Your choice of the right fiber optic patch cord should depend on what you intend to use the cord for in your network. Here are vital steps that you can follow, so you get the most appropriate type that will make your work easy:
Step#1: Choose the Appropriate Type of Connector
Types of connectors can be LC, SC, FC, SC, MPO, and MTP. Both ends of the fiber optic patch cord | fiber patchcord have one of these types of connectors.
If you ports at the ends of your devices are identical, you can use a combination that looks like LC-LC, SC-SC, or MTP-MTP. If they are not identical, you can use combinations such as LC-ST, LC-SC, or MPO-MTP.
Step#2: Choose Whether Single Mode or Multimode Is Appropriate
Do you know the difference between these types fiber patch cord ? Well, generally, single-mode cords use 9/125um glass fiber. Multimode, on the other hand, uses 50/125um or 62.5/125um glass fiber.
If you want to create a network connection for transmission of data over a long distance, then single-mode fiber optic cable type. For a short distance, a multimode cable type will do the job well for you.
Step#3: Choose the Appropriate Type of Fiber Optic Patch Cord
As you can see from the picture, the simplex fiber patch cord type only have one cord at the end of the fiber connector.
Duplex, on the other hand, has two patch cables that are put side by side. You’ll mostly find duplex cords in transceivers.
Your type of connection is what determines whether you need to use simplex or duplex type of cords. Some connections need simplex, while others need a duplex. So, you just need to find out what your connection needs.
Step#4: Choose Appropriate Cable Length
The lengths of fiber optic patch cables usually range between 0.5m and 50m. You can use any length of cable as long as it meets your needs.
To avoid waste or taking cables that might not be long enough to do your work, measure the distance between the devices you want to connect. You can add a small allowance, but what you buy should not be too long.
Step#5: Choose the Right Type of Connector Polish
Polish types are either UPC or APC. To make the right choice you ought to know the difference between these two types of fiber optic patchcord.
APC generally has a lower loss than that of UPC. They are, therefore, better when it comes to performance.
You should also note that APC connectors are widely used these days in many applications. You’ll find them in FTTX, PON, and Wavelength–Division Multiplexing (WDM) among others.
APC and UPC are also different when it comes to their colors. Here are pictures of these two:
The green one is APC, while the blue one is the UPC.
Step#6: Choose the Right Type of Cable Jacket
Cable jackets usually come in three types. These are:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum (OFNP)
- Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH)
So, what is the difference between these three jacket types? Well, they differ in features and also in functionality.
PVCs do not degrade easily. They are resistant to oxidation. You can, therefore, use them safely in horizontal runs emerging from the wiring center.
OFNPs have space within their building components. Space allows the free movement of air. They are, therefore, the best for use in vertical runs in between the floors.
LSZHs are the best if you want flame-retardant type of cables. They are the best when it comes to use in between floors of a building.
You can easily pick the most appropriate type for your work by just looking at its features.
