Matters About Fiber Optic Patch Cord

Fiber optic patch cords are effective in networks. They provide interconnection between the optical transmission equipment and the patch panel in the wiring closet. The fiber optic patch cord can also be used with test equipment--from the optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) or optical loss tester to the patch panel. Fiber patch cables are so common in fiber networking, here is a collection of the matters may meet when using them.

1.Mix Using Fiber Patch Cords?

Remember never mix single-mode and multi-mode fiber patch cords, as it will cost large data loss.

If you have a 50 micron fiber backbone, using 62.5 fiber patch cord will cause high data loss. On the receiver end it is OK, but on the transmitter end, the larger core of 62.5 into smaller 50 micron fiber will have losses of 2-4 dB.

Is it possible to mix OM2 with OM3/OM4 patch cords? They are the same diameter of 50µm, they only difference is bandwidth characteristics.

The rating of a cable plant is determined by the lowest rating of any link in the cable plant. If you have OM4, and you use lower rated patch cords like OM2/OM3, the rating of the cable plant is the lower rating of the patch cords. Then you are wasting your OM4 fiber introducing a physical bottleneck with OM2/OM3 segment.

In summary, It will work? In my experience, it works on most of the scenarios. Is it a good idea? Totally no, do it only if you have no other option.

2.Easy Ways to Test Fiber Optic Patch Cords That Don't Require Equipment Test?

There is no good way to test fiber patch cable without equipment. You really want to use real test equipment for this. You'd like to understand the loss of a given fiber, and you're not going to get that just by shining a flashlight down it.

Also, don't forget to clean your fiber patch cords. Every single time.

3. Why is the Fiber Connector Performance of Patch Cable is Critical?

For patch cords, we're pretty much interested in all metal and ceramic fiber cable connectors, because these jumper cables are being handled all the time. In outside plant terminations, the connectors could be plastic or ceramic because once they're plugged in, they stay in.

Installation is important too, because performance can be affected by dirty optical fiber connectors on patch cords. Dirt is a connector's worst enemy.

You may have meet other problems when installing fiber patch cord, welcome to comment your matters.