the globe.

If you by any chance, hope to get in to telecommunications or similar, accquiring thorough knowledge about fiber optic patch cable is a must. To get the basic idea you can get plenty of material online but to get a comprehensive idea about fiber optic patch cables you might need some expert advice and there are probably thousands of detailed books and other material on this subject.

As the professional fiber optic patch cables provider, FiberStore supply a range of optical patch cord, such as LC fiber cable, ST fiber cable, MTP MPO cable, LC SC patch cord and more. If you would like to purchase our optical patch cables, please contact us.

Fiber Optic Patch Cables With Different Fiber Optic Connectors

Fiber optic patch cable can be also classfied by the types of fiber optic connector. For example, LC fiber optic patch cable is named as it is with LC connector. Similarly, there are SC, ST, FC, MT-RJ, E2000, MU and MPO/MTP fiber optic patch cables. What’s more, there are PC, UPC, APC type fiber patch cords, which are differentiated from the polish of fiber connectors.

LC Fiber Optic Patch Cable

LC fiber optic patch cable (LC fiber cable)is terminated with LC connector. LC is the short form of Lucent Connector. LC connector is a push and latch structure, with plastic housing and accurate 1.25mm ceramic ferrule. LC type is a popular kind of small form fiber optic patch cable which reduce the space and it is widely used for densely installation. The LC fiber patch cables use a 1.25 mm ferrule, half the size of the ST patch cable. It has good performance and is highly favored for single mode patch cord. LC fiber patch cables comply with IEC, Telcordia, ANSI/EIA/TIA .The connector of LC patch cable is used on 1.6mm/2.0mm as well as 3.0mm cable. There are LC/PC (for multimode), LC/UPC and LC/APC (for single mode) patch cables.

SC Fiber Optic Patch Cable

SC fiber optic patch cable is terminated with SC connector. The SC connector was invented by the Japanese company NTT. SC stands for Subscriber Connector or Square Connector or Standard Connector. It is extremely common in datacom and telecom fiber optic market. It has a push and pull type and can be used for 1000 mating cycles. SC fiber optic patch cable is with a locking tab on the cable termination and provides for accurate alignment through their ceramic ferrules. It has an advantage in keyed duplexibility to support sending and receiving channels. SC fiber optic patch cable features low cost, simplicity as well as good durability. It is the most cheapest type, convenient to use and cost saving. SC fiber optic patch cable is widely used in fiber optic networks and can be with zirconia sleeve and plastic housing.

ST Fiber Optic Patch Cable

ST fiber optic patch cable (ST fiber cable)is terminated with ST connector. ST stands for Straight-Tip and features a Bayonet twist locking mechanism. ST connector has 2.5mm diameter ferrule as in SC connector. It was developed by AT&T and was very popular in the 1980s and 1990s. ST connector has bayonet-style housing and a long spring-loaded ferrule hold the fiber. It is available in both multimode and single mode versions. Horizontally mounted simplex and duplex adapters are available with metal or plastic housing, with a choice of phosphor bronze or zirconia split sleeve. Although there are plastic housing ST connectors, more and more people tend to use metal housing ST. ST fiber optic patch cable has straight tip type terminations and is easy to insert and remove. If you experience high light loss, try to reconnect it. It is rated for 500 mating cycles. ST fiber optic patch cable is one of the older generations, but it is still widely used for multimode networks, including LANs for buildings and campuses.

FC Fiber Optic Patch Cable

FC fiber optic patch cable is terminated with FC connector, a screw type connection. FC stands for Fixed Connector. Same as SC connector, FC is also invented by NTT. FC is with metal housing, screw structure. FC connector ferrule and sleeves used in FC adaptor are both same as SC ones. FC fiber optic patch cable is available in both single mode and multimode versions. It is applied in high-vibration environment and can screw on firmly, but you need to have the key aligned in the slot properly before you tighten it.

MTRJ Fiber Optic Patch Cable

MTRJ fiber optic patch cable is terminated with MTRJ connector. MTRJ stands for Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack. MTRJ connector is developed from MT and RJ connectors. It is with plastic housing and plastic ferrule and features two-fiber connection, that is to say, two fiberglass connection within one MTRJ fiber optic connector. MTRJ connectors use molded MT ferrules originated by NTT. Each MTRJ connector houses two fibers (duplex) and the footprint resembles copper RJ45 Ethernet connector. It is half the size of a SC connector and contributes to the price drop per fiber port on fiber-to-the-desktop solutions. MTRJ connectors come in male (with two metal pins) and female (no pins). MTRJ fiber optic patch cable has female type and male type. The difference between them is that the male type is with two pins on each of the MTRJ connector. The MTRJ patch cable is commonly used for networking applications. Its size is slightly smaller than a standard phone jack and is easy to operate.

