Fiber Optic Patch Cords Guide | Types, Connectors & Applications

A fiber optic patch cord (fiber jumper) is:

• A short fiber cable with connectors on both ends

• With a strong protective jacket

• Used to connect optical devices and complete the link

In simple words:
A patch cord is the “bridge” that connects two fiber devices and lets them talk to each other.

ZION Communication supplies both standard patch cords and custom assemblies to match your equipment, distance, and installation environment.

Single-mode (SM, OS1/OS2)

• Core: ~9 µm

• Very low attenuation

• Used for long-distance and backbone links

• Typical color: yellow jacket

Multimode (MM: OM1/OM2/OM3/OM4/OM5)

• Core: 50 µm or 62.5 µm

• Used for short-distance, high-speed links inside buildings and data centers

• Typical colors:

• OM1 / OM2 – orange

• OM3 / OM4 – aqua (OM4 may also be magenta)

• OM5 – lime green

ZION can supply all mainstream standards: OS2, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, with customized fiber brands and specs upon request.

Under the jacket, ZION uses aramid yarn (Kevlar) as a strength member:

• Absorbs pulling force during installation

• Protects the fragile glass core

• Offers high tensile strength while keeping the cable lightweight

This design helps your patch cords survive real-world handling, not just lab tests.

If your project has its own color scheme, ZION can provide customized jacket colors and printing (logo, length, part number, etc.).

ZION offers different jacket materials to match global project standards:

• PVC
  Flexible, economical
  For general indoor use

• LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)
  Low smoke, low toxicity in case of fire
  Recommended for public buildings, tunnels, airports, metro, etc.

• OFNR (Riser)
  For vertical riser shafts between floors
  Complies with riser fire regulations

• OFNP (Plenum)
  Highest fire rating
  Used in air-handling spaces and plenums

If you tell ZION your installation environment and local standard (EU, US, Middle East, etc.), our team can recommend the most suitable jacket type.

• Simplex patch cord
  One fiber, one connector at each end
  One-way transmission
  Used in some specific point-to-point links

• Duplex patch cord
  Two fibers, two connectors at each end
  One fiber for Tx, one for Rx
  Standard choice for most Ethernet, FTTH, and equipment connections

ZION duplex patch cords usually have A/B polarity identification, making installation and troubleshooting easier.

• SC
  Square push-pull connector, 2.5 mm ferrule
  Easy operation, cost-effective
  Widely used in FTTH, PON, CATV, ODFs

• LC
  Miniature version of SC, 1.25 mm ferrule
  Ideal for high-density panels and data centers
  Common with SFP/SFP+/QSFP modules

• FC
  Metal screw-type connector
  High stability and anti-vibration
  Used in telecom, test/lab equipment

• ST
  Bayonet-style connector
  Still seen in some legacy multimode networks

• MPO/MTP
  Multi-fiber connector (8/12/24 cores…)
  Used for 40G/100G/400G and high-density trunk cabling

ZION can provide:

• SC–SC, LC–LC, FC–FC, ST–ST

• SC–LC, SC–FC, LC–FC, etc.

• MPO–LC / MPO–SC breakout assemblies

If you send us photos or specs of the device ports, we can quickly recommend the correct connector type and hybrid combination.

The ferrule end-face affects reflection performance:

• PC (Physical Contact)
  Standard polish for many SM/MM links
  Return loss: around –40 dB

• UPC (Ultra Physical Contact)
  Lower insertion loss and better return loss
  Return loss: around –50 dB

• APC (Angled Physical Contact)
  8° angled end-face, very low back reflection
  Return loss: around –60 dB
  Widely used in FTTH, CATV, RF-over-fiber and sensitive systems

ZION can supply PC / UPC / APC according to your system requirement and device interface.

