Cable & Wire | High quality and excellent service at reasonable prices.
info@zion-communication.com
Author: James Publish Time: 13-06-2025 Origin: Site
While deploying or upgrading a network, the type of cables you choose will have an impact on the quality, cost, and complexity of the deployment. If terms such as Pre-term Copper Trunks Cables, Copper Patch Cables, or MTP/MPO fiber cables are new to you and you wonder what they are and which one is appropriate – this guide is for you.
The easy terms make it seem like a brawl, but in reality, they are just different types of cables.
These are the small, thin, flexible cables – kind of like the ones you find yourself using every day to link your laptop, let's say, to a router or switch. Maybe even without realizing it.
Looks like: A single cable with RJ45 plug on each end.
Good for: Short distances, like between your desk and the wall.
Pros: Cheap, handy (plug it in or swap out anytime).
Length: Usually 0.5 to 5 meters.
They are the stronger version of Copper Patch Cables. The main difference is that instead of having one long cable, they bundle several wires together in one jacket and come pre-terminated, meaning you simply connect the pre-installed connectors.
Looks like: A thick bundled cable with connectors already on.
Good for: Data centers or server rooms where many connections need to be made quickly and neatly.
Pros: Saves time, less mess, reliable quality.
Length: Usually 5 to 30 meters.
These are high-speed lightwave communications cables when you need really speedy data transfers, often over long distances. Rather than employing a metallic wire, they use light to communicate information.
Looks like: Slim cables with special multi-fiber connectors.
Good for: High-speed connections between switches, racks, or buildings.
Pros: Super fast, lightweight, no signal interference.
Length: Up to several kilometers (depending on the fiber type).
Feature | Copper Trunk Cable | Patch Cable |
Design | Bundled multiple cables into one | Single cable |
Connector | Pre-installed RJ45 or jack modules | RJ45 plug on both ends |
Flexibility | Not very – made for fixed connections | Very flexible – easy to move or replace |
Setup Time | Fast – just plug and go | Slower – one cable at a time |
Best Use | Large installs like data centers | Workstations, offices, small networks |
Feature | Copper Trunk Cable | MTP/MPO Fiber Cable |
Transmission Type | Electricity (twisted copper pairs) | Light (glass fiber) |
Speed & Distance | Up to 10Gbps, max 100 meters | Up to 400Gbps, can reach kilometers |
Cable Size | Thick and heavy | Thin and lightweight |
EMI Resistance | Prone to interference from power lines | Immune to electromagnetic interference |
Best Use | Short, cost-effective connections | High-speed links in data centers or across buildings |
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:
Scenario | Best Cable Type | Why? |
Connecting a computer to a wall port | Patch Cable | Simple, cheap, flexible |
Linking racks in a server room | Copper Trunk Cable | Neat, fast to install, reliable |
Connecting floors in a building | MTP/MPO Fiber Cable | High speed, long range, clean setup |
Future-proofing a new data center | MTP/MPO Fiber Cable | Handles higher speeds and upgrades |
Temporary setups or frequent changes | Patch Cable | Easy to swap or move around |
Copper cables: Do not run them next to power lines. Avoid sharp bends in their corning radius.
Fiber cables: Pay attention to the cleanliness of the connectors and be cautious with the polarity (which end connects where).
Label both ends: Whichever type of cable, good labels will save you the effort of guessing in the future.
Each cable type has its own job to do:
Copper Patch Cables: Adaptable for small footprint installations.
Copper trunks: Mass-produced and ideal for permanent (clean) installations in server rooms.
MTP/MPO fiber: The standard for high-speed, long-distance, or next generation networks.
For the creation of the network, the most effective technique is typically to combine different elements according to the system requirements.
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