E2000 Fiber Optic Patch Cable

E2000 fiber optic patch cable is terminated with E2000 connector. E2000 connector has a spring-loaded shutter used to protect the ferrule from dust and scratches. With similar structure of SC connector, it is smaller. E2000 fiber optic patch cable is one of the latest style yet one of the most expensive optical patch cord.

MU Fiber Optic Patch Cable

MU fiber optic patch cable is terminated with MU connector. MU connector is also the invention of NTT. It is with plastic housing and a push pull structure. MU connector is also a small form-factor connector which features a 1.25mm diameter ferrule as in LC connector. MU connector has the same push-pull locking mechanism as SC connector. MU fiber optic connector is similar size of LC and sometimes named small-SC. MU connectors are used in advanced optical transmission, exchange, and subscriber systems or high speed data application. MU fiber optic patch cable is developed to replace SC in the future.

MPO/MTP Fiber Optic Patch Cable

MPO fiber optic patch cable is terminated with MPO connector. The MPO is an high-density multi-fiber connector built around precision molded MT ferrule. It is a push-pull connector compliant IEC 61754-7 and TIA/EIA 604-5A and offers low cost per termination for high density applications. It is usually used in ribbon fiber optic patch cables or ribbon fan out multi fiber assemblies. MPO has multi fiberglass core inside each single connector, that is to say, there are several fiberglass connections in each single MPO fiber optic patch cable, for example, 12 fiber, 24 fiber, 36 fiber, etc. MTP is upgrade version of MPO. MTP fiber optic patch cable allows high-density connections between network equipment in telecommunication rooms. It uses a push-pull latching mechanism for easy and intuitive insertion and removal.

MPO patch cord (Ribbon fan out Fiber patch cord, Ribbon mliti cable fan out) use MTP and MPO multi fiber type connectors, each one of the connector are used with ribbon type fiber optic cables which contain multi fiber in one single jacket, so that MPO Fiber Patch Cord greatly save space and are very convenient to use. Based on single ferrule MT technology, the MPO Fiber Patch Cord assemblies provide up to 72 fiber connections in a single point, reducing the physical space and labor requirement, while providing the same bandwidth capacity of a multi-fiber cable with individual fiber connector terminations per cable. Typical MPO fiber optic patch cable assemblies are MPO to 8 LC, MPO to 12 MTRJ, etc. MPO fiber optic patch cable is also available by single mode and multimode, PC and APC polish. FIBERSTORE MPO fiber patch cables are available in 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 and 144 fiber versions, PC and APC finishes, and support both multimode and single mode applications.

Why Fiber Optic Patch Cables Are Helpful

In the modern era of technology, fiber optics has started to play an important role in data transfer and communication. The data transfer that happens in these cables are based upon the technology of optical networks. Light waves are encoded and modulated to send and receive data. And optical patch cord play an important role in completing the end-to-end connection of systems using this technology.

First of all, let us understand what makes the optical fiber communication important. The fiber optics make sure that certain desired properties of any communication are satisfied. And the quality that they maintain with respect to these properties makes using these network cables desirable.

Interestingly, the optical fiber jumper require being compatible with all these properties to keep up with the network quality. So the attributes desirable of the fiber cables are also good for the patches. Some of the important properties are listed below.

Rate of data transfer: Data of high volume can easily be transferred using the optic cables. In fact, with the mainline network cables, one can transfer terabytes of data every second as done in case of the worldwide Internet exchange data. The same can be said about the fiber optic patch cables. The bandwidth of these cables are extremely high.

Speed of communication: The physical communication happens over modulated waves of light. As a result, the speed of communication is extremely fast with the fiber optic networks. One can use these networks to access real time data across the globe. The patch cables are compatible with the speed and they can transfer data at the same speed as the main network cable.

Absence of attenuation: Attenuation of signal is a critical factor in most of the networks. However, for an optical network, this is practically absent. The data can traverse along the network with no amplifier installed in route. The patch cables also do not attenuate the data.

