Fiber optic cable patch cord and fiber pigtail are two common connection components in fiber optic communication systems, which differ in structure, purpose, and application scenarios.
Optical Fiber Patch Cord
Patch cord is a fiber optic cable with fiber optic connectors at both ends, used to connect different fiber optic communication devices.
Fiber optic cable patch cord are commonly used for connections between switches, routers, and optical distribution frames (ODFs). They provide a convenient, fast, and reliable connection method.
Due to the connectors on both ends, it can be plugged in and unplugged multiple times, with high flexibility, making it very suitable for frequent connection and disconnection operations.
And the operation no need additional welding or professional skills required, suitable for rapid deployment and replacement.
Fiber Pigtails
Fiber Pigtail is a fiber optic cable with a fiber optic connector on one end and the other end is bulkhead without connectors.
Pigtail fiber optic is commonly used in fiber optic distribution frames, fiber termination boxes, and other equipment to connect bare fiber optic cables to the fiber optic interfaces of the equipment. The bulkhead end of fiber optic pigtails without connector needs to be fused or mechanically spliced with the optical cable, which is more complex to install compared to fiber jumpers and requires the use of professional skills and equipment such as fusion splicers or mechanical splicing tools.
Lets’s see the difference from below table.
| Features | Fiber optic patch cord | Fiber optic pigtail |
| Definition | A fiber optic cable with two connectors at both ends used for connecting devices | A fiber optic cable with only one connector at one end and the other end is exposed fiber optic cable |
| Structure | Both ends have pre installed fiber optic connectors | Only one end has a pre installed fiber optic connector, and the other end has a bulkhead fiber optic cable |
| Connector qty | There are connectors on each end | Only one end has connectors |
| Purpose | Used for direct connection of fiber optic interfaces between devices, such as switches to routers | Used for fusion splicing fiber optic cables and fiber optic equipment, such as fiber optic distribution frames to fiber optic cables |
| Application scenarios | Fast connection between data centers, communication rooms, and network equipment | Fiber optic cable connections in fiber optic distribution frames, terminal boxes, and fiber optic access networks |
| Length | Usually shorter, suitable for direct connection between devices | Short in length, used for connecting equipment and fiber optic cables |
| Flexibility | Repeatable insertion and removal, high flexibility | Generally used for fixed connections, requiring fusion welding or mechanical splicing |
| Installation complexity | Simple, plug and play | More complex, requiring welding tools and professional skills |
So choosing appropriate fiber optic connection components based on different application requirements and installation environments can improve the reliability and performance of the network.
FAQ
How do you test the fiber optic pigtails?
We use insertion loss and return loss tester to test the optical parameters, and microscope to test the en face of the ferrule of each connectors, and furthermore, we will test the 3 Dimension data with a 3D interferometer to detect the overall condition of each connector, if needed by the customer. Please explore more in article:Three Indicators Of Fiber End-face Grinding Quality
Can we cut the patch cord into 2 pieces to form a fiber pigtails?
Yes, you can do, if the length and the fiber type is suitable for your project. And there are many field workers use this to do end termination in ftth network in China.
How to choose fiber optic pigtails?
There are many types of fiber optic pigtails, you should pay attention in below details:
because the pigtails will be fusion splice with other fibers, so you should know the fiber type, single mode fiber or multimode fiber, and if the fiber core is the same as the one which will be connected. Singlemode fiber can be G652 G653 G654 G655 G656 G657,etc, and multimode fiber can OM1 OM2 OM3 OM4 OM5, etc.
2. please choose the correct fiber optic connectors, SC LC FC ST MU MTRJ E2000 LX.5 MPO MTP etc.
3. please choose the appropriate fiber optic cable length which u need to connected with the equipment or device.
4. fiber optic pigtails can do 1 core, 2 core,… 4core, 6core or 12 cores, 24cores, etc.. when you choose pigtails, please check how many fibers do you need.
the cable structure, there are indoor cable, outdoor cable,different cable used in different application.
How do you pack the patch cord or pigtails?
We use plastic bag, plastic film wrap, or cardboard drum or spool reel according to different type, different length or request.
Can you print our customer logo or brand on the fiber pigtail or patch cord?
Yes, of course, welcome custom logo or print for better promotion. we can do screen printing or laser printing, explore more with us.
