Table of Contents：
Ⅰ. What is a fiber optic patch cables?
Ⅱ. The structure of fiber optic patch cables
Ⅲ. Types of fiber optic patch cables
Ⅳ. How to choose fiber optic patch cables?
Ⅴ. Precautions for the use of fiber optic patch cables
Due to the exponential growth of traffic data, optical fiber connection, which is still a relatively new technology, has emerged as one of the fundamental foundations of contemporary communication and is now essential to modern telecommunication networks.
Ⅰ. What is a fiber optic patch cables?
Fiber optic cables with connector connections on both ends and a stronger protective layer are known as patch cables. In addition to other uses, it is principally used in optical fiber communication systems, optical fiber access networks, optical fiber data transmission networks, and local area networks. It can be utilized in optical test equipment, computer optical fiber networks, cable television networks, and communication networks.
Ⅱ. The structure of fiber optic patch cables
With the exception of the lack of a mesh shielding layer and the glass core in the middle, fiber optic patch cables are structurally identical to coaxial cables. The core is encased in a glass shell, which is then covered in a thin plastic jacket (PVC or Teflon) on the outside.
Understanding the differences between fiber patch cables and pigtails is essential. The pigtail only has one end with a connector plug, while the other end has a fiber optic cable core that has been fusion spliced to another cable core after being severed. Other related devices like couplers and jumpers are also used. On both sides of the jumper, movable connectors are present. There are many different sizes and shapes for interfaces. Different couplers are required for different interfaces. The jumper has two sections and can be worn as a pigtail.
Ⅲ. Types of fiber optic patch cables
Fiber optic patch cables, sometimes referred to as optical fiber connectors, are optical fiber connections that are connected to optical modules. They cannot be combined. The GBIC uses a SC fiber optic connector, whereas the SFP module uses an LC fiber optic connector. The following gives a thorough review of a few optical fiber connectors that are frequently used in network engineering:
①fiber optic patch cables of the FC type:
External reinforcement is provided by a metal sleeve, and fastening is accomplished with a turnbuckle. It is frequently utilized on the ODF side (the most used on the patch panel)
②The connector connecting the GBIC optical module has a rectangular shell and a plug-and-pull fastening method that does not require rotation. SC type fiber optic patch cables. (Seen most frequently on network switches)
③Fiber optic patch cables of the ST type have a rounded external shell and are typically attached with turnbuckles in optical fiber distribution frames. (Connections using 10Base-F use standard ST connectors.) This material is widely used to make the distribution frames for fiber optics.)
④LC-type fiber optic patch cables: This type of connector uses a simple modular jack (RJ) latch mechanism to link SFP modules. (Routers frequently use this phrase.)
It can be separated into FC, ST, SC, LC, MU, MPO/MTP, E2000, MTRJ, SMA, and other connector types. The connectors used to link optical modules are primarily LC, SC, and these three types of MPO/MTP. The end-face contact techniques include PC, UPC, and APC. When buying optical fiber jumpers, customers must take into account the issue with the connectors.
It can be classified into three categories based on the color of the connector: blue (often used for single-mode connectors), beige, and gray (commonly used for multi-mode connectors).
The tail cover can be classified into the following hues: gray, blue, green, white, red, black, and turquoise.
It can be separated into single core, double core, 4 cores, 6 cores, 8 cores, 12 cores, 24 cores, 48 cores, and 72 cores depending on the number of fiber cores, or as the client specifies.
Multimode fiber and single mode fiber can be distinguished based on the diameter of the core. A multi-mode fiber is one that transmits numerous modes at a single operating wavelength, has a high dispersion loss, and a short transmission range. These characteristics make multi-mode fibers ideal for short-distance optical fiber communication systems. A single-mode fiber with a 9 m diameter that can only carry light in one mode and has very little intermodal dispersion is ideal for long-distance communication.
The ITU-T standard divides communication fibers into seven categories, including G.651, a multimode fiber, and G.652, G.653, G.654, G.655, G.656, and G.657. The single-mode fibers G.651–G.657. Multimode fibers are divided as OM1–OM5 by ISO/IEC. Local area networks (LANs) and data centers are the principal applications for these five types of multimode fibers (DCNs). The aforementioned fiber jumpers (ETU-LINK) are readily available.
Depending on the customer’s needs, the fiber length can be modified.
According to the material used for the cable outer sheath, there are several types available, including regular, regular flame-retardant, low-smoke halogen-free (LZSH), low-smoke halogen-free flame-retardant, armoring, etc. A new kind of fiber optic patch cable called an armored jumper can be used in dangerous situations like the equipment room. Standard fiber optic patch cables lack the compressive and tensile strength of armored patch cables, which enhances the safety of stainless steel hoses.
