Fiber
optic patch cable, also known as fiber patch cord or fiber jumper, is a
basic and important part used to link equipment and components in fiber
optic networks. There are many types of fiber optic patch cables, such
as single-mode fiber patch cable, multimode fiber patch cable, 10G OM3
fiber patch cable, 10G OM4 fiber patch cable, and MPO cable,
and there are a lot of special fiber patch cables for special
applications, like plastic optical fiber patch cables, volition fiber
patch cables, mode conditioning patch cable, military grade fiber cable,
etc. Different kinds of fiber optic patch cables are utilized for
different applications. How to select a fiber optic patch cable? How to
choose the appropriate one? This post will provide a selection guide for
you from several aspects.
Single-mode or Multimode
According to the core sizes of the fiber, fiber optic patch cables
can be divided into single-mode fiber optic patch cable and multimode
fiber optic patch cable. Single-mode fiber patch cable uses a single
strand of glass fiber for a single ray of light transmission, allowing
for greater signal distances. The power of single-mode fiber patch cable
comes from high-powered lasers which transmit data at longer distances
than multimode fiber patch cable. Multimode fiber optic patch cables
have a core of either 50 or 62.5 microns. The larger core of multimode
fiber patch cords gathers more light compared to single mode, and allows
more signals to be transmitted. Light waves in the multimode fiber
patch cable are dispersed into numerous paths as they travel through the
cable core. Therefore, multimode fiber patch cable cannot travel as far
as single-mode fiber optic patch cable. Multimode fiber patch cables
are usually used for short distance applications, such as connections
within the data center. Multimode fiber optic patch cable is available
in several performance levels to support a variety of distances: OM1
applies to a large portion of the installed legacy systems; OM2 supports
Gigabit Ethernet up to 550m; OM3 is laser-optimized to support 10G
Ethernet up to 300m; and OM4 is also laser-optimized to support 10G
Ethernet up to 550m.
Simplex or Duplex
Simplex fiber optic patch cable has a
single strand of fiber and one connector on each end. Duplex fiber optic
patch cable has two strands of fibers and two connectors on each end of
the cable. Duplex fiber optic patch cable is the more popular patch
cable type as most fiber electronics need two fibers to communicate, one
to transmit data signals, and the other to receive signals. But in a
few applications, only one fiber is needed, so simplex fiber optic patch
cable is good for you. If you are not sure, you can always be on the
safe side by ordering duplex fiber optic patch cables, and only using
one of the two fibers.
Connectors
Fiber optic patch cable types can also
be classified by the fiber optic connectors. They can be terminated with
a variety of connector types such as LC, SC, FC, ST, MU, MTRJ, E200,
etc. Connectors on both ends of a fiber jumper can be the same and can
also be different. Fiber optic connectors have different constructions
and their respective applications. For example, LC connector is a small
form factor plastic push/pull connector with a 1.25mm ferrule, and it
has a locking tab and a plastic housing and provides accurate alignment
via its ceramic ferrule; FC connector is a metal screw on connector with
a 2.5mm ferrule, and it is extensively used at the interfaces of test
equipment due to its ruggedness. So when selecting a fiber optic patch
cord, one important criterion to consider is to choose one with the most
appropriate connector type that meets your needs.
Cable Jacket
Pre Terminated Fiber optic patch cables will be used in
a variety of installation environments, thus there will be requirements
for the jacket materials. The standard jacket type is called OFNR
(optical fiber non-conductive riser) which contains no metal in it,
conduct stray electric current, and can be installed in a riser
application (going from one floor up to the next, for instance). OFNR
cable jacket is also known as plenum jackets, which are suitable for
plenum environments such as drop-ceilings or raised floors. Many data
centers and server rooms have requirements for plenum-rated cables.
Another jacket type is LSZH (low-smoke zero-halogen), which is made from
special compounds which gives off very little smoke and no toxic
halogenic compounds when burned and is being used in many public places,
like schools, hospitals, train stations, etc.
Conclusion
Knowing the applications and desired
capabilities is the very first step to determine the necessary supplies.
Your choice will affect the level of fiber protection, ease of
installation, splicing or termination, and, most importantly, cost. How
to select the fiber optic patch cord that you need exactly? You need to
take all those mentioned factors into consideration. And then make the
right choice.
Originally Pulished at jowang.over.com
Comments
Post a Comment