Tag: multimode patch cord

Single-mode Fiber Patch Cable VS Multi-mode Fiber Patch Cable

Fiber patch cable, also called fiber optic jumper or fiber optic patch cord, is designed to interconnect or cross connect fiber networks within structured cabling systems. The connectors capped at either end of the fiber patch cable allow it to be rapidly and conveniently connected to an optical switch, cable television (CATV) or other telecommunication equipment. Depending on transmission medium, the fiber patch cable can be classified into single-mode fiber patch cable and multimode patch cord.

What is Single mode Fiber Patch Cable

Single-mode fiber patch cable, which is generally yellow, is composed of a fiber optic cable terminated with single mode fiber optic connectors at both ends. It is usually used for connections over large areas, such as college campuses and cable television networks. Compared with multimode fiber patch cable, single-mode fiber patch cable have a higher bandwidth. The following figure shows the common single-mode fiber patch cable which is with blue connectors at both ends.

single mode

What is Multimode Patch Cord

Multimode fiber patch cable, which is generally orange or grey, is composed of a fiber optic cable terminated with multimode fiber optic connectors at both ends. Its connectors are generally cream or black (as shown below). It is a type of optical fiber mostly employed for communication over short distances, such as within a building or on the campus. Due to its high capacity and high reliability, multimode optical fiber is used for building the backbone network application.

multimode patch cord

Difference between Single-mode and Multimode Fiber Patch Cables

The main difference between single-mode and multi-mode fiber patch cables is the size of their respective cores.

Single-mode fiber optic patch cables use 9/125 (“9” represents the diameter of the core, and “125” represents the diameter of the cladding) micron bulk single-mode fiber cables. The most common type of single-mode fiber has a core diameter of 8 to 10 microns. In single-mode cables, light travels toward the center of the core in a single wavelength, allowing the signal to travel faster and over longer distances without a loss of signal quality than is possible with multimode cabling.

Multimode patch cord uses 62.5/125 (“62.5” represents the diameter of the core, and “125” represents the diameter of the cladding) micron or 50/125 (“50” represents the diameter of the core, and “125” represents the diameter of the cladding) micron multimode fiber cables. In other words, the core of the multimode fiber patch cable is either 50 or 62.5 microns. Compared with single-mode cable, the larger core of the multimode cable gathers more light, and this light reflects off the core and allows more signals to be transmitted. Although it is more cost-effective than single-mode cable, the multimode cabling does not maintain signal quality over long distances.

Both single-mode fiber patch cable and multimode patch cord can be used in computer workstation to outlet and patch panels or optical cross connect distribution center. A large number of fiber optic patch cables are supplied by Fiberstore, including the above said single-mode and multimode fiber patch cables.

Related Articles:
Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber: What’s the Difference?
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Optical Fiber

Multimode Fiber and Patch Cords

Multimode fiber gives you high bandwidth at high speeds over medium distances. Light waves are dispersed into numerous paths, or modes, as they travel through the cable’s core typically 850nm or 1300nm.

Multimode fiber optic cable can be used for most general fiber applications. Use multimode fiber for bringing fiber to the desktop, for adding segments to your existing network, or smaller applications such as alarm systems. Multimode fiber optic cable has a large-diameter core that is much larger than the wavelength of light transmitted, and therefore has multiple pathways of light-several wavelengths of light are used in the fiber core. Typical multimode fiber core diameters are 50, 62.5, and 100 micrometers.

50- vs. 62.5-micron cable. Although 50-micron fiber features a smaller core, which is the light-carrying portion of the fiber, both 62.5- and 50-micron cable feature the same glass cladding diameter of 125 microns. You can use both in the same types of networks, although 50-micron cable is recommended for premise applications: backbone, horizontal, and intrabuilding connections, and should be considered especially for any new construction and installations. Both types can use either LED or laser light sources.

The main difference between 50-micron and 62.5-micron cable is in bandwidth-50-micron cable features three times the bandwidth of standard 62.5-micron cable, particularly at 850nm. The 850nm wavelength is becoming more important as lasers are being used more frequently as a light source.

The multimode patch cord is used to connect high speed and legacy networks like Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Ethernet. Multimode patchcords are primarily used with LED sources for LAN and security systems. Its large core makes it easy to couple lots of light from inexpensive LED’s and it has adequate bandwidth for most premises applications.

FiberStore multimode patch cords are manufactured using LSZH cables which conform to IEC, EIA TIA and Telecordia standards. The OM2 patch cords are terminated with our standard connector which gives optimum optical performance. Their large stock covers a complete range of fiber optic patchcords, MPO fiber and fiber pigtail in a variety of lengths, colours and connector configurations, including PVC, Plenum, Aqua, Bendinsensitive,ruggedized, Milspec, MULTIFIBER and custom. Fiber optic patch cable jumpers and assemblies are manufactured in an ISO 9001-2000 certified factories using only the highest quality components. Each fiber optic patch cable jumper is fully tested, to Telcordia standards, for insertion loss and back reflection prior to shipment. Corning Fiber Cable Assemblies are also available at additional prices. Fiber optic patch cords are suited for equipment jumper cable, cross connects, and work area connections. FC,SC,ST,LC,MU,MTRJ and hybrid Patch Cords are available in both multimode (62.5/125μm and 50/125μm) and single mode cable-types, in duplex and simplex versions.