Fiber Patch Cord SC LC FC ST APC/UPC Types Simplex/Duplex Cable

• Single-mode Fiber (SMF): 

  Single-mode fibers have small core diameters, such as 9 microns, but they are low-loss optical waveguides used for longer distances and higher bandwidth. SM patch cords are primarily used in telecommunications, long-haul networking, and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) systems.

• Multi-mode Fiber (MMF): 

  MM fibers have larger core diameters of approximately 50 or 62.5 µm and support many light modes. It is cost-effective and can transport higher bandwidths through relatively shorter distances compared to optical SMF. MM fiber can transport data over greater distances with most types of applications, like data centers, campus networks, or LANs. It is executed in both OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4 fibers, and more recently, in OM5 fibers which are used for higher bandwidth requirements over short distances.

• Specialty Fibers: 

  Along with PMF and DSF, specialized fibers are manufactured for particular needs such as PMF for keeping the polarization in fibers and DSF to lessen dispersion in long-haul systems.

Choosing fiber type for a patch cord depends on factors like the distance to be covered, bandwidth required, and the matches with already established network infrastructures. The focus should be on the core diameter, material, and loss characteristics so that the fiber performs without any fluctuations in the optical information.

Fiber Cable Structure

• Simplex Fiber Optic Patch Cables:

  The single-channel or simplex fiber optic patch cable features a solitary fiber and a solitary connector. For example, it might be designed to serve as an unidirectional connection where the line of data transmission only needs to go one way, say, in a small home network.

• Duplex Fiber Optic Patch Cables: 

  A duplex fiber optic patch cable differs from a simplex one in that it consists of two fibers and two connectors at each of its ends. Apart from that, fibers are cabled together, which makes each direction of a path to carry a different fiber, cable A, or B. Generally, fibers of LC-LC patch cable are applied in cases where the exchange of data of two-way transmission is demanded, e.g., on the basis of business or enterprise network connections.

• Ribbon Fan-Out Cable Assembly: 

  One end of the ribbon fan-out cable assembly houses the fan-out ribbon fiber with more than one fiber, and the connector like the MTP connector (with 12 fibers) is also there. The other end is formed with multiple simplex fiber cables having connectors such as ST, SC, LC, etc. Such a cable assembly is mostly used in the data center and other applications; for instance, in the data center interconnecting multiple signals with a single ribbon fiber as the source for different destination connections.

Boot Length of the fiber optic connector: Standard Boot vs Short Boot Connectors

Boot length in fiber optic connectors comes in two types, standard and short:

• Standard Boot Connectors:

  Have a longer boot for added protection, suitable for general use where space isn’t limited.

• Short Boot Connectors:

  Feature a shorter boot, ideal for tight spaces as they allow easier cable routing and maintenance without compromising performance.

Connector Types of Fiber Optic Patch Cord

A fiber optic patch cord is finished with a connector that can provide seamless and fundamental links between optical components. The decision on what the best connector type is derived from the kind of tools and network format.

• SC Connector: 

  The subscriber connector, also known as SC, is a component with a push-pull arrangement and ceramic ferrule, resulting in high quality and simple usage.

• LC Connector: 

  The Lucent Connector (LC) is a very small connector that was introduced to replace the SC connectors, employing a ceramic ferrule. It is widely used in high-density applications on account of being small in size and excellent in performance.

• ST Connector: 

  The Straight Tip (ST) connector has a fast, yet easy engagement and unlock mechanism called bayonet lock, and is suitable for both datacom and telecom applications.

• FC Connector: 

  The Fiber Connector (FC) is also known as the screw-in connections. It is not very popular but only used in research and laboratories for precise alignment, power, and stability.

• MTP/MPO Connector: 

  MTP or MPO (Multi-fiber Push-On/Pull-Off) connectors and connectors used in high-density applications practically always have ribbon fiber cable. These connectors allow us to finish the installation at one time.

It should be noted that each signal’s transmission quality status can be different. If strict conditions are concerned, these frames the basis for choosing the best-matched connector type that is within the requirements such as low insertion loss, return loss, and the ability to upgrade”premises Weather Adaptivity. Choosing the correct connector type ensures that integration with already in-place fixtures and boosting the network functioning.

Connector Polish Types:

There are few types of connective surfaces that exist, namely PC, UPC, and APC. The most common types among them are UPC and APC.

The advantage of an APC connector is that the losses are much lower which makes it possible to use it as opposed to the UPC connector. For example, in applications with low return loss and where high signal fidelity is crucial, e.g., in telecommunications systems or specialized medical equipment, APC polish is likely the right choice.

Nevertheless, one should bear in mind that a price for the improved APC cable performance is its higher cost in comparison to the UPC one. In case the budget is the main limiting factor that does not allow for paying higher prices for lower losses, then the UPC could be another viable choice.

Imagine you are deploying a network at home, a simple task where you are not required to have the highest precision and minimum return loss, a UPC could also be better choice. This time, for the mentioned UPC polish, its characteristics would be appropriate and considerable for the desired economization.

While having an extensive experience of managing a large-scale business data center that has substantial performance optimization as a paramount condition, in such a case, it might make sense to put money into APC polishes that can make a noticeable difference in the computational power and system reliability.

In the end, whether one opts for APC or UPC polled is dictated by a couple of factors, to name a few – return loss sensitivity of the application, the need for high precision in signaling, as well as the financial budget available. Reflecting on these factors cautiously ensures the appropriate solution is chosen fitting to the requirements of any given situation.

Fiber Cable Sizes: The Proper Diameter for Your Purpose

The size of the jacket of the fiber optic cable suitable for the relevant tasks is one of the considerations you may take into account when dealing with fiber optic connectors.

• 0.9mm Fiber Optic Patch Cord:

  High-density environments: In a crammed setup like that within racks or cabinets in a data center with little space, this type is a perfect fit for you since it has a tiny diameter.

  Fiber equipment connections: It is meant for high-density environments, such as data centers and network equipment locations that require numerous cabling connections.

• 2.0mm Fiber Optic Patch Cord:

  General data communication: It is used in environments that are common for data communication where it provides superior mechanical resistance and robustness in comparison to 0.9mm cords, but it is also easy to install and connect.

  LAN networks: Utilized in buildings for LAN-based connections within the organizations to their network devices, servers, and other ends of the network.

• 3.0mm Fiber Optic Patch Cord:

  Industrial environments: It turns out a great solution in harsh environments such as offices for large manufacturing plants that include machinery and production processes which require a heavy duty outer sheathing to provide better protection against mechanical damage and environmental factors respectively.

Long-distance communication: There is a provision for this type of fiber optic patch cord for longer-distance transmission as well as high protective performance, important in case of campus, house-to-house, and indoor transmission applications.

In terms of the diameter of fiber optic patch cords, it is worth mulling over the particulars of the installation setting, connection requirements, and when these links are used to make sure that they will always be reliable and provide you with a connection that is problem-free for you.

Customize Your Outdoor Optical Fiber Cable

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