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Author: James Publish Time: 12-08-2021 Origin: Site
A fiber-optic patch cable that is also known as a patch cord or patch lead is a fiber-optic cable having two ends that are fitted with connectors for fast and reliable interconnection of appliances such as CATV systems, optical switches, transmitters, receivers, terminal boxes, and some other telecommunications equipment.
Owing to its more durable external covering, patch cords are routinely employed as an interface between optical terminals and terminal boxes. They are also the most commonly used type in optical communication systems, access networks, data transmission, LANs, and generally in data centers.
High-tech fiber patch cables have been learning alongside human beings through their progress, and now the market provides a broad range of them. It can be really confusing to choose the right fiber optic patch cable and its manufacturer. The purpose of the subsequent article is to provide you the complete knowledge base about fiber optic patch cables – their types, components, specifications, and things to look for so that you can ultimately come up with the correct decision.
Fiber optic patch cables come in a wide range of configurations to suit different transmission requirements, environments, and application scenarios. The following classification system helps users understand and select the appropriate type.
Mode | Description | Typical Use | Core Size |
Single Mode (SM) | Transmits a single light mode for long distances with low attenuation | Long-distance telecom, high-speed data (10G/40G/100G), WAN | ~9μm |
Multimode (MM) | Allows multiple light modes; shorter range, lower cost | LAN, data centers, short links | 50μm or 62.5μm |
– OM1 | Legacy MM, limited to 1G | Low-speed, short-range | 62.5/125μm |
– OM2 | Up to 10G at short distances | Basic MM links | 50/125μm |
– OM3 | Laser-optimized, 10G–40G | Modern MM networks | 50/125μm (Aqua jacket) |
– OM4 | Extended OM3 with better performance | Data center 40G/100G | 50/125μm (Aqua jacket) |
– OM5 | Wideband MMF for SWDM | Hyperscale 100G+ | 50/125μm (Lime green jacket) |
Connector | Description | Typical Applications |
LC/UPC or LC/APC | Compact 1.25 mm ferrule | High-density switches, SFP transceivers |
SC/UPC or SC/APC | 2.5 mm ferrule, push-pull | GPON/EPON, ONU, media converters |
FC/UPC or FC/APC | Threaded, high stability | Test equipment, telecom backbone |
ST/UPC | Bayonet-style, legacy | Educational setups, labs |
MPO/MTP | Multi-fiber connector (12, 24, 48 fibers) | 40G/100G/400G data center |
CS/SN | Ultra-high density duplex | 400G breakout & switch ports |
E2000, MU, MTRJ | Specialty connectors | Specific enterprise & industrial uses |
Type | Description | Application |
Simplex | One fiber, one connector at each end | TX or RX only links |
Duplex | Two fibers (TX & RX) | Standard Ethernet transmission |
Multi-core / MPO | 4/8/12/24/48+ fibers | High-speed parallel optical interconnects |
A simplex connector means one fiber connector exists at each end of the cable. It means that one end is a transmitter while the other side is the receiver and they cannot be made interchangeably. It is used only for Bidi (bi-directional) transceivers. Simplex cables are less costly as well as faster broadens the speed of transmission. Duplex Strands engage no more than two fibers and put the double-fiber connector – a great advantage over simplex. The first strand transmits one way and then the next strand returns the previous way. Another example to mention is simplex which can only send in one direction which is a huge limitation.
Type | Description | Use Case |
Standard Patch Cable | Single or duplex structure with standard jacket | General indoor connection |
Armored Patch Cable | Stainless-steel tube inside for crush and rodent protection | Industrial, harsh environments |
Bend-Insensitive Fiber Cable (BIF) | Uses G.657 fiber; minimal signal loss under tight bends | FTTH, indoor tight routing |
Mode Conditioning Patch Cable | Hybrid cable with offset SM-MM core | 1000Base-LX over MMF |
Waterproof / Outdoor Patch Cable | UV-resistant, waterproof design | FTTH, towers, curbside access |
Fan-out / Breakout Cable | MPO/MTP to LC/SC/FC/others | Rack-to-device interconnection |
Jacket Type | Material | Features | Typical Usage |
PVC | Polyvinyl Chloride | Basic flame retardancy, flexible | Standard indoor |
LSZH | Low Smoke Zero Halogen | Emits low smoke, non-toxic | Enclosed public spaces |
OFNR | Optical Fiber Nonconductive Riser | Fire-resistant for riser-rated areas | Between floors in a building |
OFNP | Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum | Highest flame resistance | Air handling plenum spaces |
Armored Jacket | Stainless steel + PVC | Crush/rodent resistant | Harsh industrial environments |
Polish Type | Return Loss | Surface | Usage |
PC | -30 dB | Curved endface | Obsolete, replaced by UPC |
UPC | -50 dB | Smooth finish | Digital transmission, short links |
APC | -60 dB | 8° angled endface | Long-distance, FTTx, high precision |
Option | Description |
Standard Lengths | 0.5m, 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 30m, 50m, 100m |
