Fiber patch cables for network equipment and patch panels
A fiber patch cable, also known as a fiber optic patch cord, is a fiber optic cable with connectors on both ends. It is used to connect network equipment to fiber patch panels or to link connection points within a fiber network.
Fiber patch cables provide fast, reliable connections between network switches, servers and other optical or telecommunications equipment. They are commonly used in server rooms, data centers, enterprise networks and other professional fiber installations.
Compared with copper cabling, fiber optic patch cables support higher bandwidth and longer transmission distances, and are immune to electromagnetic interference.
Singlemode or multimode fiber patch cables?
Singlemode fiber is designed for longer distance transmission using a single light path, while multimode fiber carries multiple light paths and is commonly used for shorter distance network connections. Singlemode and multimode cannot be mixed, so always choose a fiber transceiver that matches your cable type.
OS2 singlemode patch cables
OS2 is a 9/125 µm singlemode fiber (ITU-T G.652.D) for long-distance links at 1310 and 1550 nm, typically up to 10 km (10GBASE-LR) or more, depending on the transceiver.
Many OS2 patch cables use bend-insensitive G.657.A1 fiber, which is fully compatible with G.652.D and allows tighter bend radii in patch panels and racks.
OS2 patch cables usually have a yellow jacket.
OM4 and OM5 multimode patch cables
OM4 and OM5 are 50/125 µm multimode fiber types used for high speed links over shorter distances, particularly in data centres and enterprise networks. OM4 supports applications such as 10GBASE SR up to 400 m and 100GBASE SR4 up to 100 m at 850 nm.
OM5 is a wideband multimode fiber for 850 to 953 nm and supports SWDM applications, for example 100G-SWDM4 up to 150 m compared to 100 m on OM4. OM5 is backward compatible with OM4.
OM4 patch cables are typically aqua, violet or magenta, depending on the manufacturer, while OM5 is commonly lime green.
Choosing LC, SC and MDC connectors
LC, SC and MDC are fiber optic connector types used to connect patch cables to network equipment, transceivers and fiber patch panels.
LC is a compact connector widely used in network switches and transceivers. SC is larger and commonly used in patch panels and telecom infrastructure. MDC is a very small form factor connector designed for high density fiber connections.
Common combinations include LC to LC, LC to SC, SC to SC, MDC to LC and MDC to MDC. Always match the connector type to the equipment at both ends of the link.
PC, UPC and APC
PC, UPC and APC describe the polish of the fiber connector end face. PC has a physical contact finish, UPC uses a finer polished finish with lower back reflection, and APC uses an 8° angled polish for even lower back reflection.
Blue connector housings typically indicate UPC, while green indicates APC.
Do not directly mate APC with PC or UPC, as the different end faces can cause additional loss and possible damage. A patch cable can have UPC at one end and APC at the other, provided each end connects to a compatible interface.
Duplex, uniboot and the right cable length
A duplex fiber patch cable contains two fibers, typically used for transmitting and receiving data. A uniboot patch cable is a duplex design in which both fibers run through a single cable jacket. This reduces cable volume and makes cable management easier in high density network environments.
Choose the cable length based on the actual route and the specified bend radius. Avoid excessive tension on the connectors and unnecessary cable loops. Check each product for the available lengths and versions.
Duplex connections and polarity
In a duplex connection, the transmitter at one end must connect to the receiver at the other. Whether the fibers need to be crossed depends on the complete link, including patch panels and cassettes. Always check the required polarity before selecting or changing the cable.
Connection and maintenance
Inspect and clean the connectors before connecting them. Even new patch cables can be contaminated, and a dust cap does not guarantee a clean connector end face. Use fiber cleaning tools suitable for the connector type.
Fiber patch cables can develop connection problems due to dirty or damaged connector end faces, kinks, excessive bending or tension. When troubleshooting, inspect both the connectors and the cable route before replacing the cable.
Buy fiber patch cables
At Telco Parts, you'll find duplex and uniboot fiber patch cables in OS2, OM4 and OM5, with connector options including LC, SC and MDC. Choose from a range of lengths and connector combinations from CommScope, Datwyler and Telco Parts, with real-time stock information and fast delivery. Need a larger quantity? Contact us for a quote.
