Choosing a fiber patch cable type requires a comprehensive consideration of factors such as the device interface, transmission distance, bandwidth requirements, and environmental density. Let’s expose the secret one by one.
Matching connectors to device interfaces
First, determine the interface type of the device you are connecting to. Common simplex interfaces include FC, LC, SC, and ST, while multi-fiber interfaces include MU, MTRJ, LX5, MPO/MTP connectors, etc. The fiber patch cable interface must match the device interface for proper operation.
For SFP optical transceivers: Choose LC fiber cable, small square connector with 1.25mm ceramic ferrule, modular door lock design, precise docking.
For routers/switches/optical modems: Choose SC APC patch cord (large square connector, plug-in latch design, convenient operation).
For optical distribution frames (ODFs): Choose FC fiber patch cord (metal screw fasteners, anti-interference and stable) or ST fiber patch cord (round snap-on design, anti-dropout). However, SC LC fiber patch cords are currently widely used and are becoming increasingly popular.
Selecting a fiber mode based on transmission distance and bandwidth
Secondly, choose fiber type based on the required distance and bandwidth requirements. Different fiber types have different fiber patch cable price, fiber loss, and transmission distance.
For short distances (≤500m) with high bandwidth, choose a multimode fiber patch cable. Multimode patch cables typically have an orange/aqua sheath, and the fiber connectors also have corresponding colors.
- OM1/OM2 (orange): Supports 100M to 10G, suitable for enterprise LANs.
- OM3/OM4 (aqua/purple): Offers higher bandwidth, compatible with 10G-400G, and suitable for data center server interconnects.
For long distances > 500m, choose single mode fiber patch cables. Singlemode fiber patch cables typically have a yellow sheath, and the fiber connectors are blue (UPC) or green (APC), depending on the polishing method.
Single mode fiber optic patch cables support transmission distances of 10-100km and are suitable for telecommunications backbone networks. Therefore, ensure low loss (insertion loss ≤ 0.12dB) to minimize signal degradation.
Special Scenarios
For some specialized scenarios, there are currently recommended optimal solutions on the market, such as:
- High-density cabling (such as data center cabinets): LC patch cord fiber optic cable (1.25mm small diameter) or MPO/MTP premium line patch cord (multi-core integrated, supporting 40G/400G high speeds) are preferred. They can reduce cabling space, improve cabling efficiency, and save energy.
- Single-fiber bidirectional transmission: Requires a single mode patch cord simplex (single fiber) and a single fiber optical module for bidirectional communication.
Conclusion
Except above considerations, we must choose the optical fiber patch cable types according to actual needs with moderate price and best quality based on the company’s actual financial budget.