• MPO/MTP trunk cables
  Multi-fiber connector at both ends
  For backbone links in data centers and central offices

• MPO/MTP breakout (fan-out) cables
  MPO on one side, multiple LC/SC on the other
  Perfect for connecting 40G/100G ports to multiple 10G/25G ports

• Ribbon fan-out cables
  For rack or wall enclosures requiring single-fiber connectors

ZION can provide 8/12/24 fiber MPO/MTP assemblies, tested and labeled according to TIA/EIA polarity standards.

Used for:

• 4G/5G base stations (FTTA)

• RRU/RRH connections

• Outdoor macro and small cells

ZION can supply pre-terminated FTTA patch cords for CPRI/OBSAI links, reducing on-site splicing and speeding up deployment.

Available types:

• Standard uniboot – reversible polarity

• Switchable uniboot – easy polarity change without tools

• Push-pull tab uniboot – easier operation in crowded panels

ZION’s LC uniboot series helps you achieve cleaner cable management and better airflow.

ZION can supply matching sets of pigtails + patch cords, with the same fiber type, color code, and labeling for easy project management.

When you send an inquiry to ZION, we recommend preparing these points:

• Distance & bandwidth
  Short (inside rack/room) → usually multimode (OM3/OM4/OM5)
  Long (campus, backbone) → usually single-mode (OS2)

• Device connector types
  LC, SC, FC, ST, MPO/MTP…
  Same connector both ends or hybrid (e.g. LC–SC)?

• Simplex or duplex
  Most networks → duplex (Tx/Rx)
  Special cases → simplex or multi-core

• Installation environment
  Data center, office, public building, riser, plenum, outdoor?
  Choose PVC / LSZH / OFNR / OFNP / outdoor jacket accordingly.

• Special needs
  Armored?
  Waterproof / FTTA?
  Uniboot / high density?
  Pre-terminated multi-core?

Send these details to ZION Communication, and our technical & sales team will recommend a stable, cost-effective patch cord configuration for you.

Q1: What is a fiber patch cord used for?
It connects optical devices, such as transceivers to patch panels, ODFs to switches, or ONTs to FTTH boxes.

Q2: How do I choose between SC and LC patch cords?
SC: larger, easy to handle, common in FTTH/CATV.
LC: smaller, higher density, preferred in data centers and modern switches.

Q3: What is the difference between simplex and duplex?
Simplex = one fiber, one-way.
Duplex = two fibers, two-way (Tx/Rx). Most Ethernet and PON links use duplex.

Q4: When should I use single-mode vs multimode?
Single-mode (OS2): long-distance, backbone, outdoor links.
Multimode (OM3/OM4/OM5): short-distance, high-speed links inside data centers and buildings.

Q5: Which jacket should I choose: PVC, LSZH, OFNR, OFNP?
Normal indoor: PVC
Public safety focus: LSZH
Vertical shafts: OFNR
Plenum/air-handling spaces: OFNP
ZION can align with local fire codes and project specifications.

• Professional Manufacturer: Years of experience in fiber optic and copper cabling solutions

• Full Product Range: SM/MM, simplex/duplex, MPO/MTP, armored, FTTA, FTTH, uniboot and more

• Strict Quality Control: 100% factory tested for insertion loss and return loss

• Global Standards: Products designed to meet IEC/TIA/ISO and regional fire-safety requirements

• Flexible Customization:

• Connector type & polish (PC/UPC/APC)

• Fiber type & core count

• Jacket material, color, printing

• Lengths and packaging

• OEM / ODM Service: Logo printing, label and packaging customization for distributors and system integrators

Whether you are building a new data center, upgrading a telecom network, or deploying FTTH, choosing the right patch cords will directly affect the stability and maintainability of your system.

Share your project scenario, required standards and device interfaces with ZION Communication, and our team will:

• Help you select the right fiber type, connector and jacket

• Optimize the cost–performance ratio

• Provide consistent quality and lead time for your long-term projects

Need a fiber patch cord solution now?
Send us your requirements (fiber type, connector, length, environment), and ZION Communication will provide you with a tailored configuration and quotation.