Evolux Fiber: Your Professional Fiber Optic Patch Cord Manufacturer!
Shenzhen Evolux Fiber Co., Ltd is a leading provider of cutting-edge optical fiber solutions, specializing in the research, development, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality fiber optic products. Established in 2013 year, and headquartered in Shen Zhen, China, we have emerged as a trusted name in the field of fiber optics. With a strong focus on innovation and reliability, we strive to meet the evolving demands of the global telecommunications industry.
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Diverse Product Portfolio
We provide a comprehensive range of optical fiber products, from single-mode and multi-mode optical fibers to specialty optical fibers for specific applications, including optical fiber cables, connectors, transceivers, adapters, and related accessories to meet the diverse needs of our customers.
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We have assembled a team of experts who are ready to support our customers. They assist customers in selecting the right fiber optic solution and guide the implementation process, allowing customers to enjoy comprehensive pre-sales consultation to post-sales support and technical assistance.
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State-of-the-art R&D facilities, equipment, and specialized laboratories provide an ideal environment for conducting cutting-edge research, experimentation, and testing of fiber optic materials, design, and manufacturing processes.
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We offer customization options that allow customers to tailor fiber optic products to their specific needs. Fiber diameter, coating material, or connector type can all be customized flexibly.
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A fiber-optic patch cord is a fiber-optic cable capped at each end with connectors that allow it to be rapidly and conveniently connected to telecommunication equipment. This is known as interconnect-style cabling.
Based on different specifications and standards, the common fiber patch cords can be categorified from the perspective of fiber cable mode, transmission mode, jacket type, connector type, and polishing type.
Fiber Cable Mode: Single Mode or Multimode
The mode of fiber patch cables indicates how light beams travel within the fiber. There are two fiber cable modes: single mode and multimode. Single mode fiber patch lead only allows one mode of light to pass along its length with a very thin diameter of 8-10 microns, thus it can carry signals at much higher speeds with lower attenuation. The core of the multimode fiber patch cord is bigger, typically 50 or 62.5 microns, which enables multiple light modes to be transmitted. It comes in five varieties supporting different transmission rates or distances: 62.5-micron OM1, 50-micron OM2, 50-micron OM3, 50-micron OM4, and 50-micron OM5, which can be differentiated by standard jacket colors. Since multiple light paths travel down the cable, the distance which multimode fiber jumpers can reach is usually short. For short-distance transmission within a building or campus, multimode fiber patch cords are the best-suited type.
Number of Fiber Strands: Simplex or Duplex
According to the number of fiber strands, there are simplex and duplex fiber patch cord. A simplex fiber patch cord contains one single strand of fiber with one simplex connector on each end. Whereas duplex fiber patch cord consists of two strands of glass or plastic with one duplex connector (or considered as two simplex connectors).
Jacket Type: PVC or LSZH
PVC and LSZH are used to describe the common jacket material of fiber patch cord. Fiber patch cables covered with PVC jacket are flexible at normal installation temperatures. Compared with PVC patch cords, LSZH patch cords are more rigid and less flexible but they contain the flame retardant compound that doesn’t emit toxic fumes if it burns. PVC fiber optic patch cord is usually used for indoor applications such as horizontal runs from the wiring center. While LSZH cable is used in unventilated areas exposed to public, such as subways and tunnels and also used for rooms that are not easy to get out quickly.
Connector Type: LC, SC, ST or Others
There are many connector types used in fiber patch cables such as LC, SC, ST, MTP or MPO. The different connector types are to plug into different interfaces, so you’d better affirm the interface type of the devices you are using the first time. If divided by the criteria whether the connector on each side is the same, they can be divided into same-connector type fiber patch cord and hybrid fiber patch cord. Fiber patch cords that have the same type of connector on both ends includes LC to LC fiber patch cord, SC to SC fiber patch cord and etc. While hybrid fiber patch cord has different connectors on each end, like fiber patch cord LC to SC. If the port type of devices on both sides are the same, you can choose the same-connector type fiber patch cord, or you need choose the hybrid one.
