November 2013 - Page 3 of 5 - Fiber Optical Networking

Armored Fiber Optic Patch Cable Ordering Guide

Fiber optic patch cable is an important cable component for fiber optic networks, the armored fiber optic patch cables are specially designed for harsh environment in in aerospace, automotive, industrial, medical, and military applications. FiberStore provides a huge selection of armored fiber optic patch cables in any configuration, with any connectors types, cable modes, and lengths.

Armored fiber patch cable is a round, compact and very tough duplex patch cable with flexible armouring under PVC or LSZH jacket, providing exceptional crush and kinking resistance. Armored fiber patch cord is different from standard fiber optic patch cables, the very commonly used fiber optic patch cables structures is like this: fiber glass core in the center of the cable, cladding outside the fiberglass for protection, Kevlar outside the cladding, Kevlar is soft as well as very strong material, then the outside is the cable jacket. Traditional fiber optic patch cords are tender equipment, people cannot bend it too much or the fiberglass will be damaged and broken, which is not suitable for harsh environment.

Armored fiber optic patch cables are with the same types of fiber optic connectors as the commonly used types, the difference is the cable itself. Armored fiber optic cables are typically used for indoor applications, with the same outer diameter of common types 2mm or 3mm. The difference is armored fiber optic cables are with stainless steel tape just inside the cable jacket and outside the Kevlar, this stainless unit provides extra feature as well as retain all the function that a common type optical fiber patch cable can give. What’s more, armored fiber optic cords are anti-rodent, and it can be handled as electric cables. It is not easy to get damaged or cut, and it can resist an adult step on it.

Armored fiber optic patch cable ordering guide:

FiberStore supply armored fiber optic patch cables, including 10G OM4/OM3, 9/125, 62.5/125 types. 10G fiber patch cables provide 10 gigabyte data transfer speeds in high bandwidth applications and they are 5 times faster than standard 50um fiber cable. All armored fiber patch cable types can be with SC, ST, FC, LC, MU, SC/APC, ST/APC, LC/APC, etc. types of terminations.

Fiber optic connector type: LC, FC, SC, ST, MU, MTRJ, E2000
Ferrule Interface type: PC, UPC, APC
Fiber cores: Simplex, duplex, 4 fibers, 8 fibers etc.
Fiber type; single mode (G.652, G655), multimode(50/125) /(62.5/125)
100% Insertion Return Loss, End Face and Interference inspection
Low insertion loss, high return loss
Excellent mechanical endurance
Good in repeatability and exchangeability
Insertion loss: <0.5 dB
Operation temperature: -20° to 85°C
10G OM3 OM4 fiber cable available
Various jacket material, PVC and LSZH

Related: Armored LC-LC patch cord

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.

What’s the Difference Between Optical Fiber Patch Cable and Fiber Pigtails

What’s the difference between fiber pigtail & fiber patch cord. Can we use a patch cord as fiber optic pigtail by cutting in the middle of the cable? I find such questions now and then on the Internet, it’s true that there are still some peoples that are not familiar with but still interested in such knowledge. Keep this in mind, we would like to take this topic into the discussion by collecting opinion from related answers:

What Is Fiber Optic Pigtail and Patch Cable

For some people, an optical fiber patch cable is ruggedized (providing additional fiber protection) and a pigtail is not (and therefore more brittle).

“I would expect pigtails while dealing with optical components, while when dealing with patch panels, equipment interconnections, etc. I would expect patch cables.” “I would also expect patch cables to be double-ended (i.e computerized at both ends) and pigtails to be single-ended (or not terminated).”

Patch cables have connectors on both ends. While pigtails have a connector on one end and bare fiber on the other.

In my opinion, I would agree with all of the above comments, and also give the simplest understanding of myself: the fiber optic patch cable = fiber optic connector + fiber optic cable + fiber optic connector, while the fiber optic pigtail = fiber optic connectors + fiber optic cable. We can really use a patch cord as pigtails by cutting in the middle of the cable.

Officially speaking, fiber optic patch cable, often called fiber optic patch cord or fiber jumper cable, is a fiber optic cable terminated with fiber optic connectors on both ends. I have two major application areas: computer workstation to outlet and fiber optic patch panels or optical cross connects distribution center. Fiber optic patch cables can be divided into different types based on fiber mode, cable structure, connector types, connector polishing types and cable sizes. All types of fiber optic patch cables can be found at FIBERSTORE.COM, LC patch cable is the most commonly used, other connector types include ST, SC, FC, etc. Which can be either the same types of connector on both ends or different connectors on each end (Hybrid fiber optic patch cables).

Fiber Optic Pigtail vs Patch cable

Fiber optic pigtail is a piece of cable terminated with fiber optic connectors at only one side of the cable while leaving the other side no connectors so that the connector side can link to the equipment and the other side can be melted with optical cable fibers. Pigtail fiber optic cables are usually used with fiber optic management equipment like ODF, splice closures and cross cabinets.

Commonly used fiber optic pigtail types are FC, LC, MU, E2000, MTRJ and ST pigtail. According to the fiber mode types, there are single mode types and multimode types.

