Understanding the fundamental
variations in length, connections, functionality, and installation procedures
is critical for picking the best solution for your individual network
requirements and applications. If you are unsure about the distinction between
fiber patch cords and Pigtail Fiber, this article will help you
comprehend the key distinctions.
Patch cable fundamentals
A fiber optic patch cable, also
known as a jumper or patch cord, is a short piece of fiber optic cable with
connections at both ends. The patch cable's connections allow it to connect two
devices or ports, including switches, routers, servers, or patch panels. Patch
cables are often used for connectivity or cross-connection in fibre optic
networks. They can also be used to test or resolve issues.
A Fiber Pigtail, on the
other hand, is a small section of fiber optic cable with a connection at one
end. The opposite end is often naked or has a splice protector. The pigtail is
intended to be joined to another fibre optic cable, either by fusion or
mechanical means. Pigtails are often used for termination or extension in fibre
optic networks. They can also be used to fix or replace broken wires.
Connector types
The kind and quantity of
connections on patch cables and pigtails range significantly. Patch cables may
have the same or different connections on both ends, depending on the
compatibility and configuration of the devices they connect. For example, a
patch cable might include LC connectors on both ends or LC connections on one
end and SC connectors on the other. Pigtails can only have one type of
connection on one end and none on the other. The most popular pigtail
connectors are SC, LC, FC, and ST.
Cable Types
Patch cables and Pigtail Fiber differ in terms of the kind and grade of fiber optic cable used. Patch cables can employ single-mode or multimode fiber optic cable, depending on the wavelength and transmission distance. Single-mode fiber optic cable has a smaller core diameter than multimode fiber optic cable, allowing it to transport signals with more bandwidth and distance. Multimode fiber optic cable has a bigger core diameter than single-mode fiber optic cable, allowing it to transmit signals with lesser bandwidth and shorter distances. Pigtails, on the other hand, are often made of single-mode fiber optic cable and are frequently spliced to single-mode cables in the network.
