The fiber patch cord – types and utilities in science

The fiber patch cord is also called as fiber optical jumper. It is a length of fiber cable that terminated with fiber optic connectors (LC, SC, MTRJ, ST, etc.) at each end. The connectors allow fiber patch cords to rapidly connect to an optical switch or other telecommunications and computer devices. This cord is a key player for indoor use, like in server rooms or in data centers. Superior adaptability and improved security, featuring excellent reliability, this cord has ranked the best choice for applications where conventional copper cables fail to reach.

Now as we consider these, we also need to understand the types and the utilities that it has. In the following section, these are explained in a nutshell.

Fiber cord types:

There are five types of fiber patch cord, such as

1. Fiber cable mode
2. Jacket type
3. Transmission mode
4. Polishing type and
5. Connecter type.

Now let us explain each of these types one by one for a better understanding, as follows:

• Fiber cable mode:- Single mode fiber (OS1, OS2) is colored yellow, while multi-mode fiber colored orange (OM1, OM2) and aqua (OM3, OM4). Single mode fiber patch cord (SMF) has a diameter of (8-10) µm that allows only one mode of transmission, so it can carry signals at much higher speed with lower attenuation. These are ideal for high data rates or long distance transmission. Multimode fiber patch cable (MMF) is made of larger diameter (50 µm and 62.5 µm) that can carry more than one mode of transmission. These are most commonly used for the short distances like the fiber to the desktop or to the patch panel to the equipment. Single mode fiber has less attenuation than Multimode fiber. Multi-mode is more costly than Single-mode fiber. Multimode fiber has much higher bandwidth than the Single-mode fiber. Single mode fiber can't be tapped because of its single path but multi-mode fiber requires a laser source to launch the signal.

• Jacket type:- PVC and LSZH are used to describe the jacket material of the cable. PVC cables are very soft, and LSZH cords are hard as they contain the flame retardant compound that doesn’t emit toxic fumes if it burns. PVC cord is usually used for horizontal runs from the wiring center while LSZH cable is used between floors in building.

• Transmission Mode:- For transmission mode, there is simplex and duplex fiber patch cord. Simplex cable has one fiber and one connector on each end, whereas duplex cables have two fibers and two connectors on each end.

• Polishing Type:- Mostly the Fiber optic connectors are systematically designed and being polished to different shapes to minimize the back reflection. However, this is particularly important in the single mode applications. According to this connector polish types, PC/APC/UPC fiber patch cord is best.

• Connector Type:- Divided by fiber connector, there are same-connector type fiber and hybrid cord. Fiber patch cables that have the same type of connector on both ends include LC to LC cables, SC to SC cord and etc. While hybrid cord has different connectors on each end, like fiber patch cord LC to SC.

This cord has helped many people to achieve larger bandwidths and great speed. So there is possibility to customize your fiber patch cord with specific features as well. An image is provided here for better understanding.