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Introduction
Demand for fiber optic networks is growing to support increased network speeds and high- volume data transfers. Fiber optic patch cables support these demands by providing reliable high- speed connections. The fiber optic patch cable consists of cabling and connectors that connect to optical equipment supporting high-speed networks. Fiber optic patch cables are found almost everywhere; cable television networks (CATV), data centers, computer networks, and telephone networks. Fiber optic patch cables are put together by selecting and assembling the fiber types, cable styles, standard or special type fiber patch cord, connector style and types, polishing type, and jacket type.
Cable Types
Single-mode Fiber Optic Cable
Singlemode fiber optic patch cables support high-speed networks up to 50 times farther than multimode fiber optic cables. In addition, the narrower 9-micron core provides faster transmission speeds and long-distance communication ranges.
Multimode Fiber Optic Cable
Multimode fiber optic cable supports short-range high-capacity networks where dependability is crucial. Multimode fiber equipment is also inexpensive, and as a result, it often forms the backbone of a building network, and horizontal cabling runs between buildings. In addition, the 50-micron or 62.5-micron cores provide the necessary bandwidth capabilities for high-volume data solutions.
Multimode versions
Multimode fiber comes in five versions – OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5 – and provides 10 Gbit/s speed over short distances required by LAN enterprise and data center applications. In addition, the larger cores use multiple light modes enabling more data to pass through at a given time. The main difference between the five versions is the diameter, jacket color, optical source, and bandwidth.
Duplex vs. Simplex Patch Cables
Simplex patch cable
A simplex fiber optic cable has a single strand of glass or plastic fiber as its core and one single connector on each end. Simplex fiber provides only one-way data transfer, so it works well for a network that moves data in a single direction. In addition, Simplex fiber optic cabling is excellent for long-distance communication because it carries a single light ray at a time.
Duplex patch cable
A duplex fiber cable consists of two glass or plastic fiber strands with a double connector on each end. Duplex fiber cables provide two-way communication where separate transmit and receive lines require simultaneous bi-directional data transfer.
Duplex - Polarity A-B (flipped / straight through)
Polarity in fiber optics is directional concerning the direction light flows from one end of a cable to the other. To maintain polarity, the transmit (Tx) at one end of a cable connects to the receive (Rx) port at the other end. Cables, called A-B cables, support this connection style because they join the optical transmit (Tx) at one end to the optical receive (Rx) at the other end to sustain data transfer in a network.
Special Types of Fiber Patch Cords
Armored Fiber Jumpers
Armored fiber cables have built-in metal shielding under the jacket, providing better optical fiber protection than traditional cables. The armored fiber cable also has the same flexibility as conventional cables. In addition, armored cables protect from environmental hazards such as solvents, moisture, dust, and damage-causing animals.
Bend Insensitive Fiber Patch Cord (What is it, what are the benefits)
Patch cables have a limit on how much bend is allowed before the fiber inside breaks. The amount a patch cable can bend before being damaged is called the bend radius. Bend insensitive patch cables can bend beyond conventional cable specifications without causing the fiber stress damage that allows light to leak out. Bend insensitive cables are typically applied to applications including distribution racks and in buildings where the cable is required to bend around wall corners and other fixtures.
Mode Conditioning Fiber Patch Cord
Mode conditioning patch cables increase your bandwidth without having to run a whole new fiber-optic network. Gigabit Ethernet transceiver modules operate for both single-mode and multimode applications. However, a network that uses multimode cables may experience extra signal generation in the cable that confuses the receiver at the receiving end and reduces cable operating distances.
A mode conditioning patch cord eliminates multiple signals by providing a single-mode launch that is offset from the center of the multimode fiber. The offset point creates a launch that is similar to typical multimode LED launches. At the start and