The fiber patch cord appears as the most common and powerful bandwidth feeder widely used for telecommunication and data transmission applications. Various gigabit-capable networks require deploying fiber patch cables, but how do you choose the most suitable one from different types of fiber patch cord? It is essential to understand the basic features of each kind of fiber patch cable – here is a quick guide.
Fiber patch cord at the glance
A fiber patch cord, or fiber patch cable, is a kind of fiber cable that has fiber optic connectors at each end (SC, LC, ST, etc.). These connectors enable the cable to connect to a computer or telecommunication device. Fiber patch cords are widely utilized indoors, particularly in data centers and server rooms. Fiber patch cables appear more reliable than usual copper cables. They feature advanced security and adaptability, as well.
Types of fiber patch cord
The common fiber patch cord types are divided according to specific criteria. The kind of fiber patch cable depends on transmission mode, fiber cord mode, type of jacket, connector, and polishing type.
1. Fiber cable mode
Essentially, when it comes to fiber cord modes, there are single-mode and multimode ones. Single-mode fiber patch cables let just one mode of light travel through their length and feature higher speed. This type of fiber cable offers two solutions – OS1 and OS2 that are good for long-distance transmission, although OS2 provides improved performance.
Besides, the multimode fiber patch cord stands by a more significant core that allows several light modes to be transferred. They are perfect for short-distance transmission and come in 5 kinds – 62.5-micron OM1, 50-micron OM2, 50-micron OM3, 50-micron OM4, and 50-micron OM5.
2. Fiber strands
Fiber optic patch cord types incorporate simplex and duplex variations depending on the number of fiber strands. Simplex cables consist of a single fiber strand, while duplex cables contain two strands of fiber or glass. Simplex cords have simplex connectors on each end, and duplex ones have a single duplex connector or two simplex connectors accordingly.
3. Type of connectors
Multiple connectors used in fiber patch cords involve MPO, MTP, LC, SC, ST, and others. Thus, we can divide cables into same-connector-type fiber patch cables and hybrid fiber patch cables. The first has the same connectors on each end, while the second features different connectors attached to their ends.
4. Type of jacket
Fiber patch cords covered with PVC stand by better flexibility, and they are often utilized for indoor purposes. On the other hand, LSZH fiber patch cables are less flexible but provide flame-resistant elements. It makes these cables ideal to use in public places, like subways.
5. Type of polishing
Polishing types divide fiber patch cords into PC, APC, and UPC variants. APC cables offer less insertion loss when compared to UPC, so they are usually utilized for high-bandwidth applications. PC polishing type is considered out-of-date, so UPC replaces it. Besides, UPC cords suit those optical systems that are less vulnerable to insertion loss.