With so many fiber optic patch chords out there, it might be a little bit challenging to identify the one that completes your network the best. Let’s take the multimode fiber optic cables, for example: there are OM1s, OM2s, OM3s, OM4s, and recently OM5 as well. OH, and let’s not forget the many connector types. Is the cable terminated with a hybrid or with a single type connector? Is the connector SC, ST, FC, LC, MTRJ, E2000?
There are so many details you need to remember, we bet you don’t even know where to start. No worries, we’re here to help. The following steps will help you make the right choices for your network infrastructure.
- Select the connector type (LC, SC, ST, FC, MPO, MTP)
Any fiber optic cable is terminated at both ends with a fiber optic connector. Connectors are used to plug the cables in different devices. If both the end devices have the same ports, LC-LC, SC-SC, MPO-MPO fiber optic cables are to be used.
If the connection between two different types of ports needs to be realized, then LC-SC, LC-ST, LC-FC cords are recommended.
- Single Mode or Multimode?
Single Mode cables are used in long-distance data transmission and use 9/125um glass fiber. Multimode cables are more suitable for short distance transmission and use 50/125um or 62.5/125um glass fiber. You can also differentiate them through their colour: SM cord is yellow, while MM is orange or aqua.
| 1000BASE-SX | Multimode – OM1, OM2 |
| 1000BASE-LX | Single Mode |
| 1000BASE-EX | Single Mode |
| 1000BASE-ZX | Single Mode |
| 10GBASE-SR | Multimode – OM3, OM4 |
| 10GBASE-LR | Single Mode |
| 10GBASE-ER | Single Mode |
| 10GBASE-ZR | Single Mode |
| 40GBASE-SR4 | Multimode – OM3, OM4 |
| 40GBASE-LR4 | Single Mode |
| 40GBASE-ER4 | Single Mode |
| 100GBASE-SR10 | Multimode – OM3, OM4 |
| 100GBASE-SR4 | Multimode – OM3, OM4 |
| 100GBASE-LR4 | Single Mode |
| 100GBASE-ER4 | Single Mode |
|
Source: Cable Solutions |
|
- Simplex or Duplex?
When a fiber patch cord has only one fiber connector at each end, this means it is simplex. This type of fiber optic cables are used for Bidirectional transceivers. Duplex involves two fiber cables put side by side and are usually used for common transceivers.
- UPC/APC – Select the right connector polish type
In general, APC performs better than UPC because its loss is lower. APC is usually a bit pricier than UPC connectors. APC connectors are used in FTTx, PON, WDM, applications that call for high precision signalling. For less sensitive applications, UPC is a good solution that will help them perform at a high levell.
- Consider the length
Make sure you know the distance between the devices you intend to connect. Fiber optic cables usually come in different lengths, ranging from 0,50m to 50m.
Source: Cable Solutions
Or, you could simply contact PeakOptical
With over 10 years of experience in the fiber optic field, PeakOptical’s team can assist you in selecting the right products that complete your fiber optic network. PeakOptical manufactures indoor and outdoor fiber optical cables and patch cords. Our cables are available with all commonly used terminations and in all lengths regardless of order quantity.
Our portfolio furthermore includes a wide range of spare connectors, adapters, pigtails and attenuators. You can check our fiber optic cables here.