Polishing Type: PC, UPC or APC
Fiber optic connectors are designed and polished to different shapes to minimize back reflection, which is particularly important in single mode applications. According to this connector polish types, there are PC, UPC, and APC fiber patch cords. Nowadays PC polish type has been replaced by UPC type. Whether you choose UPC or APC depends on your actual application. Since APC provides less insertion loss than UPC, the APC fiber patch cables are more applicable for high bandwidth applications and long-distance links, such as FTTx, passive optical network (PON) and wavelength division multiplex (WDM). Whereas UPC fiber patch cords apply to optical systems that are less sensitive to insertion loss such as digital TV and telephony.
Benefits of Fiber Patch Cords
Bigger Bandwidth
Fiber optic cables provide significant bandwidth for signal transmission and can carry much more data than copper cables of the same diameter. The bandwidth-distance product (BDP) of transmission media is used to compare capabilities in this respect, and media with higher BDP will have longer transmission distance when sending the same bandwidth of data. The higher the BDP, the faster uncompressed video can be delivered and over greater distances, while displaying at exactly the same quality as the native signal. For example, the standard BDP for multimode fiber is 500 MHz/km, which means that 500-meter multimode fiber cable can transmit 1 GHz. The BDP of single-mode fiber is much higher than multimode fiber, which is higher than twisted pair copper cable, which is higher than a standard HDMI cable.
Longer Distance, Faster Speed
In terms of photons versus electrons, the light in fiber optic cables travels at roughly two-thirds the speed of light, while electrons in copper cables barely reach one percent of that speed. This immense speed advantage has an extreme effect on potential distances. While copper cables are mostly limited to a 100-meter standard distance, fiber optic cables can extend large bandwidth content over extremely long distances in a small diameter. Multimode fiber can triple this distance for a 4K HDMI signal, for example, and depending on the kind of cable, the wavelength, and the rest of the network, single-mode fiber can extend the same signal up to 10 km.
Higher Resistance
Unlike copper-based transmission methods, fiber optic cables contain no metallic components. As a result, they are immune to electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Furthermore, fiber optic cables are immune to extreme changes in temperature and moisture levels, both of which can hinder transmission in copper cables.
Security
As fiber optic cables do not conduct electrical signals, it is impossible to remotely detect any data signal that is being transmitted, and attempts at physical access would be detectable by surveillance. This security makes fiber the transmission method of choice for industries such as government and banks. In terms of safety, fiber optic cables also pose no risk in spark-hazard environments such as chemical plants and oil refineries.
Application of Fiber Optic Patch Cord
A fiber optic patch cord is a crucial component in telecommunications that is used for transmitting data via optical fibers over long distances. It is essentially a cable with connectors on both ends, designed to connect optical devices such as routers, switches, and servers. The primary purpose of a fiber optic patch cord is to provide a reliable and efficient means of transmitting data at high speeds. By utilizing light signals instead of electrical signals, fiber optic technology allows for faster and more secure data transmission. This is particularly important in telecommunications, where large amounts of data need to be transferred quickly and accurately. Fiber optic patch cords are essential in various telecommunication applications, including internet connections, telephone networks, cable television, and data centers. They are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings to establish high-speed internet connections and facilitate the transmission of voice, video, and data signals. In recent years, the demand for fiber optic patch cords has increased significantly due to the growing need for faster and more reliable data transmission. With the advent of technologies such as cloud computing, streaming services, and the Internet of Things (IoT), there is an ever-increasing demand for higher bandwidth and lower latency. Fiber optic patch cords play a crucial role in meeting these demands by providing the necessary infrastructure for efficient data transmission. Furthermore, fiber optic patch cords are also being used in emerging technologies such as 5G networks and smart cities. These technologies require robust and high-capacity communication systems, which can be achieved through the use of fiber optic patch cords.
A fiber optic patch cord is used for networking purposes, specifically for connecting devices within a local area network (LAN). It is an essential component in the transmission of data, voice, and video signals over long distances at high speeds. Fiber optic patch cords are made up of a bundle of thin, flexible glass or plastic fibers encased in a protective sheath. These fibers are capable of transmitting data using light signals, which allows for faster and more reliable data transfer compared to traditional copper cables. The patch cord acts as a bridge between devices such as computers, switches, routers, and servers, enabling seamless communication and data exchange. In a LAN environment, fiber optic patch cords are commonly used to connect network switches to end devices like computers, printers, and IP phones. They provide a direct and secure connection, ensuring minimal signal loss and interference. With the increasing demand for high-speed internet and the growing number of connected devices, fiber optic patch cords have become crucial for maintaining a robust and efficient network infrastructure. Moreover, fiber optic technology offers several advantages over traditional copper cables. It has a much higher bandwidth capacity, allowing for greater data transmission rates and supporting the demands of bandwidth-intensive applications. Fiber optic patch cords are also immune to electromagnetic interference, making them ideal for use in areas with high electrical noise or in close proximity to power cables.
