Introduction to Fiber Optic Patch Cable

Definition

Fiber optic patch cable, also known as fiber optic patch cord or fiber jumper cable, is a fiber optic cable terminated with fiber optic connectors on both ends. It is characterized by low insertion loss and high return loss, good repeatability and good interchange as well as excellent environmental adaptability. Fiber patch cables are mainly applied in two areas: computer work station to outlet and fiber optic patch panels or optical cross connect distribution center.

Types

Generally, fiber optic patch cables are classified by fiber cable mode, fiber cable structure and connector types etc. According to fiber cable mode, fiber patch cable could be simply divided into single mode patch cable and multimode patch cable. Single mode patch cable is usually yellow with a blue connector and has a longer transmission distance. While the multimode patch cable is orange or grey with a cream or black connector and has a shorter transmission distance.

single mode and multimode patch cable

Single mode (yellow one) and multimode (orange one) fiber patch cable

By fiber cable structure, fiber optic patch cable could be classified into simplex fiber optic patch cable and duplex fiber optic patch cable. Simplex patch cable has only one fiber and one connector on both ends. However, the duplex patch cable has two fibers and two connectors on each end. Each fiber is marked “A” or “B” or different colored connector boots are used to mark polarity.

Connector design standards include FC, SC, ST, LC, MTRJ, MPO, MU, SMA, FDDI, E2000, DIN4, and D4. The commonly used fiber patch cable types include FC fiber patch cable, SC fiber patch cable, ST fiber patch cable and LC fiber patch cable. If the fiber patch cable has the same type of connector on both ends, it would be called same connector type fiber patch cable. For example, LC to LC fiber patch cable is same connector type fiber patch cable. On the contrary, if the fiber patch cable has different connectors on each end, it would be called hybrid fiber optic patch cable. For instance, LC to ST fiber patch cable is hybrid fiber optic patch cable.

Application

When using fiber patch cable, we should pay attention to some details.

  1. Choose the right cable with right connectors according to your equipment.
  2. Protect the fiber patch cable with dust caps as dust or grease contamination will damage the fiber optic connectors and cause reflect and refract loss.
  3. Don’t excessively bend the fiber optic patch cable, or it will increase the attenuation for transmission signal.
  4. When working with fiber patch cords, pay attention to the core diameter. A large attenuation penalty will occur when using 62.5 micron multimode cords in a 50 micron cabling plant, and vice versa.

By reading the above description, hope you have a basic understanding of fiber optic patch cables and know their application principles. If you are looking for fiber patch cables, Fiberstore is a primary option. Fiberstore has various of single and multimode patch cables, including multimode SC patch cable, single mode LC to ST fiber patch cable, LC to LC fiber patch cable etc. For more information, please visit Fiberstore.