Accuracy of transferred data: The transfer of data takes place with a high degree of accuracy. The data suffers from practically no external hindrance. No signal coming form outside really changes anything about the data. As a reault, the data transfer preserves the accuracy of information exchange. The fiber optic patch cables maintain high levels of accuracy when it comes to data transfer.

Security factors: Fiber optic patch cables are as secure as the overall optical fiber network. They are extremely difficult to break into and hence the possibility of data leaking out of the network is practically minimal.

All of the above makes using fiber optic patch cables helpful when it comes to real life application. Make sure that you have got the right patch with the right length and aperture, and you are all set to enjoy the benefits of a secure and high speed communication.

FiberStore provides various types of fiber optic patch cords including single mode fiber patch cables, OM1 62.5/125, OM2 50/125, 10G OM3/OM4 patch cables, armored patch cables, fiber optic pigtails, multi core patch cables, MPO/MTP patch cables and other special patch cables. And the optical patch cord connectors including LC fiber cable, ST fiber cable, SC to LC patch cable and more.

LC Fiber Cable and ST Fiber Cable

 

Optical fiber cable can have connectors installed on one or both ends. If connectors are attached to only one end of a cable, it is known as a pigtail. If connectors are attached to both ends, it is known as a jumper or patch cord.

LC Fiber Optic Patch Cord (LC Fiber Cable)

Description

The LC connectors used are small form-factor fiber optic connectors resembling miniature SC connectors with high quality 1.25mm zirconia ferrules and push-pull latching mechanism. They are fully compatible with existing LC hardware.

In addition to basic testing, some mechanical and environmental tests per IEC or Telcordia are also performed periodically to guarantee the best quality. For standard patch cords, sampling check is performed on ferrule geometry to ensure high percentage of polished connectors meeting GR-326 requirements. For premium grade, ferrule geometry is tested on all patch cords to meet these GR – 326 requirements.

Other than standard single mode and multimode fibers, G655, OM2, and OM3 fibers are also available upon request. Flame retardant grade cable sheathing options are offered. Riser rated cable will be provided as standard. LSZH and Plenum can be provided upon request

Features

. Small form factor design
. Pull proof
. Non-optical disconnect performance
. High quality zirconia ferrules
. Materials meet RoHS requirements
. Riser, Plenum, and LSZH cables available

Applications

. Telecommunication
. Computer networks
. CATV networks
. Active device termination
. Instrumentation

ST Fiber Optic Patch Cord (ST Fiber Cable)

Description

The ST connectors used in our patch cords employ half-twist bayonet locking mechanism and high quality 2.5mm zirconia ferrules. They are fully compatible with existing ST type hardware.

In addition to basic testing, some mechanical and environmental tests per IEC or Telcordia are also performed periodically to guarantee the best quality. For standard patch cords, sampling check is performed on ferrule geometry to ensure high percentage of polished connectors meeting GR-326 requirements. For premium grade, ferrule geometry is tested on all patch cords to meet these GR-326 requirements.

Other than standard single mode and multimode fibers, OM2, and OM3 fibers are also available upon request. Flame retardant grade cable sheathing options are offered. Riser rated cable will be provided as standard. LSZH and Plenum can be provided upon request.

Features

. ST compatible bayonet coupling
. Metal body and zirconia ferrule
. Low insertion loss and high return loss
. Materials meet RoHS requirements
. Riser, Plenum, and LSZH cables available

Applications

. Local Area Networks
. Fast Ethernet
. Fiber Channel
. ATM Networks
. Instrumentation

FiberStore provides various types of optical patch cords including common single-mode 9/125, OM1 62.5/125, OM2 50/125, 10G OM3/OM4 patch cables, armored patch cables, fiber optic pigtails, multi core patch cables, MPO/MTP patch cables and other special patch cables. SC, ST, FC, LC, MU, MTRJ, E2000, APC/UPC terminations(fiber optic connectors) are all available.

The Meaning of The Fiber Optic Patch Cord

Fiber is divided into two categories:

Single mode fiber: General optical fiber jumper in yellow, connector and protective sleeve in blue; transmission distance is longer.

Multimode fiber: General optical patch cord in orange, and some in gray, fittings and protection applied beige or black; transmission distance is shorter.

Fiber Optic Connector Type:

There are many types of fiber jumpers, according to connector shape can be divided into: FC, SC, ST, LC fiber cable, etc.; can be divided according to the type of ferrule: PC, UPC, APC, etc.; according to type can be divided into single mode optical fiber, 50 / 125 Multimode, 62.5/125 multimode, polarization, etc.; based on fiber diameter can be divided into: 900μm, 2mm, 3mm and so on.

