How to choose the right fiber patch cables？

Fiber patch cables,also referred to as fiber optic patch cord,are passive optical components that are widely used in passive optical networks. Fiber optic patch cables 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 cables.

                                                                                                                              Figure1: famly fiber patch cables

What are fiber patch cables types?

Fiber patch cables are also known as fiber optic patch cables or jumper cables. Fiber patch  cables are 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 patch cables types？

Fiber patch cables 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 patch cable

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 patch cable: Single-mode fiber patch cables are 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

  

                                                                                              Figure2: Single mode LC-LC fiber patch cable
  

• Multi-mode fiber patch cable: Multi-mode fiber patch cables are 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.

  

                                                                                       Figure3: Multimode OM3  LC-LC fiber patch cable
  

There are difference between Single Mode and Multimode fiber：

By Fiber Count: Simplex and Duplex Fiber Patch Cables

• Simplex Fiber Patch Cables: Simplex fiber patch cables have one fiber and are used for point-to-point connections.

• Duplex Fiber Patch Cables: Duplex fiber patch cables 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 patch cable

Fiber Patch Cables,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.

                                                                                                    Figure 6: Polishing of fiber optic connectors

 Specialty Fiber Patch Cable Types

These fiber optic patch cables are designed for harsh, high-density, or specialized environments:

CRRI Armored fiber patch cable

CPRI аrmored fiber patch cable 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.

                                                                                                                                        Figure 5: CRRI Armored fiber patch cable

FTTA Fiber Patch Cables

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 Patch Cables

Multifiber Fiber Patch Cables 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 6: FTTA Fiber Patch Cables

Mode conditioning patch cable

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 patch cables 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 of fiber patch cables, you can make informed decisions about your communication network and ensure optimal performance.