Ⅳ. How to choose fiber optic patch cables?
In fiber optic patch connections, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 multimode, and OS2 single mode optical fibers are frequently used. Among the different types of optical fiber jumper connectors are SC, ST, FC, LC, MTRJ, and E2000. There isn’t actually a solution that works for everyone, therefore you must make a decision depending on your personal requirements. What aspects must to be taken into account while choosing a jumper for your network? Just adhere to these straightforward directions.
1. Types of fiber optic connectors
Different connectors, primarily MPO, SC, FC, LC, and ST interface jumpers, are used for various devices:
(1). MPO type fiber optic patch cables are utilized in high-density data centers and for connecting 40G and 100G optical modules;
(2). LC fiber optic patch cables: These cables use modular connectors to connect SFP optical modules, and routers typically use this type of jumper;
(3). SC-type fiber optic patch cables: The GBIC optical module is connected by SC-type fiber optic patch connections. It has a rectangular shell and a plug-in latch type fastening system that does not require rotation. Typically, it is utilized in switches and routers;
(4). For FC type fiber optic patch cables, the turnbuckle fastening method is typically utilized on the distribution frame, and metal sleeves are used for external strengthening;
Turnbuckles are typically used on the distribution frame to secure ST-type fiber optic patch cables, which have a round shell.
- Fiber Type
While single-mode fiber optic patch cables use 9/125um fiber, multi-mode fiber optic patch cables use 50/125um or 62.5/125um fiber. Single-mode fiber optic patch cables are used for long-distance data transmission whereas multi-mode fiber optic patch cables are used for short-distance data transfer. While multi-mode fiber optic patch cables are categorized as OM2 (orange), OM3 (water blue), OM4 (purple), and OM5 (orange), single-mode fiber optic patch cables have a yellow jacket (apple green).
3. Connector grinding method
Different grinding techniques impact the optical fiber transmission quality; PC/UPC is blue, while APC is green.
Physical contact is referred to as PC (Physical Contact). The fiber core is positioned at the maximum point of bending, eliminating the air gap between the fiber components and bringing the two fiber end faces into direct contact. The ferrule’s surface is ground into a tiny spherical form.
UPC refers to the ultra-physical end face (Ultra Physical Contact). The end face of the UPC connector has a slight curvature enabling more precise mating even though it isn’t completely flat. The end surface of UPC is more dome-shaped and has better end surface polishing and surface shine than PC. In APC (Angled Physical Contact), the fiber end face is typically beveled to an 8° angle. The 8° angled bevel permits tighter fiber endfaces and better connection performance by reflecting light through its bevel angle to the cladding rather than back to the source.
The insertion loss of PC, UPC, and APC connectors is typically less than 0.3dB; however, UPC/PC connectors are simpler to achieve low insertion loss due to the smaller air gap. PC return loss is -45 dB, UPC return loss is frequently -50 dB (or even more), and APC industry standard return loss is -60 dB.
4.PVC and LSZH are frequently utilized in fiber optic patch cords as the protective sleeve material.
Although it is relatively pricey, LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) is a low-smoke, halogen-free material with good environmental protection and flame retardant qualities. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) polyvinyl chloride material is cheap yet combustible and emits poisonous gas, making it unsuitable for use indoors.
It’s crucial to consider how long we’ll be wearing our fiber jumpers while selecting them. When selecting fiber optic patch cables, it’s important to take into account the reliability of the material, as well as the transmission rate, loss, and specific parameter information.
When using fiber optic patch cables, the end face of the ferrule should be covered to prevent bumps, and the dust cap should be put on right away after disassembly. The laser signal shouldn’t face the end face of the fiber directly during transmission.
Ⅴ. Precautions for the use of fiber optic patch cables
A word of caution while using fiber optic patch cables: (including single-mode fiber jumpers and multi-mode fiber jumpers)
1 The optical modules’ transceiver wavelengths must coincide; specifically, they must do so at both ends of the fiber jumper. Comparing the colors of different fiber jumpers is the most popular differentiating method.
2 Unless otherwise specified. In the short-wave optical module, orange multimode fiber is utilized. The long-wave module makes use of yellow single-mode fiber. This is a widespread fallacy because it depends on the configuration chosen by the manufacturer. To guarantee accurate data transport, this is done.
3 The fiber optic patch cord shouldn’t be overly bent or wrapped during use because it is constructed of a delicate material. Even if there is a protective cover, pay attention to it. In addition to being simple to destroy, it will increase the amount of light that is transmitted. Reducing the intensity of something is a process known as attenuation.
4 Fiber Optic Patch Cable Protection: If the optical fiber coupling is not dust- and oil-proof after being attached, it will be harmed.