Custom Lengths | Can be tailored to user request |
Standard Compliance | TIA/EIA-568, ISO/IEC 11801, RoHS |
Connector | Description | Appearance | Application Scenarios |
LC (Lucent Connector) | Small form factor, push-pull latch | Compact square with latch | Data centers, SFP/SFP+ transceivers |
SC (Subscriber Connector) | Snap-in connector with push-pull operation | Square plastic body | GPON, CATV, media converters |
FC (Ferrule Connector) | Screw-on type, durable | Threaded metal housing | Industrial, test equipment, lab |
ST (Straight Tip) | Bayonet-style twist-lock | Round with bayonet | Legacy systems, education |
MU (Miniature Unit) | Half the size of SC | Compact SC-type | High-density LAN/WAN |
MTRJ (Mechanical Transfer RJ) | Duplex in a single connector | RJ-like duplex plug | Compact multimode applications |
E2000 | High-performance, spring-loaded shutter | Protective shutter tip | High-speed telecom, data links |
LSH (similar to E2000) | High return loss, similar to APC | Green push-pull | CATV, measurement systems |
DIN (DIN 47256) | Screw-type metal body | Rugged circular | Industrial, railways, automation |
SMA 905 / 906 | Military-grade, threaded metal | ️️Bullet-shaped metal | Military, aerospace, spectroscopy |
MT/MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) | 12/24/48/72 fibers | Rectangular with pins | High-density 40G/100G/400G backbones |
MTP (Enhanced MPO) | Higher performance MPO variant | Premium MPO (US Conec) | QSFP, data centers, SANs |
CS Connector | Compact duplex for 400G | Mini twin LC-type | QSFP-DD/400G high-speed interconnects |
SN Connector | Smaller than LC, twin 1.25 mm ferrules | Slim duplex plug | 400G breakout in hyperscale DCs |
OptiTap (Outdoor hardened connector) | Field-deployable, pre-terminated | Rugged screw cap | FTTH outdoors, curb-to-home drops |
ODC Connector (Outdoor waterproof) | Waterproof, screw coupling | ️️Outdoor-grade housing | Military, FTTx, wireless backhaul |
Expanded Beam Connector | Non-contact, rugged lens design | No physical contact | Harsh environment, mining, military |
Classification | Options / Examples |
By Ferrule Size | 2.5 mm (SC, ST, FC), 1.25 mm (LC, MU, CS) |
By Fiber Count | Single (SC, LC, FC), Duplex (LC Duplex, MTRJ), Multi-fiber (MPO/MTP) |
By Environment | Indoor (LC, SC), Outdoor (OptiTap, ODC), Harsh (SMA, Expanded Beam) |
By Polish Type | UPC / APC (SC/APC, LC/APC, etc.) |
By Performance | Standard (SC, LC), High-density (CS, SN), High-reliability (E2000, LSH) |
Application | Recommended Connector |
Data Center Interconnect (40G/100G/400G) | MPO/MTP, CS, SN |
Telecom Central Office / GPON OLT | SC/APC, SC/UPC |
FTTH Drop Cable | SC/APC, LC/APC, OptiTap |
Test & Measurement | FC/UPC, SMA |
Military / Outdoor Use | ODC, SMA, Expanded Beam |
High-density Panels | LC, CS, SN, MU |
QSFP+/QSFP-DD Module Breakouts | MPO → LC, CS, SN |
Material | Description | Application |
PVC | Flexible, cost-effective | General indoor use |
LSZH | Low smoke, halogen-free | Safety-critical areas |
OFNP | Fire-rated for plenum spaces | Commercial buildings |
Jacket Color | Fiber Type |
Yellow | Single-mode OS1/OS2 |
Orange | Multimode OM1/OM2 |
Aqua | Multimode OM3/OM4 |
Lime Green | Multimode OM5 |
Black/Red | Custom/Armored/Military |
A typical fiber patch cable name may include:
Cable Type – Connector A to Connector B – Fiber Mode – Fiber Count – Length – Jacket Type
Example:
LC to SC Duplex OS2 3.0mm 5m LSZH Yellow
The following are common mainstream naming conventions for fiber optic patch cords.
Cable Diameter | Minimum Bend Radius (Static) | Minimum Bend Radius (Dynamic) |
2.0 mm | ~30 mm | ~60 mm |
3.0 mm | ~45 mm | ~90 mm |
Bend-insensitive fibers (G.657) allow for tighter bends without loss.
Always follow the manufacturer’s bend radius guidelines.
Type | Description |
LC-LC UPC OS2 Simplex | Long-distance single-mode |
SC-SC APC OS2 Duplex | PON networks |
LC-SC OM3 Duplex Aqua | Data centers |
Armored LC-LC UPC OS2 | Harsh environments |
Mode Conditioning LC-SC MM | Gigabit Ethernet over MM |
Bend-Insensitive LC UPC G657A2 | FTTH indoor drops |
Fiber patch cables are pretty much the most important building blocks of fiber optic networks as we know them today. Through acquiring knowledge relating to their cardinal classification parameters- connector types, polish, fiber mode, structure, and usage- one is in a position to select the most appropriate fiber patch cable for your projects and avoid performance problems. For the construction of data centers, upgrading telecommunications systems, and for FTTH projects, selecting the right type of fiber patch cable automatically ensures long-term stability, efficiency, and reliability.
For pricing, samples, or more technical specifications, visit:
https://www.zion-communication.com/Fiber-Pacth-Cord.html
Need help selecting your Fiber patch cables? Technician help is readily available today.
James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication.
Specializes in Optical Fiber communications, FTTH Solutions,
Fiber optic cables, ADSS cable, and ODN networks.
james@zion-communication.com
+86 13777460328