A fiber optic patch cord is a cable that is used to connect two devices or components in a fiber optic network. It is primarily used to transmit data, such as voice, video, or digital information, at high speeds over long distances. In the context of medical imaging, a fiber optic patch cord plays a crucial role in transmitting images in endoscopy and other medical procedures.
It provides high-quality, high-resolution images that aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The high-speed transmission capabilities of fiber optic patch cords ensure minimal latency and loss of image quality, enabling doctors to make real-time decisions during procedures. Moreover, fiber optic patch cords offer several advantages over traditional copper cables in medical imaging. They are immune to electromagnetic interference, which is particularly important in medical environments where various electronic devices are present.
Jacket
The jacket is the external covering of the fiber optic cable. While it offers protection, its primary purpose is not to provide strength. Essentially, the jacket holds all components together: the aramid strength members and buffered fiber, which encompass the optic fiber.
Aramid Strength Members
Aramid yarns are strong, heat-resistant fibers. In the fiber optic cable assembly, the aramid strength members provide tensile strength from the connector and throughout the cable. For example, during the manufacturing process, as you pull the cable onto the connector, the aramid strength members help to ensure the cable and the glass optic fiber won’t break.
Buffer Coating on the Fiber
The glass optic fiber is manufactured with a protective (buffer) coating against damage. Depending on the patch cord’s application, the buffer coating can be a variety of different materials that will offer, for example, resistance to high temperatures or fire resistance. The buffer also protects the acrylate-coated fiber as it is extruded into the jacket as well as acting as a “seal,” if you will, of that acrylate-coated fiber before splicing or connectorization.
Optic Fiber
Manufactured from glass or plastic, the optic fiber is an optical waveguide comprised of a light-carrying core and cladding, which traps light in the core. Fiber optic communication systems use either single-mode or multimode types.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Fiber Optic Patch Cord
Step 1: Determine What Connector Type You Need
To determine what connector you will need, you need to examine the device ports you’ll be connecting, and you need to know what applications will utilize the cord. Fiber optic patch cords come with different connectors to plug into different devices.
The next thing your need to determine is which fiber patch cable mode is best for your application. The two modes available are single-mode or multimode.
● Single-mode Fiber Optic Patch Cable
You’ll want to use a single-mode fiber optic patch cable for long-distance data transmission because single-mode fiber optic cable is significantly faster than multimode. Single-mode only carries one beam of light at a time, which allows the laser to operate at 1310-1550 nm wavelength.
● Multimode Fiber Optic Patch Cable
You’ll want multimode fiber optics for applications that have shorter distances, like within a building or an A/V application within the local network. The maximum length for a fiber optic cable is about 400 to 550 meters. But multimode cables can carry multiple light sources, making them very efficient for short distances.
Step 3: Decide Between Simplex or Duplex Fiber Strands
Optic fiber patch cords can have two types of strands: simplex or duplex.
● Simplex
A simplex cable has one fiber connector at each end of the cable. One end is a transmitter, the other end is the receiver, and these are not reversible. This is commonly used for Bidirectional (BIDI) fiber optic transceivers. Simplex cables are less expensive and can transmit at higher speeds.
● Duplex
Duplex strands allow two fiber connectors to be joined side by side with a dual-fiber connector. One strand transmits one way, and the other strand transmits back the opposite way. This is a huge advantage over simplex because it can transmit simultaneous bidirectional data. But the downside to duplex is that it only connects two devices, and you’ll need additional connectors to allow additional devices.
Step 4: Select Your Desired Cable Length
This is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to know the distance between your devices and then select the cable length that you need. Fiber optic patch cable ranges in lengths between 0.5m – 50m.
Step 5: Choose a Connector Polish and Cable Jacket
Finally, you’ll need to decide on the connector polish and cable jacket, which can affect the cable’s performance.
