Fiber Optic Patch Cables
When looking to buy fiber optic cable, knowing the types and functionalities of each type of cable available, makes choosing the best patch cable for the requirement easier.
Bend Insensitive Fiber Patch Cable is resistant to bend related damages. The cable has an inventive core design which gives it a small bending radius with low macro-bending sensitivity. It supports data center, FTTH applications, and high-density cabling that have to be wrapped and adjusted in tight corners.
Mode Conditioning Fiber Patch Cable is a duplex multimode fiber patch cable which has a small length of single mode fiber at the starting point of the transmission length. This additional cable is designed to solve technical issues when using single mode equipment on an existing multimode cable plant. The purpose of this type of cable is to drive the distance of the installed fiber plant beyond its original applications, as well as to improve data signal quality.
Low Insertion Loss Fiber Patch Cable looks similar to common patch cable. However, the connectors at the ends of the cable have a lower relative insertion loss.
Uniboot Fiber Patch Cable terminates with specially designed LC Uniboot connectors. This type of patch cable joins two fibers in a single cable, delivering better performance in high-density cabling environments. It also reduces the cable count by up to 50%, which helps where space is limited.
Switchable Fiber Patch Cable enables fast polarity change in the field without the need of special tools or training. Its compact design makes it a smart choice for high-density environments, furthering efficient cable management.
How to Choose the Best Fiber Optic Patch Cable
Step 1: Single mode or Multimode Cable
Single mode patch cables are ideal for long distance data transmission. For shorter distances use multimode patch cables.
Step 2: Simplex or Duplex Cable
Simplex cable contains a single strand of glass or plastic fiber. Generally, it is used where only a single receive or transmit line is required between devices. Duplex cable contains two strands of glass or plastic, and allows data to be sent and received simultaneously.
Step 3: Connector Type
Patch cables are terminated with like or unlike connectors including LC, SC, ST, FC, MPO and MTP. Choose patch cables with like connectors when connecting devices with similar ports, such as LC-LC or SC-SC. Choose a patch cable with unlike connectors, such as LC-SC or ST-FC, when connecting devices with different port types.
Step 4: UPC or APC Connector Polish
UPC connectors are less expensive and are suited for less sensitive digital systems. Use APC connectors for applications like FTTx, passive optical network and wavelength-division multiplexing.
Step 5: Cable Length
Patch cables vary in length from 0.5 meters to 50 meters. Choose one long enough to cover the distance between the devices being connected.
Step 6: Cable Jacket
Cables come with one of three types of jackets. Polyvinyl chloride is best for horizontal runs from the wiring center. Low smoke zero halogen is used between floors in commercial or residential buildings. Optical fiber nonconductive plenum is best for vertical runs between floors, as well as other applications.
Specialized Products Company offers a wide selection of fiber optic jumpers with a variety of connector types, lengths, and cable types. Choose the patch cable best suited for your application.