Choosing the fiber optic patch cable. The right Way!

Fiber cables or Fiber patch cables offer a highly reliable way to transmit signals with better performance compared to other mediums available. And that is the reason why fiber patch cables are largely used by the telecom industry. An optical transceiver (Transmitter-Receiver) is used along with the fiber patch cables to ensure seamless data transmission.
Now, what is the criterion to consider the patch cables is a challenging task due to the availability of various options in the market? The fiber patch cable is an important component in making a stronger network that is reliable too and while choosing the right patch cables you need to consider factors like fiber type, data rate, transmission distance.

• Single or Multi mode cable?
• Right Connector Polish Type
• Simplex or Duplex
• Right Cable Length
• Cable Jacket

This article simply offers you a reference guide.

Single-mode or multi-mode Cable?

If you are transmitting data at a long distance, a Single-Mode fiber optic patch cord that uses 9/125um is preferred. Whereas, if you are transmitting data from a short distance like within the building, or rack to switch, a multi-mode fiber patch cord that uses 50/125um is used. The single-mode fiber optic patch cord uses a yellow colored fiber cable and multi-mode fiber optic patch cord largely uses Orange colored cable.

Choosing the Right Connector Polish Type (UPC/APC)

Many application specific technologies like the WDM(Wavelength Division Multiplexing) and FTTX (Fiber to the x) which are highly sensitive to return loss, use APC connector due to its optical performance which is better than UPC Connectors. However, the less sensitive application work equally well in UPC. UPC connectors are less pricey compared to the APC connectors. Hence, one needs to understand the requirement before choosing the right connector polish type. Usually, connector color of APC patch cord is green, and of UPC patch cord is blue.

Simplex or Duplex Cable?

Simplex is this fiber optic patch cord is with one cord, at each end is only one fiber connector, which is usually used for fiber optic transceivers. Duplex means two fiber optic patch cords put side by side with for connectors, which is used for common transceivers.

Choosing the right cable Length

As per your requirements, there is various type of fiber optic patch cords available with different lengths ranging from a meter to up to 50 meters.
You need to analyze and gauge the length between the devices you would like to connect.

Cable Jacket (PVC/LSZH/Armored)

Two cable jacket types are used widely: PVC and LSZH.

LSZH: Short for low smoke zero halogen. The term “low-smoke, zero-halogen” describes two distinct properties of a cable compound.
The jacket of LSZH wires is free from halogenic materials (such as chlorine and fluorine). Hence these are much safer because it does not release Hydrogen Chloride gas after burning.

PVC: Polyvinyl chloride (vinyl), a general-purpose plastic jacket material used for cables. Features low in cost and flexible, PVC cable is widely used in applications such as computers, communications, and low voltage wiring.

Besides the two cables mentioned above, there is another common cable - Armored Cable. The double tubing and steel sleeve construction make these patch cords completely light tight, even when bent. These cables can withstand high crushing pressures, making them suitable for running along floors and other areas where they may be stepped on. The tubing also provides excellent cutting resistance, abrasion resistance, and high tensile strength.

For any mission-critical project, one must know the right kind of technology and hardware that must go into creating the infrastructure that must be reliable, efficient, and should deliver time after time. For the same, one must choose smartly and wisely hence it is important to find the right kind of patch cable can really meet your requirements.