Fiber patch cables
A fiber patch cable (or patch cord) is a length of optical fiber with a connector on each end, used to link a transceiver to a patch panel or to another device. To pick the right one, match four things: the fiber type (single-mode or multimode), the connector (LC, SC or MPO), the polish, and the number of fibers.
Request a QuoteSingle-mode or multimode
The fiber type must match the transceiver. Single-mode fiber (OS2) has a narrow core, is typically jacketed yellow, and carries long-reach signals such as LR, ER and ZR optics. Multimode fiber has a wider core and is used for short reach optics such as SR. It comes in grades (OM3, OM4 and OM5) that differ in how far they can carry high-speed signals, and OM3 and OM4 jackets are commonly aqua while OM5 is commonly lime green.
Plugging a single-mode transceiver into multimode fiber, or the reverse, usually produces a poor or unusable link, so confirm the transceiver’s fiber type first.
Connector types
Three connector families cover most data center links:
- LC: a small duplex connector used by most SFP and QSFP optics with two fibers (a transmit and a receive).
- SC: a larger push-pull connector found on older equipment and some patch panels.
- MPO (often sold as MTP): a multi-fiber connector carrying 8, 12 or 16 fibers, used by parallel optics such as SR4 and DR4 and for high-density trunk cabling.
Polish and polarity
Connector ends are polished either UPC or APC. APC connectors have an angled end face, are typically green, and are used where low back-reflection matters. UPC and APC connectors must not be mixed in the same link, because the angled and flat faces do not mate properly.
MPO cables also have a polarity (commonly called Type A, B or C), which defines how fibers at one end map to the other. Parallel-optic links need the polarity that matches the rest of the channel, including any cassettes or panels, so tell us what is already installed.
Length and handling
Order the length that fits the route without pulling tight. Fiber has a minimum bend radius, and sharp bends add loss or damage the fiber, so leave gentle slack at each end. Keep connector end faces capped when not in use and clean them before mating, since dust is a common cause of high loss.
What to include in your quote request
- Fiber type and grade (single-mode OS2, or multimode OM3, OM4 or OM5)
- Connector on each end (LC, SC or MPO) and, for MPO, fiber count and polarity
- Polish (UPC or APC)
- Simplex or duplex, and length
- The transceivers or panels it connects to