● Connector Polish
There are two types of connector polish: UPC or APC. The APC polish offers better performance because the loss is lower than the UPC connector. So you may want an APC polish if your applications are sensitive to return loss and require high precision signaling. But APC is more expensive than UPC. You can identify the connector polish by its color. APC patch cable is typically green, while UPC patch cable is blue.
● Cable Jackets
Fiber optic patch cable comes in different jacket types:
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH): A flame-retardant jacket is ideal to use between floors and buildings.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): A tough jacket resistant to abrasion, oxidation, corrosion, and degradation. It weathers well, making it ideal for outdoor cabling or long lifespan cable needs.
Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum (OFNP): These jackets are also flame retardant and have low smoke production making them ideal for network applications that run inside walls and air plenums without a conduit.
Armored Cable: These jackets use double tubing and steel sleeves that don’t allow light and have high crushing pressures, making them ideal for floor cables that can be stepped on or even nibbled on by rodents.
Bend Insensitive: These jackets have a small bending radius and a high resistance to bend-related loss or damage. This type of patch cord is made for data center and FTTH applications and high-density cabling.
Tips for Fiber Optic Patch Cord
Keep Fiber Patch Cables Clean
According to an industry survey by a major telecom company, contamination is the number-one reason for troubleshooting optical networks. Fibers are so fragile that once they are covered by dust or other contaminations, the optical signal can be degraded. What’s more, the metallic particles worn by the bodies and fiber housings of the fiber optic connectors will block a fiber, which will cause signal loss, thus eventually reducing the network performance and causing a great loss for businesses that rely on fiber-optic networks. Generally, fiber optic cleaning refers to cleaning fiber connectors. How to ensure you clean fiber connectors using the correct ways? There are two main cleaning methods: dry cleaning and wet cleaning, each performing different functions. Reel-type fiber cleaners, pen cleaners, fiber cleaning wipes, and foam swabs are the common fiber connector cleaning solutions.
Store Fiber Patch Cables Properly
No matter a fiber cable is in use or out of use, there is one significant point to be considered: Do not bend or stretch your fiber cable too much. It is often the case when working with fiber optic cables, people stretch or bend them. For this reason, the worst case is the fiber may get damaged. Some breakage caused by bending can be visible, but some loss may not, such as microscopic fiber deformations caused by very low temperature, displacement of a few millimeters caused by buffer or jacket imperfections, poor installation practice or other factors. Since such loss can not be seen by the human eyes directly, it will be overlooked and things can get even worse over time. In case of a huge loss when the fiber patch cords must be replaced, the following essential elements need attention:
● Design your fiber cable pathway using proper tools or components to protect fibers, such as horizontal cable managers.
● Do not bend fiber patch cables beyond their minimum bend radius, especially in those tight spaces of high-density fiber patching areas.
● Make sure not to hit the fiber connector against anything! On the one hand, those ends may get abraded or broken. On the other side, broken glass at the fiber end can cut someone’s skin. It is suggested to use protective caps when storing or pulling fibers.
● OTDR and optical fiber microscopes are recommended if you need equipment for measuring and identifying any faults such as breaks within the fiber cable or overall attenuation.
Ultimate FAQ Guide to Fiber Optic Patch Cord
Q: What is a fiber optic patch cord used for?
Q: Can fiber optic cable be patched?
Q: What is the difference between a patch cord and a cable?
Q: What are the disadvantages of a patch cable?
Q: How many types of fiber patch cords are there?
Q: Which is better fiber or copper patch cable?
Q: Why is it called a patch cable?
Q: Can I use an Ethernet cable as a patch cable?
Q: What does a patch cable look like?
Q: What will happen if the fiber optic patch cord is not cleaned in time?
Q: What are the benefits of patch cords?
Q: How long do fiber optic patch cords usually last?
Q: What is the maximum length for patch cords or jumpers?
Q: Why are fiber optic patch cords so expensive?
Q: How do you test a fiber optic patch cord?
Q: Can I repair a damaged fiber optic patch cord?
Q: How do I store my fiber optic patch cord?
Q: What is the minimum bending radius for a fiber optic patch cord?
Q: What is the maximum transfer rate for a fiber optic patch cord?
Q: What is the difference between LC and SC connectors for fiber optic patch cords?
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