Patch cord and the Fiber Connector Types

A patch cord or the optical jumper is the length of cable with connectors on the ends that is used to connect an end device to something else, such as a power source. One of the most common uses is connecting a desktop, laptop, or other end devices to a wall outlet. Patch cord is also known as patch cable. A patch cable is a copper cable that has an RJ45, GG45 or TERA connector on both ends; although hybrid versions exist that have different types of connectors on the ends. Fiber patch cords are typically called fiber jumpers and are either mode conditioning jumpers or standard jumpers. A patch cable may also be used to connect a server or a switch port to the structured cabling system. Although the new standards do not allow doing so, sometimes a patch cable is used to connect a server directly to a switch port. If patch cords are included when the cabling channel is tested, it is a called channel test, but it is a permanent link test otherwise. Special connectors are essential to test patch cables, which should not be tested by using other test methods.

Usage of a patch cable as an Ethernet cable:- An Ethernet cable and a patch cable can be the same thing but the Ethernet is usually shorter to “Patch” in from the patch panel to the switch.

Working methods of patch panels:- Here each port connects by means of a patch cable, and sends data to an outgoing port location. 

Fiber Connector Types

SC Connector:- SC fiber connectors use 2.5mm ferrule to hold a single mode fiber (SMF). And SC connector has a square shaped connector body, which is the source of name square connector. For its excellent performance, fiber optic SC connector remains the second most common connector. SC fiber connector is ideally suited for data-coms and telecoms.

LC Connector:- The LC fiber optic connector has become the universal fiber connector for today’s optical telecom applications. LC fiber connector use 1.25mm ferrule, which make it perfect for high density cabling. There are two type of LC connector, single mode LC connector and multimode LC connector.

ST Connector:- ST connectors are one of the most popular connecter. This connector use 2.5mm ferrule that stays in place with a half-twist bayonet mount.

FC Connector:- The first fiber connector was FC fiber connector. It is unlike the plastic bodied SC and LC connector, it utilizes a round screw-type fitment made from nickel-plated or stainless steel.