Today, fiber patch cords are standard for data communication and telecommunication adoption. These cables stand for higher data transmission speeds and bandwidth, making them a more favorable option among other cord variations. Even though the current market offers a wide array of fiber patch cables types, it might sometimes be a true challenge to select the most suitable solution. Let’s discover several essential steps to pick the best patch cord for fiber optic.
How to select the suitable types of fiber patch cables for your system?
1. Choose the correct connector kind
Fiber optic connectors are attached to both ends of fiber optic cables – they come in MPO, MTP, FC, ST, SC, and LC variations. The main difference between them is a connection to various devices. If the ports of the gadgets are the same, it would be best to use fixed links, such as MPO-MPO, or SC-SC, for example. In contrast, distinctive ports of devices that need to be connected require LC-FC, LC-SC, etc., connectors.
2. Pick a single-mode or multimode type
Another essential tip while selecting the suitable fiber patch cord types is single-mode or multimode cables. The former variation is excellent for long-distance data transmission, while the second type suits short-distance data transfer. Single-mode cables feature yellow fiber links, and water or orange links are standard for multimode types.
3. Select a simplex or duplex type
Simplex variations have a single fiber connector at each end, while fiber fix links feature a single line. On the other hand, duplex cables are associated with two fiber-fix connections next to others.
4. Choose a suitable length
Fiber cable lengths are also necessary to pick up the best fiber patch cord. The truth is that fibers come in lengths varying from 0.5m to 50m. Consider the distance between devices you need to interface to select the right length.
5. Consider a connector polish type
One more essential thing that helps you find a suitable fiber cable is the type of connector polish. APC and UPC connection polish are most common in the current market – the former style features green fix links, and the second kind goes to blue fix links. Keep in mind that APC suits the best applications that require high accuracy and are more vulnerable to return loss. At the same time, UPC is ideal for less complex devices and frameworks, and it is cheaper.
6. Pick the correct cable jacket variation
The final thing to consider for fiber cables is a cable jacket designed to protect a wire from external factors. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a perfect choice to resist environmental degradation and oxidation. Apart from that, Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum (OFNP) works well for air cable movement. Another common cable jacket is Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) – which features a durable flame-resistant coating for wire protection.
