Fiber optic patch cords are a vital component of today’s networking and communication systems. The cables can handle high data transmission rates with little loss and are an indispensable gadget in every sector, ranging from telecommunication to data center operation. The availability of numerous fiber optic patch cord types is a requirement for maximum network performance.
What is a fiber optic patch cable?
- An optic patch cord is a short fiber optic cable with a connector at each end, used to connect two points or devices.
- Whereas the old copper cables conduct electricity, fiber optic patch cables conduct data as light and thus conduct higher bandwidth and speeds. The patch cables are ended using LC, SC, or MTP/MPO connectors based on the type of fiber optic cable and the needs of the network infrastructure.
- Patch cables are primarily used in fast data communication among data centers, enterprise networks, and telecom. Patch cables are single-mode and multimode and are available in different lengths to fulfill various connection needs.
Major Fiber Optic Patch Cord Types
There are numerous types of fiber optic patch cables in the market today, all of which are designed to fulfill particular technical needs. Let us talk about:
Single-Mode Patch Fiber Optic Cables
Single-mode patch fiber optic cables are best utilized in long-distance communications. The cables transfer the data in a single beam of light, and there is less signal loss experienced, enabling the data to be permitted to go further compared to multimode fiber. Single-mode patch cables are best suited for business connections and broadband internet connections.
Single-mode patch fiber optic cables also come with a core diameter of 8 to 10 microns and are capable of transmitting optical signals over long distances without adding too much dispersion.
Multimode Fiber Patch Cables
Multimode patch cables are applied in fairly shorter communication lengths. Multimode patch cables are different from single-mode patch cables because multimode patch cables consist of a wider core (50 to 62.5 microns) and can carry multiple optical signals at the same time. Multimode patch cables are best applicable in local area networks (LANs) and other such short-length applications, for example, transmission up to 550 meters.
Multimode fibre optic patch cables come in grades such as OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4 with varying performance characteristics. Multimode fibre optic patch cables are used based on data rate and distance limitations.
Armored Fiber Patch Cables
Shielded fiber optic patch cables are an additional layer of protection, usually steel wire or another rigid material, over the core of the fiber. Shielded cables are best used in those situations where the fiber will be physically strained and subject to wear and tear, such as in building construction or exterior buildings.
The armored design adds extra strength and rodent, impact, and crush resistance. For example, OMC offers a range of armored fiber optic patch cords where weight reliability is weighed against ultimate physical protection, and they are consequently indicated for demanding applications.
MTP/MPO Fiber Patch Cables
MTP/MPO patch cables are multi-fiber optic patch cables used for mass deployment in data centers. MTP/MPO patch cables are made up of multi-fiber connectors so that multiple channels of information can be conveyed over a single connector. MTP/MPO patch cables are best applied to use cases where multiple fiber interfaces for a short distance are required.
MTP/MPO patch cables are multimode and single-mode fiber compliant and are used most frequently in enormous telecommunication systems and server farms. High-density patch cables are easy to cable manage and optimize space in high-density rack systems.
Hybrid Fiber Optic Patch Cords
Hybrid fiber optic patch cords combine fiber optic and copper cable in a single cable, providing both optical and electrical connections. Hybrid patch cords are preferably applied in those devices where data and power transactions are supported, for instance, some telecommunication or network devices.
Hybrid patch cable advantages are that a single cable is sufficient to achieve everything, and no separate power and data cables are required, and also saves network installation and configuration hassles.
Conclusion
Adequate selection of a type of fiber optic patch cord is vital for successful, high-speed data transmission over networks.
OMC offers a wide range of high-quality patch cords with varying types for particular applications in various network installations, from data centers to industrial applications. Buying from a trusted supplier like OMC ensures that you receive a product that will perform at its best and last long enough.
