How to choose the right fiber optic patch cord？

Fiber optic patch cord,also referred to as fiber patch cables,is passive optical components that is widely used in passive optical networks. Fiber optic patch cord are used in data centers, telecommunications, and industrial automation systems. Each cable is typically terminated with standard connectors on both ends, ensuring reliable and high-performance connections.This article aims to how to choose the right fiber optic patch cord.

                                                                                                           Figure1: fiber optic patch cord

What arefiber optic patch cord types?

Fiber optic patch cord are also known as fiber patch cord or jumper cables.Fiber optic patch cord is widely used in structured cabling systems to connect network devices such as transceivers, switches, and patch panels. Each cable is typically terminated with standard connectors SC,LC,FC,ST, MU, MTRJ and MPO on both ends.

Fiber optic patch cord types？

Fiber optic patch cord are classified based on key parameters including fiber mode, fiber count, connector type, and end-face polish. Understanding these specifications is essential for choosing the right cable to match your network's requirements.

By Fiber Mode: Single Mode and Multimode fiber optic patch cord

Single mode fiber and multimode fiber are the two primary categories of fiber optic cable. They are different from core size, transmission distance, and application scenarios:

• Single mode fiber optic patch cord: Single-modefiber optic patch cord is designed to transmit signals over long distances. They have a smaller core diameter（9 μm）, which allows one light mode, enabling long-distance, high-bandwidth transmission.Within SMF, OS1 and OS2 are the two major types—OS2 is optimized for outdoor long-distance cabling with lower attenuation, while OS1 has been largely phased out

   Figure 2: lc to lc single mode patch cord

• 
  

•  Multi-mode fiber optic patch cord: Multi-modefiber optic patch cord is designed to transmit signals for short-distance communication. They have a larger core diameter (50μm or 62.5μm), which support multiple light to be transmitted. For example, inside a building or for the campus.MMF types range from OM1 to OM5, each offering varying speeds and ranges. Multimode fiber patch cable is a common choice to achieve 10 Gbit/s speed over distances required by LAN enterprise and data center applications.

                                                                                                  Figure 3: lc to lc multimode fiber optic patch cord

There are difference between Single Mode and Multimode fiber：

By Fiber Count: Simplex and Duplex fiber optic patch cord

Simplex fiber optic patch cord: Simplexfiber optic patch cord have one fiber and are used for point-to-point connections.

Duplex fiber optic patch cord: Duplexfiber optic patch cord consist of two fiber strands-one for transmit, another one for receive-making it ideal for full-duplex communication and use with standard transceiver pairs. They can be either two separate simplex cables or a single cable with two fibers.

By Connector Type: LC, SC, ST,MPO & Others  fiber optic patch cord

Fiber optic patch cord,also called fiber optic patch cords, come with various connector types.Every fiber optic patch cord is designed to meet different performance and application needs. Some of the most common connector types include LC, SC, FC, ST, MU, MTRJ,E2000 and MPO. Each of these connectors has unique features, such as size, durability, and coupling mechanism, making them suitable for various networking environments.

By Polishing Type: PC vs. UPC vs. APC

The polishing of fiber optic connectors significantly affects return loss and overall signal performance:

UPC (Ultra Physical Contact): Offers low insertion loss and moderate return loss, making it suitable for most Ethernet, telecom, and general data transmission applications.

APC (Angled Physical Contact): With an 8° angled end face, APC minimizes back reflection, making it ideal for FTTH, RF video, and PON systems where precision and low reflection are critical.

PC (Physical Contact): An older design now largely replaced by UPC and APC due to its lower performance.

For applications requiring minimal signal reflection and high precision, APC connectors are the preferred choice. For cost-effective, general-purpose deployments, UPC connectors provide reliable performance.

Specialty fiber optic patch cord Types

These Fiber optic patch cord are designed for harsh, high-density, or specialized environments:

CRRI Armored fiber optic patch cord

CPRI аrmored fiber optic patch cord feature stainless steel or Kevlar reinforcement inside the jacket, protecting against crushing, bending, and rodents. Ideal for factory floors, data centers, or heavy-duty environments.

FTTA fiber optic patch cord

FTTA (Fiber to the Antenna) cables are specialized for outdoor telecom infrastructure, especially in 4G LTE and 5G base station setups. Designed with weatherproofing and rugged sheathing, these cables resist UV, moisture, and extreme temperatures. They enable high-performance connections between RRUs (Remote Radio Units) and BBUs (Baseband Units) or AAUs (Active Antenna Units), delivering low signal loss and high reliability in tower environments.

Multifiber fiber optic patch cord

Multifiberfiber optic patch cord are essentially multiple standard fiber patch cords bundled together, making installation faster and easier. These are available in both indoor and indoor/outdoor versions, catering to various deployment scenarios.

                                                              Figure 4: FTTA fiber optic patch cord

Mode conditioning fiber optic patch cord

Mode conditioning patch cables are designed to support the use of single-mode optics in multimode fiber systems. By integrating a short length of single-mode fiber within a duplex multimode jumper, these cables align the laser signal to minimize differential mode delay (DMD), which causes modal dispersion.

Conclusion

In summary,fiber optic patch cord are essential components in modern communication networks. Choosing the right fiber optic cable is vital for maximizing performance, minimizing loss, and future-proofing your network. By understanding the basics offiber optic patch cord, you can make informed decisions about your communication network and ensure optimal performance.