Applications

Fiber access products are widely applied to: communications room, fiber to the home, local area networks, fiber optic sensors, fiber optic communication systems, fiber optic transmission equipment connected, defense readiness, etc.

Uses and Features:

A variety of high quality fiber optic patch cords and pigtails broadband for cable television, telecommunications networks, computer networks and optical fiber test equipment.

Fiber optic patch cords and pigtails fiber counts and physical structure according to customer special requirements. High return loss and low insertion loss. Using high precision ceramic ferrule. Precision ground and fully testing.

Optical Fiber Using Precautions:

Both ends of the optical fiber jumper wavelength transceiver module must be consistent, that must be the same at both ends of fiber optic wavelength optical module, a simple distinction is consistent with the color of the optical module. Under normal circumstances, short-wave optical module using multimode fiber (orange fiber), long wavelength single-mode fiber module (yellow fibers), in order to ensure data accuracy. Do not use excessive fiber in bending and circling, this will increase the attenuation of light in the transmission process.

Fiber Optic Patch Cord Features

. Low insertion loss

. Good repeatability

. Large return loss

. Mutual Insert performance

. Good temperature stability

In optical fiber access process, fiber jumpers plays a huge role, for example:

. Optical fiber communication system

. Optical access network

. Optical fiber data transmission

. Optical fiber CATV

. Local Area Network (LAN)

. Test equipment

. Optical fiber sensor

As the best Chinese fiber optic products supplier, FiberStore Inc. provides various types of optical patch cord including common single-mode 9/125, OM1 62.5/125, OM2 50/125, 10G OM3/OM4 patch cables, armored patch cables, fiber optic pigtails, multi core patch cables, MPO/MTP patch cables and other special patch cables. SC, ST, FC, LC, MU, MTRJ, E2000, APC/UPC terminations(fiber optic connectors) are all available.

How To Choose LC Fiber Patch Cables

The History of LC connectors

The LC connector was developed by Lucent Technologies. It is a evolutionary approach to achieving the goals of SFF (Small Form Factor) connector. The LC connector utilizes the traditional components of a SC duplex connector having independent ceramic ferrules and housings with the overall size scaled down by one half.

The LC family of connectors includes a stand-alone simplex design, a behind-the-wall connector, and the duplex connector available in both single mode and multimode tolerances, all designed using the RJ-style latch.

The most critical parameters you should be looking

Many manufacturers make LC fiber cable, but they are not all created equal. Here are the most critical optical performance parameters you should be looking closely.

. Single mode lc fiber patch cables

Single mode LC patch cords comes in several polishing favors: PC, UPC and APC.

PC stands for physical contact

This is the most basic polishing. The back reflection is not too good, especially for a single mode fiber system. The back reflection is less than -45dB. Since single mode fiber systems are 
particularly sensitive to back reflections, we don’t recommend using PC polish. You should always choose a UPC polish for single mode LC fibers.

UPC stands for Ultra Physical Contact.

It provides a better back reflection performance: less than -50dB. While not offering the superior optical return loss performance of an APC connector – UPC connector has return loss (back 
reflection) characteristics that are acceptable for intraplant serial digital video or data transmissions.

APC stands for Angled Physical Contact.

The endface is polished precisely at an 8 degree angle to the fiber cladding so that most return loss is reflected into the cladding where it cannot interfere with the transmitted signal or damage the laser source.

As a result, APC connectors offer a superior RL performance of -65 dB. APC LC fiber cables are best for high bandwidth applications and long haul links since it offers the lowest return loss (RL) characteristics of connectors currently available.

However, it is extremely difficult to terminate an LC APC connector at 8 degrees with any consistent level of success in the field.

. Multimode LC fiber patch cables

Multimode LC fiber optic patch cords have only one type of polishing: PC (Physical Contact) polishing.

However, there are at least three types of common multimode fibers to choose from. 62.5/125um multimode fiber (also called OM1), 50/125um multimode fiber (also called OM2), and 10Gig laser 
optimized 50/125um multimode fiber (also called OM3).

Among multimode LC fiber patch cables, usually you only care about the insertion loss which should be no more than 0.3 to 0.5dB.

Fiber cable LC come in many different configurations, such as LC to FC, LC to ST, LC to LC, LC to MTRJ, LC SC patch cord and more. LC fibers are also available in simplex and duplex configurations. What type of lc patch cords do you would like to buy?