The pigtail, when separate from a line, looks like a bundle of loose, capped wires that are bound together at one end. The bound end connects to the main cable, where the individual strands of the fiber pigtail are permanently fused, or spliced, to the multicore cable. When the process is complete, the pigtail is a non-removable piece of the system.

Conclusion

For more information on fiber patch cable and fiber optic pigtail as well as the ordering & custom availability, please send emails to sales@fs.com.

FiberStore Announces New Product Release of MPO/MTP Product Group

FiberStore In. announced today the release of a full suite of MPO/MTP products that is designed to support the next generation of high density fiber network. The new product group includes MPO/MTP patch cords, truck assemblies, fan-out assemblies and related distribution hardware. The creation of new MPO products makes FiberStore a key player in high density fiber developments, allowing FiberStore provide complete solutions for customers.

MTP/MPO fiber cables, trunk assemblies, fan-out assemblies, and related distribution hardware are designed to support next generation high density fiber networks. High density MPO rack mount panel and cassettes transition MPO style connectors to Duplex LC pairs, allowing direct connection to network resources. Up to 144 LC connectors can be deployed in one rack unit. MPO fiber cassettes are also available in standard LGX footprint.

FiberStore’s MPO cassette provides a seamless connection between MPO backbone cables and SC or small form factor LC patching in the network environment. This pre-terminated modular system is easily deployed and simplifies future expansions and modifications. In one cassette option, the MPO adapter is uniquely positioned at the back of the cassette with a downward angle to provide a more optimal orientation for routing. MPO cassettes are ideally suitable for data centers, enterprise, and datacom networks.

Included in the distribution hardware release is a high density option that allows for higher density deployment of fibers currently available in the industry. The high density MPO rack mounts panel and cassettes transition MPO style connectors Duplex LC pairs, allowing for direct connection to network resources. Up to 144 LC connectors can be deployed in a single rack unit. The MPO fiber cassettes are also available in the standard LGX footprint.

FiberStore is recognized as a leader in the fiber optic marketplace. Founded in 2001, FiberStore made it a mission to provide customers with fiber optic products that far exceed industry standards. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, optical fiber patch cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plants equipment, connection, fusion splicers, testing equipment, etc. More on product informations and custom availabilities, please visit fiberstore.com

FiberStore Fiber Patch Cables Ordering Information

A fiber optic patchcord is fiber optic cable capped at either end with connectors that allow it to be rapidly and conveniently connected to CATV, an optical switch or other telecommunication equipment. Its thick layer of protection is used to connect the optical transmitter, receiver, and the terminal box. This is known as “interconnect-style cabling”.

A fiber optic patch cord is constructed from a core with a high refractive index, surrounded by a coating with a low refractive index that is surrounded by a protective jacket. Transparency of the core permits transmission of optic signals with little loss over great distances. The coating’s low refractive index reflects light back into the core, minimizing signal loss. The protective jacket minimizes physical damage to the core and coating.

Patch cords are classified by connector construction and by construction of the connector’s inserted core cover.

Connector Construction
Connector design standards include FC, SC, ST, LC, MTRJ, MPO, MU, SMA, FDDI, E2000, DIN4, and D4. Cables are classified by the connectors on either end of the cable; some of the most common cable configurations include FC-FC, FC-SC, FC-LC, FC-ST, LC-SC fiber patch cable, LC LC patch cable, SC-SC patch cord, and ST connectors fiber.

Inserted Core Cover
The connector’s inserted core cover conforms to APC, UPC, or PC configuration. A UPC inserted core cover is flat and is used in SARFT and early CATV. An APC connector’s inserted core cover is oblique (about 30 °, ±5 °).

Patch cables are used for connections to CATV (Cable Television), telecommunication networks, computer fiber networks and fiber test equipment. Applications include communication rooms, FTTH (Fiber to The Home), LAN (Local Area Network), FOS (fiber optic sensor), Fiber Optic Communication System, Optical fiber connected and transmitted equipment, Defense combat readiness, etc.

FiberStore’s commitment to providing unsurpassed technical service and support has gained the loyalty and favor of customers worldwide. We work exclusively through the industry’s leading distributors to provide custom manufacturing of fiber optic and copper cable assemblies, as well as distribution of a wide range of products ranging from simple to complex, standard to custom.

Order information:
Fiber connector 1: FC and FC/APC,ST,SC and SC/APC,LC,MU,MTRJ,SMA,DIN,MPO,E2000
Fiber connector 2: FC and FC/APC,ST,SC and SC/APC,LC,MU,MTRJ,SMA,DIN,MPO,E2000
Ferrule Interface type: UPC, APC
Fiber cores: Simplex fiber core ,duplex fiber core
Fiber type: Singlemode(G. 652, G655), multimode(50/125)/(62.5/125),OM3
Fiber Cable Size: 250um bare fiber, 900um tight buffer fiber, 1.6mm fiber optic cable, 2.0mm fiber optic cable, 3.0mm fiber optic cable
Cable length: custom
Special types of fiber optic patch cables: Volition Fiber Patch Cables,Military Grade Fiber cable,Pre-Terminated Fiber cable,Fiber Loopback Cables,Plastic Optical Fiber Patch Cables,FTTH Patch Cables,Polarization Maintaining Patch Cables,Mode Conditioning Patch Cables,etc.